Promised Land State Park is a popular camping and swimming destination in northeastern PA. However, the park also has over 50 miles of hiking trails! Little Falls Trail is probably the most popular trail at Promised Land State Park, since it is family-friendly and just under one mile long.
If you’re visiting the park and are interested in checking out the Little Falls Trail, the guide below has everything you need to know!
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Prepare For Your Hike to Little Falls at Promised Land
Parking
There is a small area near the trailhead that holds about 10 cars
Amenities
There are no toilets at the Little Falls trailhead. However, to get to the trailhead, you’ll pass the park’s Visitor Center, which has modern flush toilets.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Little Falls Trail.
Wildlife
Pennsylvania is home to many kinds of animals, including black bears and poisonous snakes. Always be mindful of your surroundings and stay away from the wildlife.
Cell Service
Cell service is spotty along the trail
Map
Download a map of the trail before your visit.
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 to Little Falls Trail at Promised Land State Park
| Trail Location: | The trail begins across the street from the parking area on Lower Lake Road. |
| Trail Length: | 1 mile |
| Trail Difficulty: | Easy |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 71 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Starting the Trail
The trailhead for Little Falls is just across the street from the parking area on Lower Lake Road.
Walk a short path to a dead end and make a left, following the signs to Little Falls.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
The trail to Little Falls is a loop. You can go clockwise or counterclockwise and either way, Little Falls is about a half-way through the loop.
You’ll make that choice at the footbridge. Either turn right and follow the blazes before you cross, or cross the bridge and then turn right.
We chose to cross the footbridge and complete the trail clockwise.
Along the Trail
The trail to Little Falls is relatively easy, though it is not flat. You’ll encounter multiple obstacles of rocks and roots along the path.
It’s a beautiful trail as it follows the East Branch of Wallenpaupack Creek the entire way. Plus, with several rhododendron and mountain laurel plants, the trail is sure to show off green year-round.
Make a Longer Trail
As you approach the footbridge to cross Wallenpaupack Creek right by Little Falls, you’ll see Blue Blazes on the trees and a sign stating it is the end of Little Falls Trail. That isn’t totally true, as the trail continues across the footbridge.
However, if you do not cross the bridge, you can continue along the West Branch Wallenpaupack Trail. If you follow that almost a mile, you can ford the creek to get to the other side before returning.
However, to keep the trail easy and just a mile long, you’ll want to cross the footbridge here.
At Little Falls
Crossing the bridge and just after you’ll have a great view of Little Falls. The waterfall lives up to its name, as it is only about 8-10 feet tall. However, it is still beautiful to see and a relaxing spot to take in the view.
Continue Back
After enjoying the falls, make a right and follow the Yellow Blazes back to the first footbridge. This part of the trail is similar to other side, where you’ll encounter lots of rocks and roots, but the trail is overall pretty easy.
Once you’ve reached the bridge, make a left and follow the short spur back to the parking area.
Other Hikes at Promised Land State Park
There are over 50 miles of hiking trails at Promised Land State Park, so you have plenty of options to choose from. Many of them are shared-use trails, so you may encounter mountain bikers or horseback riders while on the trail. Also, most of them are rated Easy on AllTrails.
Before visiting Promised Land State Park, we stopped at George W. Childs Park, which is about 30 minutes away. It’s a short, less-than-2-mile waterfall loop in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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