🌤 Weather at George W. Childs State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–70 °F | 55–83 °F | 31–74 °F | 17–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Sussex 3 Wnw, 11 mi away, elevation 667 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌊 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.
More parks nearby: Promised Land State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Tobyhanna State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
🌊 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.
Wildlife & Nature
George W. Childs SP — in the Delaware Water Gap — features three stunning waterfalls (Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls) on Dingmans Creek. The park’s hemlock ravine, rhododendron thickets, and creek support brook trout, wood thrushes, and barred owls. Eastern newts inhabit the forest floor.
Nearby Attractions
Dingmans Ferry — adjacent. Delaware Water Gap NRA — surrounding. Bushkill Falls — 10 miles south — the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.” Milford — 10 miles north.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at George W. Childs State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at George W. Childs State Park?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for George W. Childs State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
