There are many fantastic waterfall trails in the Delaware Water Gap, including the George W Childs Park waterfall trail in Dingmans Ferry, PA.
Less than two miles long, the trail loops around three waterfalls, offering visitors varied views of each. The trail is accessible at the start to the first overlook, but then turns into a typical dirt trail with stairs, rocks, and roots to work around.
We love a multi-waterfall trail, and this one is definitely worth checking out if you’re visiting northeastern PA. Continue reading for the full trail guide and everything you need to know before your visit.
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A Brief History of This Beautiful Waterfall Trail in the Delaware Water Gap
In the early 1800s, the Brooks family established a woolen mill, using the water flow from Factory Falls to power the mill. The mill closed in 1832.
George W. Childs purchased the land in 1892 with the intent to design a public park that everyone could enjoy. In 1912, the park was deeded to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Civilian Conservation Corps, which provided work opportunities to unemployed men during the Great Depression, built the pavilion near Fulmer Falls.
Eventually, in 1983, the park became part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Prepare For Your Hike at George W Childs Park
Seasonal Closures
The parking lot at George W Childs Park is closed from January 2nd (or the first significant snowfall) until April 15th. The NPS website will have the most accurate information about trail closures.
Day-Use Fees
As of publication, the National Park Service does not charge an entry fee for the Delaware Water Gap.
Parking
There is a small lot that holds about 30 cars at George W Childs Park.
Amenities
There are multiple vault toilets at the parking lot.
Picnicking is not allowed at the park, so there are no picnic tables.
Pets
Dogs are NOT allowed on the trails at George W Childs Park
Wildlife
Pennsylvania is home to many kinds of animals, including black bears and poisonous snakes. Always be mindful of your surroundings and watch out for wildlife.
Cell Service
Cell service is spotty along the trail
Map
Download a map of the trail before your visit.
Accessible Trail
A portion of the trail is accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers. The trail is mostly paved, but some sections are crushed gravel.
The trail leads to the first overlook of Factory Falls. You can also cross the bridge before Factory Falls for some additional accessible trail. However, the majority of the trail is NOT accessible because it has several sets of stairs.
No Swimming/Wading
Swimming and wading are not allowed at George W Childs Park.
Be Prepared
It’s always a good idea to have your hiking essentials with you, no matter how “easy” the trail appears to be.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this area, respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hike the Waterfall Trail at George W Childs Park in the Delaware Water Gap
| Trail Location: | The trail begins in between the two bathrooms at the parking lot. |
| Trail Length: | 1.75 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate due to the number of stairs along the trail. |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 100 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | No |
Starting Off
The trailhead is between the two bathroom buildings at the end of the parking lot. The first 1/3 mile of the trail is paved and leads to a fork. You can either go left and cross the bridge over Dingmans Creek or continue straight to the first overlook.
We chose to do the trail counterclockwise, which meant we didn’t cross the bridge. I’m glad we did this, as we saved the best views of the waterfalls for the way back, which made climbing up those stairs feel a little easier!
Overlook 1 (Factory Falls)
The Factory Falls Overlook is the last accessible trail section on the southern side of Dingmans Creek. While the view is pretty, you don’t get to see the entire waterfall, really only the top level of the multi-tiered falls.
Continuing to Fulmer Falls
After Overlook 1, the trail turns into your typical dirt trail with several rocks and roots to navigate. You’ll also encounter several sets of stairs.
As you approach Fulmer Falls, there is another platform overlook (not marked on the map), where you can see a bit of the top of the falls. The best view is coming up, though.
After descending the steps, you’ll cross a bridge over Dingmans Creek, where you’ll start to get a better view of Fulmer Falls, the tallest waterfall at George W Childs Park.
To get the best view of the 56-foot tall waterfall, you’ll want to climb halfway up the steps.
On to Deer Leap Falls
At the top of the steps near Fulmer Falls, you’ll have the option to turn left or right. If you turn left, you’ll cut the trail short, and you won’t see Deer Leap Falls.
We turned right, because we wanted to see all of the waterfalls on the George W Childs Park trail.
Follow the trail for about 1/10 of a mile, and you’re presented with another choice: left or right. Both directions will lead you to Deer Leap Falls. We went right, allowing us to cross the footbridge over Deer Leap Falls before descending down to see the beautiful 30-foot-tall waterfall.
At the bottom of the falls, there is a large, shallow pool. Remember, wading and swimming are prohibited at George W Childs Park.
Making Your Way Back
Head up the steps and follow the trail back to Fulmer Falls. At the intersection, stay straight (going back down the stairs will have you miss two good waterfall views!).
Overlook 3 (Fulmer Falls)
As you continue along the trail, stop at the overlook for Fulmer Falls. Although the view from the steps lets you see the full waterfall, this overlook brings you closer to the flowing water.
Best View of Factory Falls
Follow the trail towards Factory Falls. First, you’ll walk through the old Civilian Conservation Corps pavilion. It’s a gorgeous view as it frames Factory Falls.
After the pavilion, you can walk on the rocks to get a closer view.
Back to the Parking Lot
After Factory Falls, you can see some of the ruins of the mills that were in the area. Stop at the last overlook of Factory Falls and then continue on the paved trail back to the parking lot.
Other Waterfall Hikes in the Delaware Water Gap
There are so many incredible waterfalls to see in the Delaware Water Gap (and nearby). You can see Pennsylvania’s two tallest waterfalls (Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls) and also Hackers Falls along Hackers Trail. They are all about a 10-minute drive from George W Childs Park.
One of the most popular waterfalls in the area falls just outside of the NPS property. Bushkill Falls features eight different waterfalls along multiple trails. There is a fee to visit the park, but it’s worth it!
George W Childs Park Waterfall Trail Wrap-Up
The waterfall trail at George W Childs Park in the Delaware Water Gap is a beautiful, moderately easy trail that is perfect for families or anyone looking for a shorter trail. Although it is considered popular, we visited on a Monday in the summer and found the trail almost empty. It was such a nice, peaceful way to enjoy this area of northeastern Pennsylvania.
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