Glen Onoko Falls: PA's Most Famous Closed Trail

Quick Facts

• Status: Falls Trail permanently closed (May 1, 2019)
• Reason: 8 fatalities, numerous injuries, dangerous terrain
• Fines: $100-$200 for trespassing (enforced by PA Game Commission)
• Alternative: Glen Onoko Overlook Trail (3.6 miles, hard/strenuous)
• Future: Land transfer to DCNR approved (April 2025), reopening timeline TBD
• Other Access: D&L Trail and Lehigh River remain open

Glen Onoko Falls is closed. The Falls Trail - the steep, dangerous scramble up waterfalls that made this one of Pennsylvania’s most popular hikes - has been permanently closed since May 1, 2019. Eight people died on this trail. Countless others were injured. The Pennsylvania Game Commission closed it to protect hikers and volunteer rescue teams. If you hike it anyway, you’ll face fines ($100-$200). But there’s hope. Governor Shapiro has proposed transferring the land to DCNR to rebuild the trail with proper infrastructure. Until then, the Glen Onoko Overlook Trail offers a legal alternative. This is what you need to know.

For official closure details, see the PA.gov announcement. The trail is part of Lehigh Gorge State Park, where other trails remain open.

The Falls Trail has been closed since May 2019

Why It’s Closed (The History)

The Fatalities

Since 1977, at least 8 people have died on the Glen Onoko Falls Trail. Between 2008 and 2019, there were 14 medical emergencies involving 18 visitors, including 7 deaths. Dozens more have been seriously injured, suffering from broken bones, head injuries, and hypothermia.

The Terrain

The trail gained 600 feet of elevation in less than a mile, scrambling directly up and alongside waterfalls. Wet rocks, steep drops, and no safety infrastructure made it treacherous.

The Rescue Problem

Local volunteer fire departments conducted dozens of dangerous rescues each year. The terrain was so steep that rescuers often had to rappel down cliffs to reach injured hikers, putting their own lives at risk.

The Closure (May 1, 2019)

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (which manages the land as State Game Lands 141) closed the trail permanently on May 1, 2019. Signs are posted, and fines are enforced.

Glen Onoko Falls before the permanent closure

The Fines (What Happens If You Trespass)

Enforcement

The Game Commission actively patrols the area. Signs are posted throughout the trail system.

Fine Amounts

• Typical: $100-$200 for trespassing.
• Higher: Fines can increase for criminal trespass or if a rescue operation is required.

Why You Shouldn’t Risk It

Beyond the fines, the terrain is genuinely dangerous. The trail has deteriorated further since its closure, making it even more hazardous.

The Alternative (Glen Onoko Overlook Trail)

What It Is

A legal, open trail that ascends to a rocky overlook above the falls area (without accessing the closed Falls Trail). It offers views of Jim Thorpe and the Lehigh River.

The Route

• Start: Glen Onoko Access parking lot (Lehigh Gorge State Park).
• Directions: Go under the bridge, follow the path along the river, then turn UPHILL (right) before reaching the closed Falls Trail area.
• Distance: ~3.6 miles loop (shorter out-and-back options available).
• Difficulty: Hard/Strenuous (steep ascent, rocky terrain).

What to Expect

This is not an easy hike. It’s steep, rocky, and requires good fitness. But it’s legal and offers expansive views of the area. For current trail conditions, check AllTrails.

The legal Overlook Trail offers expansive views

Other Open Options

D&L Trail (Lehigh Gorge)

The flat, crushed-stone rail-trail along the Lehigh River is open and popular for biking and walking. It is easy, scenic, and family-friendly.

Lehigh River Access

The river is open for kayaking, fishing, and other water activities.

The D&L Trail remains open for biking and walking

The Future (Will It Reopen?)

The Proposal

Governor Shapiro has proposed transferring 391 acres (including Glen Onoko Falls) from the Game Commission to DCNR (Lehigh Gorge State Park).

Why This Matters

DCNR has the resources and expertise to build a safer trail system (steel staircases, railings, proper drainage) that the Game Commission (focused on hunting/wildlife management) does not.

Timeline

• April 2025: The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners approved the land transfer.
• Next Steps: DCNR must complete the transfer, conduct planning, and rebuild the trail.
• Reopening: No specific timeline has been announced. It could be years.

What It Will Look Like

Expect a trail similar to Ricketts Glen (steel staircases, railings, safer footing) rather than the old scramble.

Parking & Logistics

Parking

There is a large lot at the Glen Onoko Access Point (Lehigh Gorge State Park). It is located at the end of the access road from Jim Thorpe (Main St → Lehigh St).

Facilities

Pit toilets are available at the parking lot.

Crowds

The parking lot fills up quickly due to D&L Trail users and river access, not just hikers.

FAQ

Is Glen Onoko Falls open? No. The Falls Trail has been permanently closed since May 2019.

Why is it closed? 8 fatalities and numerous injuries due to dangerous terrain. The Game Commission closed it to protect hikers and volunteer rescue teams.

What happens if I hike it anyway? You’ll face fines ($100-$200) and risk serious injury. The trail has deteriorated since closure.

What’s the alternative? The Glen Onoko Overlook Trail (3.6 miles, hard/strenuous) offers legal access to views above the falls area.

Will it ever reopen? Possibly. The land transfer to DCNR was approved in April 2025. DCNR plans to rebuild the trail with safer infrastructure, but no reopening timeline has been announced.

Is the D&L Trail open? Yes. The flat rail-trail along the Lehigh River is open for biking and walking.

Explore More

• Check out the full Lehigh Gorge State Park guide.
• Visit Hawk Falls Trail (another Poconos waterfall hike).
• Explore the Poconos region.