The Ultimate Guide to Dingmans Falls
Daniel and I had such an unexpectedly good time in the Delaware Water Gap area, and one of the reasons was the amazing waterfalls that you can see. Dingmans Falls was one of the most scenic and easiest to get to while we were there, and it’s an incredibly peaceful walk that shouldn’t be missed–especially as a family hike! Consider going in the fall to get the best photos in the stunning foliage that the Poconos offers.
Everything you need to know about hiking to Dingmans Falls
Here’s what you need to know about hiking to Dingmans Falls in the Delaware Water Gap!
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Quick stats”]Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 249 feet[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]
Map of Dingmans Falls
How long is the hike to Dingmans Falls?
How long is the hike to Dingmans Falls? The hike to Dingmans Falls in Pennsylvania is broken into two sections: the Dingmans Creek Trail and the Upper Dingmans Creek Trail. The first section of the trail, which is mostly boardwalk, is about 0.3 miles long and offers views of Dingmans Falls from below. Meanwhile, the Upper Dingmans Creek Trail, which consists mainly of stairs, is an additional 0.1 miles long and leads to an upper viewing platform above the falls. Combined, the entire Dingmans falls trail is approximately 0.8 miles round trip and takes about 30 minutes to complete – although some visitors do opt to stay longer and spend more time admiring the falls.
How difficult is the hike to Dingmans Falls?
The first section of the Dingmans Falls trail is considered to be easy, as it consists mostly of a boardwalk path that is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meanwhile, the second section, the Upper Dingmans Creek Trail, is labeled as moderately difficult, given its steep incline. Along this portion of the trail, you’ll find a set of stairs that rises more than 100 feet in altitude over a very short distance of 0.1 miles. As you can imagine, this makes for quite the workout but is certainly worth it for the views. In total, the Dingmans Falls hike experiences an elevation gain of 162 feet, with the highest point measuring 527 feet above sea level.
How do I get to the trailhead for Dingmans Falls?
The Dingmans Creek Trail begins near the Dingmans Falls Visitor Center, which lies at the end of Dingmans Falls Road within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. To access this road, you’ll need to navigate to PA Route 209 in Dingmans Ferry, PA, and turn onto Johnny Bee Road, which is situated near milepost 14. Approximately half a mile down Johnny Bee Road, you’ll come across the intersection with Dingmans Falls Road. Turn right to continue onto Dingmans Falls and follow the road until it dead ends at the Visitors Center. You’ll find the trailhead for Dingmans Creek Trail at the far end of the parking lot, next to the bathrooms.
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Is the hike to Dingmans Falls good for kids?
The first section of Dingmans Creek Trail is suitable for children of all ages. Given its short length and boardwalk-covered pathway, it’s an easy trail to hike for any child of walking age. Even those who are still in strollers will be able to partake in this hike, as it is an accessible trail that can accommodate baby carriages. The second section of the hike, however, is a bit more challenging and may be difficult for children to navigate. Given its steep incline up a set of stairs, younger children will most likely need assistance, and those in strollers will need to be carried, as this portion of the path is not accessible. That being said, it is not necessary to hike up to the top of the Upper Dingmans Creek Trail to see the Dingmans Falls, as they are also viewable from below along the boardwalk path.
How to hike to Dingmans Falls
The trailhead for Dingmans Falls, PA, is located near the Dingmans Falls Visitor Center, which lies at the end of Dingmans Falls Road in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This road can be accessed via Johnny Bee Road, which is situated near mile marker 14 on PA Route 209 in Dingmans Ferry, PA. While the Visitors Center does offer parking, the hike to Dingmans Falls is quite popular, and the parking lot is known to fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early to beat the crowds.
It’s important to note that during the winter months, Dingmans Falls Road is typically closed to vehicle traffic but open to pedestrians. So if you plan on visiting during the off-season, you’ll need to park along Johnny Bee Road and come prepared to hike up Dingmans Falls Road to the Visitors Center.
Dingmans Creek Trail starts at the far end of the Visitors Center parking lot, close to the bathrooms. Here you’ll begin your hike along a boardwalk path that winds through a forest of hemlock and hardwood trees. The area is also known for its rhododendron bushes, which are especially beautiful during the spring months when they bloom.
The first landmark you’ll come across as you navigate along the boardwalk path is the Silverthread Falls. Dropping nearly 80 feet off the side of a cliff, the Silverthread Falls are a beautiful sight to behold. Many visitors opt to take a quick pit stop here to photograph and admire the waterfall. You’ll find several benches along the path that offer great views of the falls and surrounding forest.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Hiking essentials”]Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex 🥾
Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket 🧥
Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles 🌲
Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack 🎒
Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! 🗺
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From here, it’s another three-tenths of a mile along the boardwalk to reach the hike’s main attraction, Dingmans Falls. Cascading 130 feet down, this waterfall is the second-tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. And thankfully, the Dingmans Creek Trail offers several incredible lookout points from which you can admire it.
While you’re welcome to stay down below the falls and admire the view from the boardwalk, you also have the option to climb up above the falls for an additional vantage point. Just beyond the boardwalk path, you’ll find a steep set of stairs that travel about 100 feet up over the course of 0.1 miles. This section of the trail, also called the Upper Dingmans Creek Trail, is quite a workout, but one that is well worth it for the views. From here, you’ll have the opportunity to look down over the falls and take in some pretty incredible sights. Please keep in mind, however, that this section of the trail is not accessible and can be quite strenuous; as such, it is not recommended for those with mobility concerns.
As you venture along the trail, there are a few important notes that you’ll want to keep in mind. While the creek and pools along the waterfalls may look inviting, especially on a hot summer day, swimming is not permitted along any section of the trail. Additionally, climbing, rappelling, diving, or jumping from the waterfalls is prohibited. While these rules are implemented for safety reasons, they’re also in place to protect the area and the natural resources. Along those same lines, fishing is not allowed, and the only animals permitted on the trail are trained service animals.
Have you ever made it to Dingmans Falls? Let me know in the comments!
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