Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania
Bushkill Falls, known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," is one of the most well-known natural landmarks in the Keystone State. A great network of hiking routes and bridges providing stunning views of the falls and the surrounding forest makes it possible to visit this one-of-a-kind series of eight waterfalls hidden deep within the forested Pocono Mountains.
Location Of The Bushkill Falls
In northeastern Pennsylvania's Pike County, the Bushkill Falls is situated on the edge of the Delaware Gap National Recreation Area in the Pocono Mountains region. The Pocono Mountains' dense forest surrounds the falls, which are only reachable by a network of hiking routes and bridges that provide breathtaking views of both the falls and the forest. Other neighboring waterfalls, such as Bridal Veil Falls, Bridesmaid Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, Pennell Falls, and others, may be seen throughout these hiking routes. With eight waterfalls, and over two miles of trails, bridges, and walkways, Bushkill Falls spans roughly 300 acres. The Main Falls descend around a hundred feet. About 300 feet separate the top of the first falls from the bottom of the Lower Gorge.
Source Of The Falls
In the Pocono Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania, high in the uplands, crystal-clear water streams burst up through rifts in prehistoric rocks. These are the Bushkill Creek headwaters, a vast wetland resounding with the sound of wild birds. The waters surge toward Bushkill Falls as they start their drop down the Delaware River deep below, flowing through Pennell Falls, then through the Upper Canyon and Laurel Glen between granite cliffs. The stream abruptly plunges over the edge of the magnificent Main Falls, a 100-foot precipice. The creek now descends another 70 feet through a lengthy and breathtaking valley that is dotted with enormous stones, starting from the deep pool at the bottom that is surrounded by ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. The region is covered in trails and bridges, which provide beautiful views.
History
Charles E. Peters, who founded Bushkill Falls, believed that if the picturesque glens, ravines, and falls were made simple to reach, many people would eventually come to enjoy the area. Peters cherished the region, which the last major glacier had so beautifully sculpted, and he wanted to show off its beauty to others.
A driveway was cut through the woods from the nearest road to the high ground above the main falls to realize his dream of turning the 300 acres, which had almost prophetically been purchased by his father, uncle, and grandmother, into something that everyone could see. He cut down the trees to build a bridge.
He named his attraction "The Niagara of Pennsylvania." With only a single trail and a swinging bridge above the main falls, Charles E. Peters opened Bushkill Falls to the public in 1904. Charles added to the area's development throughout time by constructing pathways and bridges to increase visitors' access to the falls.
About 30,000 people visited Bushkill Falls in the final summer before the US entered World War I. More than 200,000 people come today. The Estate of Charles E. Peters continues to be the owner of Bushkill Falls. The management has remained committed to Peters' efforts to safeguard and conserve the environment. The streams that feed the falls are classified as having Exceptional Value. They are among Pennsylvania's cleanest and most exceptional bodies of water and provide remarkable variety and populations of aquatic species.
Visiting The Bushkill Falls
All levels of hikers have access to the falls thanks to a selection of four color-coded, varyingly challenging pathways. The Main Falls, which fall in a 100-foot plunge, may be seen from a picturesque viewpoint on the Green Trail, which is the quickest and easiest to reach. One can spend around 45 minutes exploring the vistas of the Main Falls, Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, and Upper Canyon by following the yellow markers. Pennell Falls may be reached after about 75 minutes of trekking on the Blue Trail, while Bridal Veil Falls can be reached after about 2.5 hours (and 2 miles) of hiking on the Red Trail. There are places to stop and rest throughout the routes. The trails may be accessed through a wildlife display indoors that features native creatures in dioramas.
This waterfall, among the highest and the strongest in the area, is breathtaking to witness. In addition to its beautiful natural beauty, Bushkill Falls is home to many activities, immaculate parks, and exhilarating adventure courses that will bring you back for more. There are so many things to do in the area of Bushkill Falls, whether it's an afternoon excursion or a well-planned day vacation.
