13 Pennsylvania Waterfalls That Reach Their Most Breathtaking Beauty In July
July has a way of making waterfalls feel like nature’s best idea. In Pennsylvania, the right cascade can turn a hot summer day into a cooler, brighter escape without needing much of a plan.
The draw is simple: follow the trail, hear the water before you see it, and let that first view do all the convincing.
Some waterfalls feel peaceful, others feel dramatic, but the best ones make the whole outing feel instantly worth the effort.
They give summer hikes a reward, road trips a purpose, and photo stops a reason to linger.
I am always quickest to say yes to a destination with moving water, because once a waterfall appears at the end of a July walk, the heat suddenly feels like part of the story instead of the problem.
1. Ricketts Glen State Park Falls Trail, Benton
Few trail systems in the entire eastern United States can compete with the sheer spectacle of Ricketts Glen State Park Falls Trail near Benton, Pennsylvania.
This legendary loop winds through old-growth forest and passes more than 20 named waterfalls, making it one of the most rewarding hikes in the state.
In July, the surrounding forest canopy is at its fullest, casting dappled light over the falls and creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere on the trail.
The water runs clear and cold even in midsummer, which is a welcome treat after working up a sweat on the rocky terrain.
Ricketts Glen State Park Falls Trail rewards hikers who take their time, so plan for a full day and bring plenty of water and snacks.
The combination of towering hemlocks, fern-covered banks, and the sound of rushing water at every turn makes this one of those places that genuinely stops you in your tracks.
2. Bushkill Falls, Bushkill
Known affectionately as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls in Bushkill has earned that nickname with zero exaggeration.
The main falls drop approximately 100 feet into a stunning gorge, and July is the ideal month to see the full trail system buzzing with life and vibrant green color.
A network of wooden bridges and boardwalks takes visitors right alongside the water, close enough to feel the refreshing mist on a warm summer afternoon.
There are actually eight waterfalls accessible on the various trail loops here, so you can tailor the adventure to your fitness level and available time.
Bushkill Falls sits within the Pocono Mountains region, which adds another layer of scenic drama to every viewpoint along the path.
Families, solo hikers, and photography enthusiasts all find something to love here, and the July light filtering through the tree canopy creates some genuinely spectacular photo opportunities that will make your camera work overtime.
3. Raymondskill Falls, Dingmans Ferry
Seeing Raymondskill Falls near Dingmans Ferry from the official viewing areas is one of those experiences that makes you feel genuinely small in the best possible way.
This is Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall, dropping in three dramatic tiers overall in total, and July brings the surrounding forest to its most vibrant and lush state.
Located within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Raymondskill Falls is accessible via a short but fairly steep trail that rewards every step with increasingly impressive views.
The shaded ravine keeps the air noticeably cooler than the surrounding woods, which is a serious perk during a warm July hike.
Raymondskill Falls can draw plenty of summer visitors, so a weekday morning is still the smartest bet for a calmer view of this breathtaking cascade.
Bring grippy footwear because the trail can be uneven and slick, and remember that swimming and wading are not permitted near the waterfalls or directly upstream, even when the water looks inviting.
4. Dingmans Falls, Dingmans Ferry
Right alongside Raymondskill Falls in terms of location but completely different in personality, Dingmans Falls near Dingmans Ferry is a showstopper on its own terms.
At roughly 130 feet tall, it is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the northeastern United States, and the flat boardwalk trail leading to it makes this one of the most accessible big waterfall experiences in Pennsylvania.
The trail also passes Silverthread Falls along the way, so you essentially get two dramatic waterfalls for the effort of one easy walk.
July is a particularly good month to visit Dingmans Falls because the hemlock forest canopy overhead is thick and green, keeping the trail shaded and cool even on the hottest summer days.
Dingmans Falls sits inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, making it easy to combine with other nearby natural attractions for a full day of outdoor exploration.
The dramatic drop of the falls against the dark rock face creates a striking visual contrast that is hard to forget.
5. Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle
Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle is one of those waterfalls that looks like it was designed specifically to be a screensaver, and it earns that distinction every single time you see it.
The 30-foot bridal-veil-style drop flows over a sandstone ledge into a beautiful rocky hollow, and the surrounding Ohiopyle State Park forest is absolutely spectacular in July when everything is deep green and alive.
One of the most charming things about Cucumber Falls is how relatively easy it is to reach, with parking available along SR 2019 and trail access nearby for summer visitors.
The shaded gorge and spray near the falls offer a refreshing pause on a hot summer afternoon, and the whole scene has a relaxed, unhurried energy that makes it easy to linger.
Cucumber Falls pairs perfectly with a visit to nearby Ohiopyle Falls and the Youghiogheny River gorge, making the Ohiopyle area one of the richest waterfall destinations in the entire state.
Bring a picnic and plan to stay a while.
6. Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle
Raw power meets natural beauty at Ohiopyle Falls, where the Youghiogheny River crashes through a dramatic gorge in the heart of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Unlike the classic tall and narrow waterfall you might picture, Ohiopyle Falls is wide and thunderous, spreading across the river in a series of powerful drops that send spray flying in every direction.
July is prime time here because the surrounding Ohiopyle State Park is lush and green, and the warm weather makes the mist from the falls feel like a gift rather than an inconvenience.
The falls are easily viewed from multiple vantage points along the riverside trail, and the town of Ohiopyle itself offers a lively summer atmosphere with kayaking, biking, and plenty of places to refuel after a long day outside.
Ohiopyle Falls has been drawing visitors for well over a century, and the falls remain just as impressive today as they were when the area first became a popular retreat.
The sheer volume of moving water here is genuinely humbling.
7. Jonathan Run Falls, Ohiopyle
For those who prefer a quieter, more intimate waterfall experience, Jonathan Run Falls in Ohiopyle State Park is a total revelation.
Rather than one dramatic single drop, this is a series of cascades that tumble along Jonathan Run as it winds through a beautiful forested hollow in the park.
The trail following the stream is shaded almost entirely by a thick summer canopy, making it one of the coolest and most pleasant hikes in the Ohiopyle area during a hot July afternoon.
The mossy rocks, fern-lined banks, and the gentle sound of water moving over stone give this trail a peaceful, almost meditative quality that is a welcome contrast to the busy main falls area.
Jonathan Run Falls rewards hikers who take a slow pace and pay attention to the smaller details along the way, like tiny cascades hiding behind boulders or patches of wildflowers growing near the stream edge.
This is a spot that feels genuinely discovered rather than just visited.
8. Adams Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park
Adams Falls holds a special place in the Ricketts Glen experience because it is the park’s 22nd named waterfall and sits only a short distance from the Evergreen Parking Lot off PA 118.
Standing about 36 feet tall, Adams Falls is compact but genuinely beautiful, framed by hemlock trees and ferns that are at their most vibrant during July.
The short walk to reach it makes Adams Falls one of the most accessible waterfalls in Ricketts Glen State Park, which means it is a great option even for visitors who are not tackling the full Falls Trail.
The pool at the base reflects the surrounding green canopy on calm days, creating a mirror effect that photographers absolutely love.
Adams Falls also serves as a natural preview of the incredible waterfall chain deeper inside the Glens Natural Area, making it both a destination in itself and an invitation to keep exploring.
Starting here and then deciding how much farther to hike is a strategy that pays off beautifully for flexible summer day visitors.
9. Ganoga Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park
Ganoga Falls is the crown jewel of Ricketts Glen State Park, dropping approximately 94 feet to claim the title of tallest waterfall in the entire park.
Seeing it in July, when the old-growth hemlocks surrounding it are full and green and the light filters softly through the canopy, is an experience that stays with you long after you leave the trail.
The roar of the water can be heard well before the falls come into view, which builds a satisfying sense of anticipation as you approach along the trail.
Ganoga Falls is located in the upper section of the Canyon Trail loop, which means reaching it requires a solid hike, but the effort is absolutely matched by the reward.
The falls were named by a 19th-century surveyor using a Native American word meaning waters of many mountains, which feels like a perfectly fitting description for such a dramatic cascade.
Standing at the base of Ganoga Falls in full summer is one of Pennsylvania’s truly unforgettable outdoor moments.
10. Dry Run Falls, Hillsgrove
Off the well-worn tourist path and tucked into the hills of Sullivan County, Dry Run Falls near Hillsgrove is the kind of waterfall that rewards those willing to seek it out.
The falls cascade down a rocky hillside into a clear mountain stream, and the surrounding forest in July is a deep, rich green that makes the whole scene feel almost impossibly scenic.
Getting to Dry Run Falls does not require a major hike, because DCNR notes it can be accessed by vehicle, but checking road conditions before visiting is still smart.
The relative quiet is a big part of the appeal here. There are no big crowds or commercial attractions, just raw Pennsylvania forest scenery doing what it does best.
Dry Run Falls is located in the Loyalsock State Forest region, which offers additional hiking and camping opportunities for those who want to make a full weekend of it.
Pack extra supplies and enjoy the solitude on quiet summer afternoons there.
11. Sullivan Falls, Benton
Sullivan Falls near Benton sits in a part of Pennsylvania that does not always get the attention it deserves, and that relative obscurity is honestly a gift for those who make the trip.
The falls drop into a scenic gorge within State Game Lands 13, and the surrounding landscape in July is the kind of deep, saturated green that makes every photo look like it was professionally edited.
The route to Sullivan Falls passes through rugged game lands terrain that can feel shaded and cool, which is a genuine luxury during a warm summer hike.
Sullivan Falls is close enough to Ricketts Glen State Park to be combined into a multi-waterfall day trip for adventurous visitors who want to maximize their time in this underrated corner of north-central Pennsylvania.
The falls have a peaceful, almost forgotten quality that makes spending time here feel like a genuine escape from the usual noise of summer travel.
This one is a true hidden reward for careful summer hikers there.
12. Nay Aug Falls, Scranton
Not every great Pennsylvania waterfall requires a long drive into the wilderness, and Nay Aug Falls in Scranton is the perfect proof of that point.
Located right inside Nay Aug Park in the heart of Scranton, these falls drop through a dramatic rocky gorge that feels surprisingly wild for an urban setting.
The park itself has been a beloved local landmark since the late 1800s, and the gorge trail that runs alongside the falls is one of the most scenic urban hikes in northeastern Pennsylvania.
July brings full green canopy coverage to the gorge, softening the rocky canyon walls with lush vegetation and creating a genuinely beautiful contrast between the city above and the natural world below.
Nay Aug Falls is a fantastic option for visitors staying in or passing through Scranton who want a nature fix without committing to a full-day wilderness excursion.
The combination of easy access, historic park atmosphere, and genuine waterfall drama makes this one of the most underrated spots in the region.
13. Freedom Falls, Kennerdell
There is something quietly triumphant about Freedom Falls near Kennerdell, and the name alone is enough to make it feel like a destination worth seeking out.
The falls are located along a scenic forest trail in Venango County in western Pennsylvania, a part of the state that often flies under the radar when it comes to waterfall tourism.
July transforms the trail to Freedom Falls into a green corridor of ferns, wildflowers, and overhead canopy that makes the walk just as enjoyable as the destination itself.
The waterfall itself is a lovely, layered cascade that drops over moss-covered rocks into a clear pool, and the surrounding forest amplifies the sound beautifully on a quiet summer morning.
Freedom Falls sits near the Allegheny River corridor, which means the area offers plenty of additional outdoor activities including fishing, paddling, and camping for those who want to extend their stay.
Visiting Freedom Falls on a calm July morning, with birdsong filling the air and mist rising off the pool, is one of western Pennsylvania’s finest simple pleasures.