Pocono Waterfalls – Pennsylvania Photography

Where to do Photography in Pennsylvania

POCONO WATERFALL INFORMATION

Update: The Mount Haven Resort has closed. One of our all-time favorite places. Good luck to the entire staff and family in the future.

The Pocono area is an excellent location for long-exposure waterfall photography. We also like this area for doing dark sky night photography. It’s not the darkest skies, but it’s pretty good. We stay at the Mount Haven Resort, which is right in the middle of the waterfall area when we go here. Update, the Resort has been sold. It is no longer a place for us to stay. It was one of our favorites. We will be searching for a new hotel in this area for a while.

Bushkill Falls is the prominent waterfall location in the Poconos area, but it is not ideal for bringing a tripod, and you will fight the crowds at this busy tourist attraction. We like the off-the-beaten-path waterfalls like this one to the right, where on a hot summer day, we only encountered about 10-12 humans in the park. (Pam steers clear of humans as much as she can)We also like the waterfalls that are not far from the parking lot. After all, we are photographers, not hikers. Don’t get us wrong; if the shot is out there and dynamic, we will hike to it, but we prefer to photograph— Not hiking. Six good waterfalls in the Mount Haven Resort area are not too far of a hike off the road. That’s why we like to stay at the Resort. It’s in the center of all of our waterfalls.

POCONO PENNSYLVANIA WATERFALLS

We traveled to this area several times to do Milky Way and waterfall photography.

You will pass by Raymondskill Falls on Raymondskill Road on your way to Mount Haven Resort and Restaurant. UPDATE: In 2017, Mount Haven Resort was sold and closed. :( When using your base camp at Mount Haven, your first waterfall is only a mile or two from your resort. Grey Towers is less than 15 minutes from the resort for an excellent tour and architectural photography.

You will want to photograph Dingman’s Falls. Two falls are located here by the visitor’s center. One year, they pointed out a nest of baby birds to us at 224 Dingmans Falls Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA (570) 828-2253

These long, thin waterfalls do not make the absolute best images but don’t pass up the experience of the beauty of nature here. Milford, PA, is right in the middle of it all.

Geographically, Milford is a town of many edges. It winds beside the Delaware River, hugging the New Jersey state line where it meets Pennsylvania and New York. It is in the foothills at the edge of the Pocono Mountains and adjoins the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.”

— New York Times,
Aug. 9, 2002

Join award-winning photographer Pamela Goodyer for this Poconos Waterfall Workshop Weekend. Click the image for details. Save Early Bird Registration Special.

CHILDS PARK

We traveled to the park before the renovations and did some photography. We met two men there seen in the picture. The man told me his friend was a famous boxer in his country. We wish we would have written down his name. If anyone knows who he is, please send us an email.

After spending three years and $2.9 million on a significant renovation, the National Park Service has re-opened the sublime Child’s Park to visitors. This is a top waterfall location in the area. 321 Silver Lake Rd. Delaware, Pa.

The park now includes accessible trails and picnic sites, new, modern-looking restrooms in the main parking lot, new stairways, and new overlooks from which to view the falls. There are a few falls here that can be viewed from different angles. Only a few people were here on the weekend; we needed more of them to get in the way of our long-exposure photography.

A rare sighting of renowned photographer Pamela Goodyer. (photo) The photo was taken by Mark (Pam’s camera) and a stranger. Yes, she, for the only time, let someone touch Mark. Mark is a 5D Mark III, hence the name Mark. He is now called Mark Jr. since she has a new addition, Mark Senior. They said he is a famous boxer in his country and we completely forgot his name. Our apologies. We did not write down the information. This was in the very beginning of our photography journey’s and we were unprepared. Send us an email if you know who these kind people are.

POCONO WATERFALL PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS

Breathtaking waterfall photography can be found in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Here is an insider’s guide to some of the best Pocono waterfall photography locations.

The Poconos offer some of the best waterfall photography locations in Pennsylvania. From the easy-to-access Minisink Falls to the more remote and difficult-to-reach Bushkill Falls, there are plenty of options for photographers of all skill levels. Here, we share one of our favorite Pocono waterfall photography locations and give you some tips on how to get the best shots. There are many different locations to choose from, each with its unique features. Here are just a few of the best Pocono waterfall photography locations:

BUSKILL FALLS:

Bushkill Falls is one of the most popular Pocono waterfall photography locations due to its easy accessibility and wide variety of photo opportunities. The falls are in a secluded wooded area. There are eight different falls to explore, each with its unique character. Bushkill Falls is also known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.” It is located in northeastern Pennsylvania near the Delaware Water Gap, a series of eight cascading waterfalls that drop 300 feet. The falls are surrounded by lush forests and wildlife, making it an excellent spot for hiking and nature observation. There are many people here all the time, and getting your tripod set up is hard, but it can be done.

DINGMANS FALLS:

Dingman’s Falls is another excellent option for waterfall photography in the Pocono Mountains. The falls are remote, so you must hike to reach them. However, the effort is well worth it as the falls provide some of the most stunning views in the area. There are three levels to explore, each with its cascading waterfalls.

Dingmans Falls Dingmans Falls is in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, and is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The 130-foot waterfall is considered one of Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfalls. It is a popular tourist attraction and offers a scenic hiking trail that leads visitors to the base of the falls.

CHILDS PARK:

The park is located in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, and is home to three stunning waterfalls – Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls. Factory Falls is the largest of the three, standing 18 feet tall. It gets its name from the old woolen mill that operated nearby. Fulmer

Falls is a smaller waterfall that drops about 14 feet and is named after an early settler in the area. Deer Leap Falls is difficult to access, but it’s worth the effort. It drops about 15 feet into a deep pool and is surrounded by beautiful rock formations.

RAYMONDSKILL FALLS:

Raymondskill Falls is a series of three cascading waterfalls located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The tallest of the three drops about 150 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. The falls are easily accessible via a short hiking trail, making them a popular destination for photographers who want to experience the beauty of the Pocono Mountains and photograph waterfalls.

GLEN ONOKO FALLS:

This hike is CURRENTLY CLOSED! It is in Lehigh Gorge State Park in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The waterfall is about 25 feet tall and surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations, making it a popular spot for photographers. The Glen Onoko Creek, which flows through the park and eventually joins the Lehigh River, feeds the waterfall.

Beware: Glen Onoko Falls has been the site of several accidents and fatalities over the years, primarily due to visitors attempting to climb the slippery rocks or swim in the pool at the base of the falls.

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH WATERFALLS

One of the great things about Pocono Waterfalls is that they offer a variety of photographic opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a scenic landscape or a close-up of the cascading water, there’s a spot for you. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your Pocono waterfall photography.

1. GET THERE EARLY

The best light for photography is typically in the early morning or late afternoon. Getting to your location before sunrise or staying until after sunset will give you the best chance for dramatic lighting and shadows.

2. SCOUT THE AREA

Once you arrive at your waterfall, take some time to walk around and find the best vantage point. Consider the direction of the sun and how it will affect your shot. Also, look for interesting foreground elements that can add depth to your photo.

3. USE A TRIPOD AND NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTER.

Waterfalls are long exposure shots, so a tripod will help prevent camera shake and ensure sharp images.

4. USE THE LOWEST SHUTTER SPEED POSSIBLE.

Slower shutter speeds will result in silky, smooth water, while faster shutter speeds will freeze the action and create more dramatic images. Our images with a silky look are usually between 1 and 3 seconds. You must use a neutral density filter to block out light and get a slower shutter speed to get the silky water effect.

SEE THE LINK BELOW TO OUR HOW-TO PAGE and CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT ND FILTERS FOR WATERFALL PHOTOGRAPHY.

BEST TIME TO GO

We like the fall with its brilliant colors and the Milky Way, which is visible in October. Weekdays are best when it is slightly offseason. This is a tourist town, so be prepared for people, especially at Bushkill Falls. Remember, this Milky Way is a dark sky area, so you might want to plan your trip around a new moon or the week before Way Milky Way week.

HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH

You can spend at least a day here to hit all of the locations, but planning for two days will keep you from rushing.

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING

The most important are tripod, neutral density filters, shutter release, and wide-angle lenses.

WHAT ESLE TO BRING

Hiking boots, bug spray, organic sunscreen.

HOW TO GET THERE

Directions to Raymond Skill Falls:

Nestled in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Raymondskill Falls is a popular destination just south of Milford, Pennsylvania. The falls can be accessed via a parking area. A relatively easy walk from the parking lot will lead you to the top of the falls, while reaching the second viewing area may require more effort and caution. For safety reasons, it is not recommended to venture beyond these designated areas as the trails become narrow and slippery, posing a higher risk for injuries.

Directions to George W. Childs Park:

Note: The park is closed and scheduled to reopen in early 2024. Please refrain from visiting until it has reopened to the public.

George W. Childs Park is in the northern portion of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a few miles south of Milford in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

Directions to Dingmans Falls:

The trailhead is conveniently located just a short distance off Route 209, the main highway that runs through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It’s easy to find and access from there.

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY NEARBY

Nestled in Milford, Grey Towers is a historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Pinchot family. This stunning summer home was built in 1886 for James and Mary Pinchot, parents of Gifford Pinchot, who served as the 28th Governor of Pennsylvania and the first chief of the United States Forest Service. Designed by renowned architect Robert Morris Hunt, Grey Towers reflects the family’s French heritage. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion and garden or explore the grounds anytime.

CAMERA SETTINGS FOR WATERFALLS

MANUAL MODE

You can do your long-exposure running and milky water shots here. For this effect, you must use a tripod, shoot in manual mode, and use a neutral density filter. Your settings will vary depending on the lighting and the strength of your neutral density filter.

ISO is always 100 or as low as your camera will allow. The aperture is f22 or the highest number your camera allows. Your shutter speed will vary depending on the light. After putting your neutral density filter on, take some test shots to decide your shutter speed. (It’s like sunglasses for your camera to stop light from coming in).

Use your shutter release or your 2-second timer also to prevent camera movement. Voila. You now have your milky water exposure. You will want at least a 5-second exposure for water. (If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you may not get over 1/15th of a second in the sun. That does not give you a good effect). Go to our store to buy your ND filter. We like a 3.0 for super long exposure in the daytime, and we have a ten-stop filter for bright sunny days.