Bushkill Falls Brings Niagara Close To Home

Why are we as humans so attracted to water? The sound, the feel, the look. Put me near a water feature, no matter how tiny or artificial – we’re talking mall fountain or backyard koi pond – and I can instantly feel my stress level lower. It’s a trait I believe most of us share.

So it’s no wonder that Niagara Falls remains a popular vacation destination, even after it became associated with kitsch and casinos than a place of spiritual awakening, as it once was.

I, too, fantasize about masquerading as a 1970s honeymooner, Polaroid camera and hubby in tow, savoring the whir of the falls, the mist on my face and the sense of wonder that comes with communing so closely with nature. 

Well, Niagara is about 350 miles away – a wee bit too far for a day trip. So instead, I encourage you, fellow hydrophiles, to set your navigation systems north, to Bushkill Falls, the so-called “Niagara of Pennsylvania.”

Ranked among the Keystone State’s premier natural attractions, Bushkill Falls is a series of eight waterfalls, tucked away in a sleepy area of the Pocono Mountains. The park has been open to the public since 1904, when Charles E. Peters forged a single path and a swinging bridge over the head of the main falls. The park is still owned by the Peters family.

You ready? Let’s do this.

Lace up your hiking boots and explore all the trails Bushkill has to offer. The green trail, the easiest, will take you straight to the 100-foot-high main attraction in about 15 minutes; whereas the red trail, which spans almost two miles and all eight falls, can take more than two hours.

With names like “Bridal Veil Falls” and “Bridesmaid’s Falls,” it’s easy to get swept away in the aquatic whimsy of it all.

Obviously, a full picnic basket is an ideal addition to your falls experience, but if you don’t feel like packing (or carrying) lunch, no worries. Trek down to the visitors center and tuck into the specials of the day. May I also recommend a stopover in the Fudge Kitchen and/or Ice Cream Parlor? What’s an escape without a bit of sweetness? And the best part? No guilt! You know you’ll walk off every calorie.

So, go, water babies. Hike. Admire. Play.

Escape begins: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., daily through the end of July.

Where: Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill, PA

Cost: $11; $10 seniors; $6 for children 4-10; Free for children under 3. Learn more at www.visitbushkillfalls.com