Raymondskill Falls is a three-tiered waterfall on Raymondskill Creek in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pike County, Pennsylvania, dropping about 120 feet. The National Park Service calls it the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, and a short trail from Raymondskill Road leads to platforms over its upper and middle tiers.
The falls
The creek falls in three tiered horsetails of about 42, 25 and 45 feet, with a large pool between the upper two tiers and the lowest one, then runs through a deep hemlock gorge to the Delaware River. Whether it is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania is disputed; the World Waterfall Database notes quoted heights from 83 to 180 feet, the higher figure counting a fall more than a quarter mile upstream. Other sources give about 150 feet, and the park's trail page adds that the combined height comes close to that of Niagara Falls. The park explains its waterfalls as the work of creeks cutting ravines that glaciers later deepened and widened.
Getting there
The trailhead is on Raymondskill Road, with an upper and a lower parking lot; restrooms are in the upper lot, which closes from early January to mid-April. The trail is a 0.3-mile loop, easy to moderate, with 178 feet of elevation change, on an earthen path with roots, rocks and steep, uneven stretches. A spur runs a quarter mile one way down to Raymondskill Creek; it is open only from fall to spring and does not reach the bottom of the falls. Raymondskill Falls is not one of the park's 2026 amenity fee sites, which charge $10 per vehicle per day. Both lots fill at busy times.
When to go
The park suggests visiting after a good rain, when the flow is strongest. From May 1 to September 30 the creek below the lower falls, including the pool, is closed all the way to the Delaware; the trail itself stays open.
On site
Two wooden platforms overlook the top and middle cascades. The trail and platforms are often wet and slippery, especially in winter, and the park asks visitors to stay on the boardwalk; unofficial side trails were closed to limit crowds. Swimming is prohibited, and wading is banned within 50 feet upstream of the falls. Pets are not allowed, only service dogs, and food, picnics and alcohol are not permitted at the site.
History and name
"Kill" is the Dutch-derived word for a stream used across the region. An 1886 history of Pike County described the Raymondskill as the outlet of the Log Tavern Ponds, breaking into a fall of about 25 feet, steep rapids of about 100 feet and another fall, and mentioned a large summer hotel run by Joseph Rigney near the falls.
Nearby
Bridal Veil Falls is at essentially the same spot, Upper Raymondskill Falls is about 0.4 mile away, Hackers Falls, also on Raymondskill Creek, about 0.7 mile, and Pinchot Falls on Sawkill Creek about 2.9 miles.
Distances are straight-line.