Nature Escape: Bushkill Falls

Every season has its charm, but autumn is simply spectacular. To quote Nietzsche "Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature." The benevolent autumn sun, the crisp air and clear skies, the foliage shimmering in hues of yellow, orange and red, and a warm cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte for the road, what's not to love about this season?

Located in the Poconos Mountains on the edge of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in northeastern Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls has the region’s most popular waterfalls, and splendid fall foliage. This place is home to eight waterfalls, creeks and hiking trails. Although I had visited Bushkill Falls, for the first time, a few summers ago, this time around it seemed so different. Have you had that feeling you are seeing something for the first time even though you've seen it before? That’s how it was for me on this visit. The whole area was drenched in fall colors, just the kind of sensory stimulation I was hoping for as I took the most leisurely hike around the falls. The path comprised of wooded plank bridges, hugging to the cliff in some stretches, steps and trials, wind their way around the eight falls and river paths. The hiking trails are color-coded for easy navigation. I took the yellow trail, the most popular route, which led me to the Main Falls, the largest of the waterfalls at approximately 100 feet.

The weather was great, and I wanted to make the most of the outdoors before winter crept in. Less than two hours from Manhattan, New York, I knew this place would fit the bill— a place where I could spend a few hours amidst nature, walk along the rushing waters, and rest under the forest canopy, far away from the crowds and noise of the city.

Here are some photos, if you'd like to see...

Location: Bushkill Falls, PA

Photos: Maanasi & Sri