Sawkill Falls is a 45-foot waterfall on Sawkill Creek in Delaware State Forest, Pike County, Pennsylvania, west of Milford. Hikers reach it on a 3-mile round trip from Lily Pond that also takes in Savantine Falls on neighboring Savantine Creek, with the last stretch off-trail and across unbridged creeks.
The falls
Sawkill Creek spills over broad slabs of rock in three drops. Lidar data puts the total at about 45 feet, still unconfirmed on the ground, though other estimates range from 20 to 30 feet. Only one stream feeds the falls, but from the base it looks like two streams merging, an effect that is stronger from farther downstream.
Getting there
Park in the dirt lot at the Lily Pond Picnic Area and follow the Huckleberry Trail, which drops about 100 feet over the first mile and crosses two small streams on stone footbridges. At a T-intersection about a mile in, turn right onto an old forest road; stone wall ruins appear after about 200 yards and a mill foundation beyond them. Ford Sawkill Creek above the mill ruins; the top of the falls is about 150 yards downstream. The Huckleberry Trail is fairly easy with faded, infrequent red blazes, while the off-trail sections are more rugged. A shortcut from Route 6 involves illegal roadside parking and crossing the busy highway, and is not recommended.
When to go
The falls are prettiest at higher water, but the creek crossings have no bridges, and the hike is not advised in high water. The trail is brushy in summer, with a red understory in fall.
On site
A steep user trail runs down beside the falls; a wider loop descends a gentler slope to the base. Expect wet feet at the crossings; calf-high boots are recommended.
Nearby
Savantine Creek Falls is about 0.2 mile away and shares the Lily Pond hike. Pinchot Falls, 3.1 miles away, is also on Sawkill Creek, and Moon Valley Falls is 3.6 miles away. Raymondskill Falls lies about 4.7 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.