July 20, 2021 – Delaware Township, Pennsylvania
Issue: Simple
Size: Roughly 2 miles
Max elevation: 835 ft.– whole elevation achieve roughly 275 ft.
Route sort: 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 web site – restricted roadside parking
Please be aware: Waterfall situations are dynamic, altering with climate and seasons. Keep on the path when doable 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 means 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 japanese 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 the next focus of nice waterfalls than the Pocono Mountains. The area is house to some actually gorgeous waterfalls. A few of these waterfalls are positioned alongside well-established trails and are well-liked vacationer points of interest, whereas others are hidden away in relative obscurity. The waterfalls of Hornbecks Creek (which flows into the Delaware River) is likely to be the perfect 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 ultimately took on his identify. The creek cascades over stair-step layers of shale between two bigger drops. This gave the stream its Nineteenth-century identify of Indian Ladders Creek. The identify additionally utilized to a vacationer boarding home within the valley.
Trails Overview:
At one time Higher & Decrease Hornbecks Creek Trails have been one steady path from US Route 209 to Emery Highway. Attributable to extreme storm harm over time, 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 induced a hazardous situation. There are quite a few downed bushes blocking the path alongside the steep hillside. The closed part needs to be averted and as an alternative the path will be accessed from separate trailheads on US Route 209 and Emery Highway.
Please Observe: 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 aspect of the creek on one other unmarked path, considering we have been on the Higher Hornbecks Creek Path. Though we acquired an excellent view of one of many higher falls, it was not the path that we have been searching for. We returned the next week and acquired it proper.
This quick path though comparatively straightforward to comply with, is unmarked and is intersected by a number of different trails. Staying near the creek is the plain plan of action, as a result of in any case you might be seeking out a waterfall. Utilizing the Avenza Maps app is an effective alternative for this hike as a result of it is going to preserve you on the suitable path. With that being mentioned, This quick out and again hike begins out comparatively stage then descends steeply to the bottom of an impressive waterfall the place chances are you’ll need to spend a while having fun with the cascading water. Take into account that the amount of water varies all year long and the perfect 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 japanese aspect of Hornbecks Creek the place there may be pull-off parking for about 3-4 automobiles on the south aspect of the highway. Stroll west alongside the highway, crossing the highway bridge over Hornbecks Creek. There’s extra parking obtainable on the opposite aspect of the bridge, nearer to the precise trailhead. You might even see a footpath on the left (south) after crossing the highway bridge. That could be a fisherman’s path that runs near the creek, however ends a brief distance in. Proceed just a little 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 under on the left. As you stroll alongside the path, there are some spots that let you view some engaging cascades. Care needs to be taken in case you select to do that as there are steep drop offs and a few of the floor will 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 way in which there are strategically positioned benches in case you select to take a break.
Higher Hornbecks Creek Path – Delaware Water Hole
While 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 way in which. The path will result in a set of steep stairs with steel handrails (at all times test any handrails for durability earlier than leaning on them). Observe the steps right down to the bottom of the waterfall and you may be rewarded in 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 identify, is a 35-40 ft. tall waterfall and about 75 ft extensive at its base and is described as a Veiling Horsetail waterfall. Through the Spring thaw and after extended and/or heavy rain, the amount 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 Training Heart (PEEC), one other great 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 succeed in 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’ll be able to enter Pocono Environmental Training Heart (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 japanese aspect of Hornbecks Creek. It’s a quick hike to a gorgeous waterfall that may’t be safely considered from the Higher Hornbecks Creek Path.
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
The path begins at a slim opening by the top of the guardrail within the small parking space. It might probably get overgrown in the summertime and turns into exhausting to see. For those who undergo the slim opening, it quickly results in a large path which is simple to comply with.
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Unmarked path – Higher Hornbecks Creek
Though the path is simple to comply with, there are quite a few blowdowns alongside the way in which that one has to navigate round. This space has been ravaged by storms lately and care needs 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 large bushes alongside the path that seem like tons of of years outdated.
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 performed exploring, retrace your steps again to Emery Highway.
Higher Indian Ladder Falls – Delaware Water Hole
Overview:
A pleasant quick hike on lesser traveled trails to lovely waterfalls and cascades. Positively price a day journey to the Delaware Water Hole that may be mixed with different trails within the space in that 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:
Just a little off the overwhelmed 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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