Bushkill Falls 2026 Guide: Hours, Trails, Tips
Bushkill Falls is the single most visited natural attraction in the Pocono Mountains, and for good reason. Known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," this privately owned park in Bushkill, Pennsylvania features eight waterfalls connected by a network of hiking trails, boardwalks, and wooden staircases that wind through a stunning gorge carved by Bushkill Creek and its tributaries. If you are planning a visit in 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know, opening dates, hours, admission prices, trail options, what to bring, and tips from our team that has visited dozens of times over the years.
Is Bushkill Falls Open in April 2026?
Yes. Bushkill Falls typically opens for the season in early April, weather permitting. In most years, the park opens on the first weekend of April and then operates daily through early November. The exact 2026 opening date will be posted on the official Bushkill Falls website (visitbushkillfalls.com) as the season approaches, we recommend checking there for confirmation before making the drive.
Looking for a base camp for all of this? Pocono Pads Management has a range of fully stocked vacation rentals across the Pocono Mountains — from lakeside cabins to mountain chalets — all professionally managed and guest-ready from the moment you arrive. Browse properties at poconopadsmgmt.com.
Spring is arguably the best time to visit Bushkill Falls. The winter snowmelt and spring rains push the waterfalls to their highest volume of the year. The main falls, a 100-foot cascade that drops into a mist-filled basin, is absolutely thunderous in April and May. If you have only seen photos of Bushkill Falls from summer or fall, you will be stunned by the difference in water volume during spring.
Bushkill Falls Hours of Operation 2026
Based on recent years (confirm current year details on their website):
April through June: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry typically at 4:00 PM)
July through August: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
September through October: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
November (limited operation): Weekends only, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The park is closed from mid-November through March. Hours can change due to weather conditions, heavy rain or ice may cause temporary closures of certain trails.
How Much Does Bushkill Falls Cost?
Admission prices for 2026 are expected to be in the following range (based on recent years):
Adults (13 and older): $17 to $19
Children (4 to 12): $9 to $11
Seniors (62 and older): $17 to $19
Children 3 and under: Free
Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more. There is no additional charge for parking. The park accepts cash and credit cards.
Pro tip: Bushkill Falls does not require advance reservations for general admission. However, on peak weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, fall foliage weekends), the parking lot can fill by mid-morning. For a spring visit, arriving by 10 AM on a Saturday is usually sufficient.
What Are the Different Trails at Bushkill Falls?
Bushkill Falls offers four color-coded trail options, each varying in length, difficulty, and the number of waterfalls you will see. All trails begin and end at the main entrance area.
Green Trail (Easiest)
Length: Approximately 0.5 miles round trip
Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Waterfalls: 1 (Main Falls)
Difficulty: Easy, mostly paved path and boardwalk
Accessibility: Partially wheelchair-accessible to the first overlook
The Green Trail takes you directly to the Main Falls overlook and back. This is the option for visitors with limited mobility, young children, or anyone short on time. The overlook provides a head-on view of the 100-foot main cascade, and in spring the mist alone is worth the trip. This trail does include some stairs on the return portion.
Yellow Trail (Moderate)
Length: Approximately 1 mile
Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Waterfalls: 2 (Main Falls and Lower Gorge Falls)
Difficulty: Moderate, includes stairs and some uneven terrain
The Yellow Trail extends beyond the Main Falls overlook and descends into the gorge via a series of wooden staircases to reach the Lower Gorge Falls viewpoint. The perspective from the bottom of the gorge looking up is dramatic, especially when water levels are high. This is a good option for moderately fit visitors who want more than the Green Trail but are not ready for the full loop.
Red Trail (Most Popular)
Length: Approximately 2 miles
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Waterfalls: 4 (Main Falls, Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, Pennell Falls)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, significant stair climbing and uneven terrain
The Red Trail is the signature Bushkill Falls experience and the trail we recommend for most visitors. It forms a loop that takes you past four of the eight waterfalls, including the stunning descent into the main gorge, a crossing over Bushkill Creek on a wooden bridge, and a climb along the Cliff Trail with views from above. The Cliff Trail portion hugs the edge of the gorge and offers perspectives you cannot get from any other trail.
In spring, the Red Trail is at its most impressive but also its most challenging. The wooden stairs and boardwalks can be slippery when wet, and the gorge sections are misty enough to soak your clothes. Take your time, use the handrails, and wear shoes with good traction.
Blue Trail (Most Comprehensive)
Length: Approximately 2.5 miles
Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Waterfalls: 8 (all eight waterfalls in the park)
Difficulty: Strenuous, extensive stair climbing, some rocky and rooted sections
The Blue Trail covers everything the Red Trail does and then extends deeper into the park to reach four additional waterfalls: Bridal Veil Falls, Bridesmaid Falls, Cave Falls, and Upper Gorge Falls. These more remote falls see far fewer visitors and have a wilder, more secluded feel. The trade-off is a longer hike with more significant elevation changes and some sections of trail that are rougher than the maintained boardwalks.
If you are reasonably fit and have two-plus hours, the Blue Trail is absolutely worth it. Seeing all eight falls in one visit, especially in spring when every cascade is running at full strength, is a bucket-list Poconos experience.
What Should You Wear and Bring to Bushkill Falls?
Footwear: Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes with good grip. The wooden boardwalks, stairs, and stone paths are frequently wet from waterfall mist and spring rain. Sandals and flip-flops are a recipe for a twisted ankle or worse.
Clothing: Layers. The gorge is cooler than the surrounding area due to shade and mist. A light waterproof jacket is essential, you will get sprayed at several points along the Red and Blue trails.
Water and snacks: The full Blue Trail takes over two hours. Bring water. The park has a snack bar near the entrance (typically open on weekends in spring and daily in summer) with hot dogs, ice cream, and drinks, but you will want something on the trail.
Camera: Bushkill Falls is extraordinarily photogenic. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring a lens cloth, the mist will coat your lens repeatedly. A waterproof phone case is also a good idea. For the best waterfall photos, try a slow shutter speed (0.5 to 2 seconds) with a mini tripod.
Bug spray: Not essential in early April, but by late May mosquitoes are active in the gorge.
Cash: While credit cards are accepted for admission, some vendors at the park (gemstone mining, paddle boats on the small pond) may prefer cash.
Tips for the Best Bushkill Falls Experience
If you are planning a trip around these experiences, Pocono Pads Management can match you with a rental that puts you close to the action. Our properties are vetted, well-maintained, and stocked with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Visit on a weekday in April or May. Weekday crowds in spring are minimal. You will have the trails largely to yourself, which means better photos and a more peaceful experience.
Go after a rainstorm. The day after a heavy spring rain is the absolute peak for waterfall photography and sheer spectacle. Water volume spikes dramatically, and every cascade in the park is performing at its maximum. The trails may be muddier, but the payoff is enormous.
Start with the Red or Blue Trail. If you have the fitness for it, do the longer loop first while your energy is high. You can always revisit the Main Falls overlook (Green Trail) on your way out.
Allow more time than you think. The park estimates trail times, but most visitors spend longer than expected, stopping for photos, resting at viewpoints, and simply taking in the scenery. Budget at least two hours for the Red Trail and three for the Blue.
Bring kids, but be realistic. Children as young as five can handle the Yellow Trail with some help on the stairs. The Red Trail is doable for active kids aged eight and up, but be prepared to take breaks and hold hands on steep sections. The Green Trail is suitable for strollers up to the first overlook.
What Else Is at Bushkill Falls Besides Hiking?
The park offers several additional activities beyond the waterfall trails:
Gemstone mining: A sluice-style mining activity where kids (and adults) sift through sand to find semi-precious stones. A hit with younger children.
Paddleboats: A small pond near the entrance has paddleboat rentals, typically available from late spring through fall.
Miniature golf: An 18-hole course near the main entrance area.
Picnic areas: Shaded tables and grills are available for visitors who want to bring their own food. Spring picnic areas are usually uncrowded and pleasant.
Gift shop: A small shop with Poconos souvenirs, local products, and nature-themed gifts.
How Far Is Bushkill Falls from Major Poconos Landmarks?
Stroudsburg: 15 miles (approximately 25 minutes)
Delaware Water Gap: 20 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Camelback Mountain: 22 miles (approximately 35 minutes)
Milford: 18 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Jim Thorpe: 50 miles (approximately 1 hour)
Lake Wallenpaupack: 30 miles (approximately 45 minutes)
The park is located at 138 Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill, PA 18324. GPS navigation is reliable, take Route 209 to Bushkill Falls Road and follow the signs.
Can You Visit Bushkill Falls and Other Waterfalls in One Day?
Absolutely. A spring waterfall day trip from your Pocono Pads rental could look like this:
Morning: Bushkill Falls (Red Trail, 2 hours)
Midday: Drive to Dingmans Falls (20 minutes), hike the boardwalk (30 minutes), lunch in Milford
Afternoon: Raymondskill Falls (15 minutes from Dingmans, 30-minute hike)
That gives you three of the most impressive waterfall sites in the Poconos in a single day, with time for lunch and rest in between.
Where to Stay Near Bushkill Falls
Our Pocono Pads properties are all within easy driving distance of Bushkill Falls. The Green Monster, which sleeps 16 guests, is about 35 minutes from the park and features an indoor slide, a bar area, and proximity to Camelback Mountain for guests who want to combine their waterfall day with mountain adventures. The Creekside property, which sleeps 15, is closer to the Bushkill area and offers its own waterside experience, the house sits along a stocked trout creek with a treehouse and bunkroom.
People Also Ask
Q: What is the best time to visit the Pocono Mountains in spring?
A: Late April through May is the sweet spot for a spring Pocono trip — wildflowers are in bloom, waterfalls are at peak flow from snowmelt, and the summer crowds haven't arrived yet. Pocono Pads Management sees a strong uptick in bookings for May weekends, so we recommend reserving early if you have specific dates in mind. Weekday stays in April offer the best combination of availability and off-season pricing.
Whatever trail you choose and wherever you stay, Bushkill Falls in spring is a Poconos experience that lives up to every bit of its reputation. Plan your visit and explore our full property lineup at poconopads.com, our team is happy to help you build the perfect spring itinerary around your waterfall adventure.
