Day Trips from Scranton
← All Scranton day tripsDay Trips from Scranton: Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
The best waterfalls and swimming holes within driving distance of Scranton, PA. Dramatic cascades, hidden gorges, and swimmable falls that reward the drive. Trail info, drive times, and ratings included.
12 waterfalls near Scranton
Taughannock Falls Gorge Trailhead
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Just 2 hrs 8 min from Scranton, rated 4.9 stars by 1,617 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Ganoga Waterfall
PA 18656, USA
Just 1 hr 3 min from Scranton, rated 4.9 stars by 102 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Lehigh Gorge State Park - Rockport Access
Weatherly, PA 18255
Just 52 min from Scranton, rated 4.8 stars by 2,524 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chittenango Falls State Park
Cazenovia, NY 13035
Just 2 hrs 18 min from Scranton, rated 4.8 stars by 2,855 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Buttermilk Falls
Ithaca, NY 14850
Just 1 hr 57 min from Scranton, rated 4.8 stars by 199 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cavern Cascade
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Just 2 hrs 15 min from Scranton, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Buttermilk Falls
PA 18255, USA
Just 53 min from Scranton, rated 4.8 stars by 128 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Just 2 hrs 8 min from Scranton, rated 4.8 stars by 10,156 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Eagle Cliff Falls
Montour Falls, NY 14865
Just 2 hrs 10 min from Scranton, rated 4.8 stars by 279 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
PA 18229, USA
Just 59 min from Scranton, rated 4.8 stars by 322 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rainbow Falls
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Just 2 hrs 18 min from Scranton, rated 4.8 stars by 1,147 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Seven Tubs Recreation Area - Pinchot Forest District
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Just 24 min from Scranton, rated 4.7 stars by 2,101 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Day Trips from Scranton
What are the best waterfalls near Scranton, PA?
The best waterfalls near Scranton range from roadside cascades to backcountry falls requiring a hike. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and real visitor ratings.
Are there swimmable waterfalls near Scranton?
Some waterfalls near Scranton have designated swimming areas at their base. Always check current conditions and posted rules before swimming. State park waterfalls with established trails are generally the safest options.
How hard are the hikes to waterfalls near Scranton?
Difficulty varies widely. Some waterfalls near Scranton are visible from parking areas or short boardwalks. Others require moderate to strenuous hikes of 2-6 miles round trip. Check individual trail descriptions before heading out.
When is the best time to see waterfalls near Scranton?
Spring (March-May) typically offers the highest water flow after snowmelt and rain. Waterfalls are beautiful year-round though. Winter ice formations are dramatic, and fall foliage framing a waterfall is hard to beat.
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