The Pocono Mountains continue to offer up exquisite jewels of nature to visitors passing through. They come in the form of rugged mountains, gently winding rivers and pristine lakes. Perhaps the most fascinating of all of these natural gifts to admire during a getaway is Dingmans Falls. Majestic and powerful, a trip to Dingmans Falls is sure to leave visitors appreciative of just how much beauty nature can create.
Not only is Dingmans Falls a place where visitors are guaranteed an exhilarating view, but this Poconos waterfall also holds the title of the state’s second highest waterfall, just behind the number one place holder, Raymondskill Falls in Milford. Be prepared to be awed by water cascading down 130 feet from top to bottom. As an added bonus, Dingmans Falls directly neighbors Silverthread Falls, which doesn’t quite match it in height at only 80 feet but adds a stunning extra to the overall Dingman Falls experience.
When visiting Dingmans Falls, a stop at the visitor center is a good idea to get the most updated information on the area and pick up some fun extras along the way! From important park information to souvenirs and a book store available, the visitor center is a hub of knowledge on surrounding nature and can help you share your incredible experience with loved ones back home. When visiting, be sure to get an early start on your adventure. The visitor center is a great place to leave a vehicle but often fills up fast on the weekends.
Whether you’re looking to experience Dingmans Falls on a solo hike, or you’re traveling with the whole family, you’ll be pleased to know this natural wonder is extremely accessible. A smooth boardwalk guides your way from the visitor center to the base of Dingmans Falls. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a variety of gorgeous greenery including rhododendron shrubs and hemlock trees. Where the boardwalk ends, the stairs begin and if you’re up for the climb, a view from the top of the stairs offers visitors a bird’s eye perspective on the falls. No matter where you choose to view these captivating cascades, you’re going to make memories that will last a lifetime.
While you’re here, you may as well take some time and explore what the bucolic town has to offer. Named after the ferry service that used to transport residents across the Delaware River that runs through the town, this is the type of place people move to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
Residents and visitors often start their mornings with a hearty breakfast at the Forklift Café, located inside a distinctive blue building found at 1764 PA-739. Serving the comfort food we all love, their motto tells the truth and shows their sense of humor as well, as they offer “Good food, good friends, and good tines.” Kids love their breakfast menu and adults from all over the state delight in the flavors of their Country Style Benedict, made with biscuits, sausage, eggs, and homemade country gravy.
After a heavy breakfast, a hike to the falls may be exactly what the doctor orders, but there are other things you can do while you’re here. Spend some time exploring the wares of The Bird’s Nest at 1831 Rt 739, seeking out gifts for your family, the kind neighbor who is pet sitting for you back home, and perhaps something shiny for yourself! Offering a mixture of items both vintage and new, this sweet shop is the perfect example of the treasures you can find in small town America, if you know where to look.
A visit to the Pocono Environmental Education Center at 538 Emery Road offers another chance to experience the Dingmans Ferry natural landscape as you and your family learn about the importance of preservation and conservation. With over 12 miles of hiking trails, you can download their trail maps at home before you go and spend a wonderful few hours exploring the hemlock, oak, and pine forests which are an integral part of our landscape. Trails range from a third of a mile in length to nearly 4 miles long, and their difficulty levels are commensurate with the length of the trail.
All these outdoors adventures are guaranteed to make you ready to seek out dinner and a drink as evening falls over the town. Fáilte, a local Irish pub located at 1492 PA-739, is ready to meet the challenge of your voracious appetite! Offering delicious pub food, your favorite beverages, pool, darts, and live music on weekends that will make sitting still impossible, locals travel a good distance to experience a night at this pub. There is one caveat, however, as during the COVID-19 pandemic, they may not be open for dine-in, but that’s not expected to last forever, and before long, we hope to be able to enjoy a night out on the town in Dingmans Ferry once more! If you visit while they are still closed, we can promise that Good Time Pizza at 1820 PA-739 is an excellent substitute; just remember to bring cash, because credit and debit cards are not accepted in this local joint!
When you’re looking for a stop in the Poconos that’s so beautiful it takes your breath away, make sure to schedule a stop at Dingmans Falls. Naturally compelling and impressive in its sheer height, you’ll be happy to make your way towards this icon of outdoor wonder. Contact us today to make sure you’re making the most of your trip to the Poconos with a stop at Dingmans Falls!