Raymondskill Falls, at nearly 150 feet, commands attention as Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall, daring hikers to explore its three-tier cascade tucked just outside Milford. The trail leading to this natural marvel invites you into a forest that stands fiercely alive—tree roots gripping earth, streams that push and pull with steady currents, and sunlight slicing through leaves in fleeting bursts.

This hike starts at the Raymondskill Falls Trailhead in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The round trip is about 3 miles with an elevation gain close to 400 feet, moderate enough to pull in casual hikers and still reward seasoned trekkers. The path channels you alongside Raymondskill Creek, which talks in burbles and croons as it races beneath rocky banks. Expect firm, sometimes uneven terrain with packed dirt, some loose stones, and wooden boardwalk sections that keep footing steady.

Begin early to avoid crowds and take advantage of cooler temperatures. The hike sweeps both upward and along the falls, offering multiple viewpoints where the water surges fiercely—each drop a roar that shakes the rocks. At the base, the largest plunge of the waterfalls pulls the eye and ear alike, the mist cooling your skin and the spray freshening the air.

Hydration is key—streams tease but it's best to carry your own water. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots provide traction, essential on wet sections near the falls. An ideal pack balances layers: a windbreaker for sudden chills near cascades and moisture-wicking gear to manage sweat as the trail climbs.

For photographers, morning light filters best through the trees, spotlighting falls with soft clarity. Wildlife lurks quietly here; keep an eye for white-tailed deer edging through brush or the sharp silhouette of a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead.

This trail doesn’t merely offer a trek but a conversation with a landscape that’s fiercely itself. Respect the currents, watch your footing, and let the falls impress not by subtlety but by raw, rolling power. When you reach the top, take a moment and let the views settle—each drop of water a story told in motion, each breath a connection earned by your steps.