Photo by Anastasia on Unsplash
Some winter days are perfect for cozying up under a thick blanket, cuddling with our pets, sipping a hot drink, and relaxing. But then cabin fever strikes, as we restlessly start the countdown until spring. Next time adventure calls, bundle up and set off on one of these dog-friendly waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania that are simply spellbinding in the winter.
1. Hawk Falls Trail – White Haven
Bring your camera along for the journey along Hawk Falls Trail, a dog-friendly hike that travels 1.2 miles through Hickory Run State Park. While the trail is considered easy, you may have to deal with some winter challenges, including ice and snow. If you’re hiking after a snowfall, consider using hiking poles.
Popular year-round, Hawk Falls Trail can get incredibly busy on the weekends, which could make finding a spot in the free parking lot challenging, so keep that in mind when deciding when you hike. If you want to hike on the weekend but prefer the quiet, try setting off earlier in the day (the park is open from dawn to dusk) to avoid the crowds.
Hike along the tree-lined path that crosses over a footbridge and to Hawk Falls, arguably the highlight of the trail. A natural waterfall, Hawk Falls tumbles down 25 feet, promising stunning views whether frozen in place, dusted with snow, or gushing down during the spring thaw.
If you and your pup enjoy Hawk Falls Trail in the winter, plan to hike it again in the spring or summer, when the rhododendron tunnel is in full bloom.
Address: Hickory Run State Park, 3 Family Camp Rd, White Haven, PA 18661
2. Ohiopyle Falls/Cucumber Falls – Ohiopyle
A nature lover’s playground year-round, Ohiopyle State Park is home to several waterfalls, including Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls, the most well-known and easiest to reach. Start your adventure by parking in the lot right off of Main Street in the charming small town of Ohiopyle. From there, you’ve got a short walk to the viewing platform for Ohiopyle Falls. As you walk along the paved path to the viewing area, admire the smaller waterfalls that lead to the 20-foot Ohiopyle Falls, or relax on one of the benches, along the path, that offer sensational views of the Youghiogheny River.
About a mile from Ohiopyle Falls, Cucumber Falls has a small parking lot that can fill up quickly when the park is busy. You have a couple of options for viewing the 30-foot Cucumber Falls. Park and walk to the top of a staircase that offers beautiful views of the cascade. If you’re up for an adventure and a workout, walk down the staircase that leads to the base of the waterfall. Be careful, though, especially if it’s snow-covered and icy. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll have to maneuver past large rocks to get to Cucumber Falls.
3. Ringing Rocks Trail – Upper Black Eddy
Ringing Rocks Trail is best known for its field of ringing rocks. Bring a hammer, tap the rocks, and listen to the natural melody. The trail to the field and the field itself can get really busy, especially on the weekends, so remember that when you plan your hike, especially if you want to experience the ringing rocks.
However, there’s a hidden gem along the dog-friendly trail – High Falls, the largest waterfall in Bucks County. Before setting off in the winter, make sure you’re up for the challenge. The trail is not maintained in the winter and can be snowy and icy, so take care if you decide to hike.
At just over half a mile, the out-and-back Ringing Rocks Trail is considered easy but prepare for the weather conditions in the winter and some rocky areas. Sturdy shoes are a must no matter what time of the year you hike.
One of the highlights of the trail is High Falls, an approximately 15-foot waterfall. Snap photos and enjoy the wintry scenery. Be prepared, however, if you’re visiting after a dry spell. High Falls may be merely a trickle or may have run dry.
Address: Ringing Rocks Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
4. Little Falls Trail – Greentown
Often described as a walk through the woods, the dog-friendly Little Falls Trail spans 1.4 miles through Promised Land State Park. The picturesque path, while considered easy, poses some challenges, including tree roots and muddy areas. During the winter, you may have to deal with snow and ice, so be prepared. If you’re up for the adventure, though, you’ll be treated to the natural beauty – snow-capped trees, streams, and waterfalls – for which Pennsylvania is known.
Breathe in the fresh winter air as you stroll along the path and over a footbridge, where you might want to stop, snap photos, and enjoy the scenic views. Keep an eye out for waterfalls, which are plentiful, along the path.
If you want to keep the adventure going after hiking the Little Falls Trail, explore more of Promised Land State Park. The park features 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and a full menu of winter activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Address: Promised Land State Park, 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426
5. Davis Trail – Scranton
Tucked in Nay Aug Park in Scranton, the two-mile Davis Trail transforms into a wonderland after it snows, but the snow and ice pose some challenges. Wear sturdy boots, and keep an eye out for ice and mud as you hike.
The out-and-back dog-friendly trail in Scranton promises a few surprises, including a treehouse that sits at the end of a wooden walkway. Perched 150 feet above Nay Aug Gorge, the ADA-compliant treehouse offers sensational views of the gorge, Roaring Brook, and Nay Aug Falls.
As you stroll along Davis Trail, keep an eye out for the platforms that offer views of the gorge and the waterfall. You’ll likely hear the sound of the waterfall cascading down, if it’s not frozen, before you see it. Nay Aug Falls tumbles down 20 feet.
While you can usually complete the Davis Trail in around an hour, take your time, if you have it, and really embrace the winter scenery.
Address: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave, Scranton, PA 18510
6. Balanced Rock Trail – James Creek
Short and sweet, Balanced Rock Trail in Trough Creek State Park packs a whole lot of breathtaking natural beauty in just half a mile of hiking. The easy pet-friendly hike poses some seasonal challenges, including ice and snow, and some rocky terrain. Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes to help you navigate the rocky terrain.
Pick up the trail at Trough Creek Drive, where you’ll find a parking lot with limited spaces. Balanced Rock Trail will lead you over a suspension bridge before you arrive at Rainbow Falls, a beautiful waterfall that drops around 12 feet. Cascading down natural rocks, the waterfall is framed by trees. After snapping photos of Rainbow Falls, continue following the easy trail that will take you to the massive Balanced Rock, which dates back 350 million years. The Pocono Formation sandstone block earned its name – Balanced Rock – from the way it leans down toward the ground below.
Address: Trough Creek State Park, 16362 Little Valley Rd, James Creek, PA 16657
If you’ve been searching for “waterfall hikes near me,” you’ve found a few that are absolutely enchanting during the winter. Add each of these dog-friendly waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania to your to-hike list when spring rolls around, too.
