Pennsylvanians are lucky to live close to so many beautiful parks. Here’s a list of some of the best parks with waterfalls near Pennsylvania. Some of these parks are in Pennsylvania, while others are just over the border in another state.
Enjoy the outdoors, but as always, keep in mind that caution must be used at all times. Be sure to follow state guidance for travel and pay attention to all rules and signage in the parks.
Swatara State Park
Swatara State Park is located northeast of Harrisburg, along Interstate 81. The park boasts nice biking and walking trails, as well as a waterfall and cabin to explore. It’s one of my favorite parks with waterfalls near Pennsylvania.
Trough Creek State Park
Trough Creek State Park is located in the Raystown Lake region of Huntingdon County. This central Pennsylvania State Park is known for Rainbow Falls, as well as attractions such as Balanced Rock, an ice mine, and a swinging bridge across the creek.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is a must-visit for waterfall lovers! Along a combination of trails that loop into about a four mile hike, there’s well over a dozen beautiful waterfalls to view. Camping is available inside the park, in addition to a swimming beach at Lake Jean.
Havana Glen Park
While Havana Glen Park is not in Pennsylvania, it’s not far over the border of New York State. This park hides a beautiful waterfall after a short hike along a creek. While the rest of the park is a typical small campground and picnic grove, this hidden gem makes it feel like you’ve been transported to totally new place!
Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park is located in Maryland, but not far from the Pennsylvania border. Since it is a Maryland State Park, there is a small fee to enter. The Cascade Falls trail is an easy hike for kids and takes you to several small, but gorgeous waterfalls.
Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
Sweet Arrow Lake County Park is close to Swatara State Park and is located between Harrisburg and Allentown. This park has a nice, short, kid-friendly hike that takes you over a bridge that looks down on an amazing waterfall.
Nay Aug Park
Nay Aug Park is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The unique features of this park are the tree house that overlooks a gorge containing a waterfall. You can also hike to get to a viewing platform closer to the gorge, but be sure to stay on the trail for safety reasons.
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park is a popular park in western Pennsylvania, close to Pittsburgh. It’s known for whitewater rafting, natural water slides, and Cucumber Falls. Nearby is Fallingwater, the house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park is another Maryland state park that is not far from the Pennsylvania border. This state park features camping, two swimming beaches, and a short hike to Cunningham Falls.
Rocks State Park
Rocks State Park features the gorgeous waterfall called Kilgore Falls. This waterfall can be reached via a short trail through the woods, but keep in mind parking reservations are required during the summer weekends and holidays.
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is located not far from the northern border of Pennsylvania, as it’s located in Watkins Glen, New York. This state park features a gorge hike that takes you behind an amazingly tall waterfall called Rainbow Falls. Be sure to check the park website to ensure the trail is open for hiking before venturing there.
More Parks with Waterfalls Near Pennsylvania
As new parks are visited, they will be linked on our main page. Check back for updates on even more beautiful parks with waterfalls near Pennsylvania.
