Bushkill Falls: $22 & 1,267 Stairs (Which Trail?)

Quick Facts

• Admission (2026): $22 adults, $20 seniors, $12 kids (4-10), free (0-3)
• Trails: 4 color-coded options (Green, Yellow, Blue, Red)
• Time Range: 15 minutes (Green) to 2.5 hours (Red)
• Difficulty Range: Easy (Green) to Hard (Red, ~1,267 stairs)
• Season: April-November (closed winter)
• Dogs: Allowed on leash (stairs/grates can be tough on paws)

Bushkill Falls, often called the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” costs $22 per adult. For that, you get access to four color-coded trails, eight waterfalls, and 1,267 wooden stairs (if you do the Red Trail). The question isn’t whether it’s worth it - it’s which trail you should do. The Green Trail takes 15 minutes and shows you one waterfall. The Red Trail takes 2.5 hours and shows you all eight. This is how to decide.

Located at 138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324, this privately owned attraction has been operating since 1904. For current trail conditions and user reviews, check AllTrails.

Main Falls - the first waterfall you’ll see on all trails

Is It Worth the Admission?

What You’re Paying For

• Access to all four trails (one admission covers all).
• Eight waterfalls (if you do the Red Trail).
• Well-maintained boardwalks, bridges, and stairs.
• Amenities: snack bar, gift shop, mini-golf, paddle boats (extra cost).

The Honest Answer

If you’re expecting Ricketts Glen-level waterfalls for free, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a family-friendly, well-maintained waterfall experience with options for all fitness levels, it’s worth it. The Red Trail is legitimately impressive (all 8 falls, 2 miles, 1,267 stairs). The Green Trail is a tourist trap (15 minutes, one overlook).

The Four Trails (Which One Should You Do?)

Green Trail (The Quick Overlook)

• Time: 15 minutes.
• Difficulty: Easy (some steps, no climbing).
• Views: Main Falls overlook only.
• Verdict: Skip this unless you’re truly mobility-limited. You’re paying $22 for a 15-minute view.

Yellow Trail (The Popular Middle Ground)

• Time: 45 minutes.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Views: Main Falls (top and bottom), Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen.
• Terrain: Wooden stairs, boardwalks.
• Verdict: This is the sweet spot for most visitors. You see multiple falls without the full Red Trail commitment.

Blue Trail (The Quiet Extension)

• Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Difficulty: Moderate/Hard.
• Views: Pennell Falls.
• Note: Often combined with Yellow.
• Verdict: If you’ve done Yellow and want more, add Blue. It’s quieter and less crowded.

Red Trail (The Full Experience)

• Time: 2-2.5 hours.
• Distance: ~2 miles.
• Difficulty: Hard (1,267 stairs). Signs say “Avid Hikers Only” (marketing, but it’s real work).
• Views: All 8 waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls.
• Verdict: This is why you pay $22. If you’re reasonably fit and have the time, do the Red Trail. It’s the full package.

The Red Trail includes 1,267 stairs - bring your knees

Crowds & Timing (How to Avoid the Zoo)

When It’s Packed

• Summer weekends (especially mid-day, 11 AM - 3 PM).
• Narrow boardwalks bottleneck with crowds.

When to Go

• Best: Weekdays, early morning (before 10 AM), or late afternoon (after 4 PM).
• Worst: Saturday/Sunday mid-day.

Bridal Veil Falls - one of eight waterfalls on the Red Trail

Parking & Logistics

Parking

• Large free lots (included with admission).
• Lots fill up on summer weekends. Arrive early to get a spot close to the entrance.

Amenities

• Snack bar (burgers, fries, ice cream).
• Gift shop (typical souvenir fare).
• Mini-golf and paddle boats (require extra tickets).
• Restrooms available near the entrance/exit.

Season

• Open daily April through November.
• Closed roughly December through March (weather dependent).

Dogs & Accessibility

Dog Policy

• Dogs are allowed on all trails but must be on a leash.
• Hazard Warning: The wooden stairs and metal grates can be tough on dog paws. Small dogs might need to be carried; large dogs need to be comfortable on open-grate stairs.

Accessibility

• The Green Trail is the most accessible (no steep climbs), but still involves some steps.
• The Red Trail is absolutely not accessible (1,267 stairs, steep/narrow sections).

What to Bring

Essentials

• Water: No water fountains on the trails themselves.
• Snacks: Snack bar is available, but you can bring your own water/snacks.
• Camera: The falls are incredibly photogenic.

Footwear

• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes with grip (sneakers or hiking boots). The wooden stairs can be slippery when wet.
• Avoid: Flip-flops or high heels (you’d be surprised how many people try this).

Trail map showing all four color-coded routes

FAQ

How much does Bushkill Falls cost? $22 for adults (11-61), $20 for seniors (62+), $12 for kids (4-10), free for kids 0-3 (2026 pricing).

Which trail should I do? Yellow Trail (45 min, moderate) is the sweet spot. Red Trail (2.5 hours, hard) is the full experience.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, on leash. Watch out for the metal grate stairs with paws.

When should I go to avoid crowds? Weekdays are best. On weekends, arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM.

Is it open in winter? No. It closes for the season in November and reopens in April.

Is it worth $22? If you do the Red Trail (all 8 falls), absolutely. If you only do the Green Trail, probably not.

Explore More

• Check out the Poconos region guide.
• Visit Ricketts Glen State Park (free alternative with 22 waterfalls).
• Explore Delaware Water Gap NRA (free park nearby).