Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, reaching 178 feet at its full height – more than 30 feet taller than nearby Dingmans Falls, which is second on the state list. A special treat for waterfall lovers is the multi-tier structure of Raymondskill Falls, which can be appreciated from several observation spots.
Raymondskill Falls is located just off Route 209, about 4 miles south of the town of Milford in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Exit onto Raymondskill Road and the parking lot for Raymondskill Falls will be on your left as you go up the hill. The National Park Service maintains the site, and there are bathrooms with outhouses. The trail entrance will be to the right, next to the sign reminding you that this area is a bear habitat.
There are two primary vantage points. The first is an observation platform near the top of the falls, where the Raymondskill Creek flows down several small drops and then over the top of the falls. This location also provides a top-down perspective of the height of this mighty waterfall.
The other vantage point is a platform between the middle and lower tiers of Raymondskill Falls, providing great views of the entire waterfall. We visited in May during a rainy period, and the flow of water over the falls was genuinely impressive.
The lower tier of the waterfall is visible on the left side of the viewing platform, including a second narrow waterfall to the left of the main cascade, which is seen during periods of high water.
It’s important to note that the trail from the upper platform to the lower viewing area can be a difficult descent. The trail has a fence and railing to hold onto, but as the National Park Service notes, this trail is steep and uneven, and footing can be slippery when wet. Park officials recommend sturdy hiking shoes.
It’s best to come during the week. as the Raymondskill Falls parking lot is often closed on weekends and holidays from 10 am to 4 pm, and then will be accessible only by shuttle bus from the Milford Knob Trailhead on Route 209, just south of Milford.
You check the National Park Service website for the latest information on access to the falls parking lot and timing on shuttle access.
