Centuries of Natural History
High in the uplands of the
Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, streams of crystal
pure water bubble up through rifts in primeval rock. These are the
headwaters of Bushkill Creek, a great marsh alive with the call of
wild birds.
As the waters begin their descent toward the Delaware River far
below, they move ever faster toward Bushkill Falls, rushing over
Pennell Falls, then between rocky walls through the Upper Canyon
and Laurel Glen.
Suddenly the stream drops over the edge of a 100-foot cliff, the
majestic Main Falls. From the deep pool at the bottom, banked by
ferns, mosses, and wild flowers, the creek now drops another
seventy feet through a long and spectacular gorge strewn with
gigantic boulders. Trails and bridges lace the area, affording
splendid views.
Nature hikers are enthusiastic about the walk to the Bridal Veil
Falls. Here you will follow a nice trail by the Pond Run stream.
The stream soon flows into the Little Bushkill where the mountain
path leads deep into the forest. Spring-fed waters tumble down the
mountainside in a series of three lovely falls, so misty in their
appearance they are named for brides of love.
Charles E. Peters first opened Bushkill Falls to the public in
1904, with a single path and a swinging bridge over the head of the
main falls. Bushkill Falls is still owned by the Peters family.