George W. Childs State Park
🌊 Three Waterfalls in a Hemlock Canyon — Pennsylvania’s Hidden Waterfall Trail in the Poconos — George W. Childs Recreation Site in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, three waterfalls, Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls (56 ft), Deer Leap Falls, hemlock forest, Dingmans Creek, Pocono Mountains, Delaware Water Gap NRA — Pike County, PA
A 1.4-mile loop. Three waterfalls. A hemlock canyon. And the ruins of a 19th-century woolen mill. George W. Childs is the Poconos waterfall trail that people who’ve done it never stop recommending. Factory Falls drops past mill ruins. Fulmer Falls cascades 56 feet into a rock amphitheater. And Deer Leap Falls closes the loop with a view from a wooden bridge.
The trail reopened in 2024 after storm damage repairs — and it’s better than ever. The hemlocks tower above the creek. The water carves through slate and shale. And on a weekday morning, you might have all three waterfalls to yourself. This is Pennsylvania’s best waterfall-per-mile ratio.
The Three Waterfalls
| Waterfall | Details |
|---|---|
| Factory Falls | The first waterfall on the trail — a double-drop cascade next to the stone ruins of a 19th-century woolen mill. The combination of falling water and industrial archaeology is unique. The mill used this creek for power. The creek outlasted the mill by a century |
| Fulmer Falls | The star — a 56-foot cascade that drops into a semi-circular rock basin. The water fans out across layers of slate, creating a veil effect that photographers come for. This is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Pennsylvania. The rock amphitheater amplifies the sound |
| Deer Leap Falls | The third waterfall — visible from a wooden bridge that crosses the creek. Smaller than Fulmer but set in a beautiful hemlock grove. The bridge view is the perfect way to end the loop. The falls drop into a dark pool surrounded by moss-covered boulders |
The Hike
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trail Length | Approximately 1.4 miles as a loop — short enough for families, scenic enough for photographers, and waterfall-dense enough for everyone. The first section is partially paved and accessible. The trail follows Dingmans Creek through a hemlock ravine |
| Hemlock Canyon | Eastern hemlocks line the creek — tall, dark, and atmospheric. The canopy filters light into green shafts. The air is cool and moist. The hemlocks are under threat from the hemlock woolly adelgid, making this forest both beautiful and fragile |
| History | Named for George W. Childs, a 19th-century Philadelphia publisher and philanthropist. His widow donated the land to Pennsylvania in 1912. The mill ruins near Factory Falls predate the park — reminders that this creek once powered industry before it returned to wilderness |
| Nearby | Dingmans Falls — one of Pennsylvania’s tallest at 130 feet — is just a few miles away with its own trail. The two sites make a perfect waterfall day trip. Both are within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | 🌊 Peak water flow. The falls at their most powerful. Wildflowers. Green hemlocks. Cool mist from the falls |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 🍂 Autumn color in the canopy above the hemlocks. Lower water but beautiful light. Photography season |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | Lush and green. Shaded and cool in the hemlock canyon. Busiest season — arrive early for parking |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Frozen or partially frozen waterfalls — dramatic ice formations. Trail can be icy. Beautiful for experienced hikers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
No — pets are not permitted at this site. The trail passes through sensitive areas and the narrow paths don’t accommodate leashed pets safely. Leave dogs at home or at a pet-friendly accommodation.
Can I swim in the falls?
No — swimming and wading are strictly prohibited. The rocks are slippery, the water cold, and the pool edges dangerous. Stay on designated trails. People have been injured and killed at waterfalls in this area. The falls are for viewing and photographing, not swimming.
🌊 Three Waterfalls. 1.4 Miles. A Hemlock Canyon. Pennsylvania’s Best Waterfall Trail.
Factory Falls next to mill ruins. Fulmer Falls dropping 56 feet into a rock amphitheater. Deer Leap Falls from a bridge in a hemlock grove. Three waterfalls in less than a mile and a half — in a Pocono canyon that feels like it’s been hiding from the 21st century.
