July 20, 2021 – Delaware Township, Pennsylvania
Issue: Simple
Size: Roughly 2 miles
Max elevation: 835 ft.– complete elevation acquire roughly 275 ft.
Route kind: Out and again
Purchase Map: *New 2021* Delaware Water Hole & Kittatinny Trails Map
Avenza App Map: 2021 – Delaware Water Hole & Kittatinny North #122
Trailhead parking: Hornbecks Path – Emery Highway, Delaware Township, PA 18328
No bogs on website – restricted roadside parking
Please observe: Waterfall situations are dynamic, altering with climate and seasons. Keep on the path when attainable and be cautious of your environment, like slippery or rocky terrain, fast paced water, or steep drops.
Overview:
The Delaware Water Hole Nationwide Recreation Space (DWGNRA) straddles a stretch of the Delaware River on the New Jersey and Pennsylvania border. It encompasses forested mountains, grassy seashores and the Delaware Water Hole, which slices by way of the Kittatinny Ridge. The DWGNRA encompasses greater than 70,000 acres and has over 150 miles of trails.
Delaware Water Hole Nationwide Recreation Space
The DWGNRA is on the jap fringe of the Pocono Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the place 40 miles of the Delaware River runs briskly between excessive bluffs and forested shores. There’s nearly nowhere with a better focus of nice waterfalls than the Pocono Mountains. The area is dwelling to some really gorgeous waterfalls. A few of these waterfalls are positioned alongside well-established trails and are in style vacationer points of interest, whereas others are hidden away in relative obscurity. The waterfalls of Hornbecks Creek (which flows into the Delaware River) is perhaps the very best hidden gem within the Poconos, with its scenic cascades and deep gorge. Whereas it may not have the peak that the extra well-known waterfalls have, Indian Ladder Falls is one which shouldn’t be missed when climbing within the Delaware Water Hole Nationwide Recreation Space.
Indian Ladder Falls – Delaware Water Hole
Historical past:
Hornbecks Creek had an early grist mill on the base of the mountain by 1775. In 1870, Jacob Hornbeck purchased the property alongside the stream that finally took on his title. The creek cascades over stair-step layers of shale between two bigger drops. This gave the stream its Nineteenth-century title of Indian Ladders Creek. The title additionally utilized to a vacationer boarding home within the valley.
Trails Overview:
At one time Higher & Decrease Hornbecks Creek Trails had been one steady path from US Route 209 to Emery Highway. Resulting from extreme storm harm through the years, the center part alongside the steep gorge was closed by the Nationwide Park Service. That part of path within the gorge space has sloughed off and has brought on a hazardous situation. There are quite a few downed bushes blocking the path alongside the steep hillside. The closed part ought to be prevented and as an alternative the path could be accessed from separate trailheads on US Route 209 and Emery Highway.
Please Be aware: On some apps and path maps, the Higher and Decrease Hornbecks Creek Path are proven as one steady path. The closed part of the path doesn’t seem to have any indicators, however it’s harmful and shouldn’t be tried.
Hike Overview:
Every week earlier we visited the Decrease Hornbecks Creek Path and afterwards got here as much as the higher part as properly. We ended up strolling on the unsuitable facet of the creek on one other unmarked path, pondering we had been on the Higher Hornbecks Creek Path. Though we obtained view of one of many higher falls, it was not the path that we had been looking for. We returned the next week and obtained it proper.
This quick path though comparatively simple to observe, is unmarked and is intersected by a number of different trails. Staying near the creek is the apparent plan of action, as a result of in spite of everything you might be seeking out a waterfall. Utilizing the Avenza Maps app is an effective selection for this hike as a result of it’s going to hold you on the suitable path. With that being stated, This quick out and again hike begins out comparatively degree then descends steeply to the bottom of a powerful waterfall the place you might wish to spend a while having fun with the cascading water. Remember that the quantity of water varies all year long and the very best occasions for viewing most waterfalls are throughout the Spring thaw and after heavy or extended rainfall.
The Hike:
The hike begins on Emery Highway, on the jap facet of Hornbecks Creek the place there may be pull-off parking for about 3-4 automobiles on the south facet of the highway. Stroll west alongside the highway, crossing the highway bridge over Hornbecks Creek. There’s extra parking out there on the opposite facet of the bridge, nearer to the precise trailhead. You might even see a footpath on the left (south) after crossing the highway bridge. That may be a fisherman’s path that runs near the creek, however ends a brief distance in. Proceed a little bit farther up Emery Highway till you see a wider opening with a kiosk to the left (south).
Emery Highway – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Emery Highway
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Emery Highway
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Emery Highway
Proceed previous the signal and head south on the unmarked, however properly worn path, with Hornbecks Creek down beneath on the left. As you stroll alongside the path, there are some spots that let you view some engaging cascades. Care ought to be taken for those who select to do that as there are steep drop offs and a number of the floor could be unstable and rocks slippery.
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Alongside the best way there are strategically positioned benches for those who select to take a break.
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Once you attain a fork within the path, go left to succeed in the waterfall. The path is bordered by logs which helps to information the best way. The path will result in a set of steep stairs with metallic handrails (at all times verify any handrails for durability earlier than leaning on them). Comply with the steps all the way down to the bottom of the waterfall and you may be rewarded to your effort.
Flip left on the fork
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Indian Ladder Falls, the unofficial title, is a 35-40 ft. tall waterfall and about 75 ft huge at its base and is described as a Veiling Horsetail waterfall. In the course of the Spring thaw and after extended and/or heavy rain, the quantity of water is rather more spectacular.
Indian Ladder Falls – Delaware Water Hole
The Higher Hornbecks Creek Path continues downstream, climbing the hillside and ends at a junction with the Inexperienced Connector Path that leads into the Pocono Environmental Schooling Middle (PEEC), one other excellent spot to go to.
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
That is the top of the Higher Hornbecks Creek Path. Hikers mustn’t transcend this level. To achieve the Decrease Hornbecks Creek Path, return to your automobile and drive to the opposite trailhead on U.S. Route 209.
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
If you need to increase the hike, you may enter Pocono Environmental Schooling Middle (PEEC) using this path.
Connector Path for PEEC
Retrace your steps again to Indian Ladders Falls, climb the picket steps, flip proper on the junction and head north again to Emery Highway.
Indian Ladder Falls – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Emery Highway
Flip proper on Emery Highway and return to your automobile.
Emery Highway – Delaware Water Hole
The unmarked path begins on the jap facet of Hornbecks Creek. It’s a quick hike to a pretty waterfall that may’t be safely seen from the Higher Hornbecks Creek Path.
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
The path begins at a slender opening by the top of the guardrail within the small parking space. It might get overgrown in the summertime and turns into onerous to see. For those who undergo the slender opening, it quickly results in a large path which is straightforward to observe.
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Though the path is straightforward to observe, there are quite a few blowdowns alongside the best way that one has to navigate round. This space has been ravaged by storms lately and care ought to be taken the place there are leaning bushes or dangling branches (widowmakers).
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
There are some huge bushes alongside the path that seem like tons of of years previous.
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Quickly the path narrows, however in a brief distance comes out into an open space with a big keyhole view of one of many Higher Indian Ladder Falls.
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
After about 0.4-mile from the highway, this engaging 25 ft. waterfall comes into view. The unmarked path continues downstream, however that is so far as we went. If you’re completed exploring, retrace your steps again to Emery Highway.
Higher Indian Ladder Falls – Delaware Water Hole
Evaluate:
A pleasant quick hike on lesser traveled trails to lovely waterfalls and cascades. Undoubtedly price a day journey to the Delaware Water Hole that may be mixed with different trails within the space if that’s the case desired. For those who like waterfalls, that is the hike for you. Mix this hike with Decrease Hornbecks Creek Path for two quick hikes with nice payoffs.
Professionals:
Somewhat off the crushed path, scenic cascades and engaging waterfalls, Delaware Water Hole.
Cons:
None.
Take a hike!
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
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