Philadelphia has no big waterfall inside the city, but you don't have to drive far for one. The closest on our list is Gilpins Falls in North East, Maryland, about 47 miles southwest in a straight line, where Northeast Creek drops beside a restored covered bridge. It makes an easy half-day trip down I-95.
For a full day, head north. The Poconos hold most of the falls within reach of the city: Hawk Falls in Hickory Run State Park is a short hike off the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension, and the privately owned Bushkill Falls sells tickets for trails past eight falls. Farther up, Raymondskill Falls sits in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, along with Dingmans Falls, whose trail has been closed for reconstruction since May 2025. The Great Falls of the Passaic in Paterson, New Jersey, is about as far as the Poconos and can be seen from overlooks near the street.
Spring and the days after a soaking rain are the time to go. Several of these streams run low by late summer, and Pocono roads and trails can be icy well into March.
By David F. · Published November 4, 2026 · Distances are straight-line miles from the center of Philadelphia.
Day-Trip Waterfalls at a Glance
| Waterfall | State | Distance | Google rating | Fee | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bushkill Falls | PA | 81 mi north | 4.5 (1,478) | Yes | Leashed |
| Dingmans Falls | PA | 89 mi north | 4.8 (619) | No | No |
| Hawk Falls | PA | 77 mi north | 4.6 (375) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Raymondskill Falls | PA | 94 mi north | 4.8 (310) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Great Falls | NJ | 84 mi northeast | 4.5 (254) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Marshalls Falls | PA | 76 mi north | 4.1 (118) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Silverthread Falls | PA | 90 mi north | 4.7 (50) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Shohola Falls | PA | 100 mi north | 4.6 (45) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Indian Ladder Falls | PA | 89 mi north | 4.1 (41) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Gilpins Falls | MD | 47 mi southwest | 4.1 (38) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Paradise Falls | PA | 80 mi north | 2.4 (27) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Maple Falls | NJ | 71 mi northeast | 4.0 (25) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Wiley Falls | MD | 74 mi west | Not rated | Not checked | Not checked |
"Not checked" means we haven't verified that detail yet, not that the answer is no. Open a waterfall's page for its trail, parking and swimming details where we have them.
