Top 15 Things To Do in Bushkill, Pennsylvania
Bushkill is shorthand for waterfalls, river sutures, and the kind of wooded afternoons that make you want to linger. Tucked into the Pocono foothills and anchored by the dramatic cascades of Bushkill Falls, the town punches above its size for water activities: think scenic boat tours on nearby lakes, canoe and kayak put-ins along placid stretches, and easy SUP sessions at sunrise. Trails range from short waterfall loops to ridge walks that open toward the Delaware Water Gap—perfect for hikers, wildlife watchers, and anyone after a crisp, camera-ready day in nature.
Top 15 Things To Do in Bushkill
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Bushkill Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
A short drive from the interstate and a world away from daily noise, Bushkill compacts the pleasures of the Poconos into a tidy outdoor agenda: waterfall circuits, river paddles, and forested ridgelines that reward modest effort with expansive views. The town’s magnet is Bushkill Falls—long billed as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”—whose tiers thread through hemlock and maple, making it a natural anchor for hiking, sightseeing tours, and photography. But look beyond the main cascade and you’ll find a wider palette of activities. The nearby Delaware River corridor and a scatter of kettle lakes invite water activities across skill levels: flatwater canoeing for families, kayak runs for solo paddlers chasing calm morning light, and stand-up paddleboarding on glassy coves when early wind allows. Local outfitters support boat rental and guided boat tours that let you swap the steering for a camera and a guide’s local lore.
Bushkill sits at an intersection of recreational modes, which is what makes it dependable as a short-trip basecamp. Hikers can stitch together waterfall loops with longer ridge hikes that edge the Delaware Water Gap for a day that pairs forest cooling with scenic overlooks. Bike-tour options thread rural backroads and mixed-surface routes for riders who favor pace over poundings. For families and mixed-ability groups, bus tours and easy city- or village-centered sightseeing tours provide low-effort ways to absorb regional history and the local culinary scene between outings. Air-activities and air-tours occasionally operate in the region—think scenic flights over the river valley in summer—but most visitors will find the heart of Bushkill on foot or on the water.
Seasonality matters here: late spring and early fall are peak windows for water clarity, comfortable hiking temps, and leaf-forward photography. Summer fills campgrounds and brings the best conditions for canoe and kayak tours; autumn pulls a steady crowd for foliage weekends. Winters are quieter—trails are cleaner for solitude seekers and the landscape takes on a skeletal beauty—but water-based options narrow. Wildlife viewing is excellent in shoulder seasons; deer, migratory birds, and smaller mammals are common along early-morning river edges. While scuba rarely figures into freshwater recreation here, those searching for deeper aquatic exploration will find the region’s true strengths in paddling, guided boat experiences, and riverside wildlife watching.
Access is straightforward: major routes funnel visitors into the Poconos and parking at popular trailheads and the Falls can fill by mid-morning. Outfitters and rental shops in the valley make boat rental, canoe and kayak shuttles, and SUP rentals easy to slot into a day trip.
Pair the outdoors with small-town comforts—cafés that pour strong coffee for pre-dawn put-ins, family-run diners for after-hike refuels, and seasonal markets selling local produce. The mix of water activities, hiking, and gentle sightseeing makes Bushkill friendly to multi-day itineraries where you alternate active mornings with slow afternoons.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Spring and fall bring cool, dry hiking conditions and clear water for paddling; summer provides warm-water paddling but afternoon thunderstorms can be frequent; winter is quiet but can close or alter water-based options depending on ice and snow.
Peak Season
Late spring through early fall, with October foliage weekends drawing the heaviest visitation—arrive early for parking and guided outings.
Off-Season Opportunities
Late fall through winter offers lower prices and solitude on trails and roads; dress for cold, and confirm outfitters’ operating hours before planning water trips.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, well-marked waterfall loops, calm lake paddles, and easy scenic drives make for low-stress days where navigation and technical skill needs are minimal.
- Short loop trails at Bushkill Falls
- Morning flatwater canoe or kayak on a local lake
- Gentle SUP session on a sheltered cove
Intermediate
Longer hikes combining ridge views and valley descents, multi-mile flatwater paddles with wind considerations, and mixed-surface bike tours that demand comfort with distance.
- Day hike linking waterfalls and ridge overlooks near the Delaware Water Gap
- Self-guided kayak trip requiring basic navigation and wind management
- Gravel or backroad bike tour through Pocono foothills
Advanced
Extended, route-finding hikes, river runs with current and portage demands, or multi-day paddling itineraries that require planning, shuttles, and refined technical skill.
- Multi-ridge traverse with significant elevation gain
- Extended river paddling requiring shuttles and reading current conditions
- Full-day guided boat tour focusing on remote coves and wildlife
What to Bring
Essential
- Daypack with water and layered clothing
- Sturdy trail shoes with good traction (wet rock caution)
- Lightweight rain shell for pop-up showers
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag for paddling
- Basic first-aid supplies and insect repellent
Recommended
- Wicking layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
- Quick-dry towel and change of clothes for water activities
- Binoculars for birding and wildlife viewing
- Reusable water bottle and high-energy snacks
Optional
- Lightweight trekking poles for uneven trails
- Action camera with helmet or board mounts for paddles
- Compact picnic kit for lakeside lunches
- Field guide for regional flora and birds
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check hours, closures, and water levels with official sources and outfitters before you go.
Arrive before mid-morning at popular trailheads and at Bushkill Falls to beat crowds and secure parking. For paddlers, dawn or early evening sessions usually offer the calmest water; afternoon sea breezes can complicate longer lake crossings. Outfitters provide the easiest logistics for boat rental, canoe and kayak shuttles, and guided tours—book ahead during summer and foliage weekends. After heavy rain, prioritize gravel roads and avoid slick rocks around waterfalls. Pack out what you bring and respect seasonal wildlife—keep a safe distance and minimize noise to protect nesting birds and riverbank species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes—many hikes and short waterfall loops are self-guided, and calm lakes are suitable for independent canoe, kayak, or SUP sessions if you have basic paddling skills. Consider a guide for river sections, extended lake tours, or if you need transport/shuttle services.
Are the waterfalls safe for swimming?
Not necessarily. While some pools may look inviting, currents, submerged rocks, and variable depths can be hazardous. Stick to designated swimming areas and obey posted signage at Bushkill Falls and nearby rivers.
What's the best way to get on the water?
Local outfitters offer boat rental, canoe and kayak rentals, and guided boat tours—these services are the easiest way to arrange gear and shuttles. For independent paddlers, arrive early to secure put-in spots and check river or lake conditions.