Where is the Hackers Falls trailhead?

The Hackers Falls trailhead is across the street from the Raymondskill Lower Lot on Raymondskill Road in Milford, PA.

Is there parking at Hackers Falls?

Yes, there are two parking lots nearby. One is directly across from the trailhead, and the other is a minute up the road. Both are shared with Raymondskill Falls and fill up quickly.

When is the best time to hike Hackers Falls?

It's best to start early in the morning, close to sunrise, to avoid crowds and secure parking. Weekends can get especially busy.

Do I need any special gear to hike Hackers Falls?

No special gear is required. Trail runners or sneakers with good grip are ideal, and it’s smart to bring water, snacks, and insect repellant.

Can I swim at Hackers Falls?

No, swimming and cooking are not allowed at Hackers Falls.

What kind of hike is the Hackers Falls and Cliff Trail Loop?

It’s a moderate loop hike that includes a waterfall, scenic pond, views into three states, and quiet forest paths. There are some ups and downs, but no big climbs.

Is there cell service on the trail?

Most of the trail has cellular reception, so you can dial 911 in an emergency.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, there are bathrooms at the main Raymondskill parking lot and a toilet at the Cliff Park parking area along the loop.

PLAY VIDEO

Hackers Falls Hike Guide

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated November 9, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 3.3 miles
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Total Climbing: 600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: Leashed
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

This Hackers Falls hike gives you a little bit of everything: a classic waterfall, views into 3 states from the Cliffside Trail, a scenic pond, and quiet forest paths away from the crowds. It's a classic Delaware Water Gap hike that not only shows you Hackers Falls, but also the hidden gems that most others miss. And it's not even that hard!

Where is Hackers Falls?

Hackers Falls Location — Hackers Falls is in the north of the Delaware Water Gap, close to Milford, PA.

Trailhead Address:

Raymondskill Lower Lot,Raymondskill Rd, Milford, PA 18337

Fees:

Free!

Hackers Falls Parking — There are two parking lots, one is directly across from the trailhead, the other is a minute up the road.

Hackers Falls shares the parking lot with Raymondskill Falls, which is extremely popular. I'd recommend starting the hike very early in the morning (as close to sunrise as possible) to avoid the crowds and get a spot. There's no parking on the narrow road, so if you can't find a spot, you just have to wait for one to open.

Hackers Falls Hike Parking Lot 1 — Here's the lower parking lot (1).

Hackers Falls Hike Parking Lot 2 — And the main Raymondskill parking lot (2) that also has bathrooms.

Gear Recommendations

Hackers Falls Hike Gear — Bring a small backpack with the essentials like snacks, water, and an extra layer in case the weather changes.

You're best served by trail runners or sneakers with a good grip.
Hiking clothes are best but if you don't have that, fitness gear works well.
Ticks and bugs are a thing here. Wear insect repellant.
Most of this hike has cellular reception, dial 911 if you get into trouble.
Bring at least 0.5L of water. If you want to drink or refill from the creek or other water sources, the water needs to be filtered.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Reliable SOS Everywhere on Earth
Sawyer + CNOC Water Filter: Easy & Reliable Safe Water
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp: Running late? Get home safe
Altra Olympus 275: Favorite trail shoes right now, no blisters and very comfy.
AllTrails Plus (30% off): Offline maps on your phone with the Plus level
Full November 2025 Gear List →

Hackers Falls Trail Maps

Hackers Falls Hike Marker — Most of this hike is well-marked with blazes like this (for Hackers Trail) and signs.

Here's the plan for this hike:

We'll hike to Hackers Falls first.
Then we'll hike up to a scenic pond on our way to the Cliff Trail
We'll return on the Cliff Trail with epic views into 3 states

Hackers Falls Hike 3d Map — We'll do the loop clockwise. There are some ups and downs, but no big mountain climbs.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Hackers Falls Hike Directions

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 1 — Shortly after the start there's a split. Make the left to head toward Hackers Falls. We'll be coming back on the Cliff Trail to the right at the end of the hike.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 4 — At the top of the hill look for the trail to the left.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 5 — After a short looping stretch on the last trail, make the next left and hike downhill.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 6 — You'll see Hackers Falls come into view as you hike above Raymondskill Creek.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 7 — And here's Hackers Falls, one of the rare fan-shaped waterfalls at Delaware Water Gap.

There's no swimming or cooking at Hackers Falls, although these folks didn't get the memo.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 8 — Continue past the falls, at the junction stay straight/right.

These trails used to be part of the historic Cliff Park Resort. The National Park Service purchased the land in 2003, improved the trails, and opened the 8 connecting trails to the public in 2010.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 9 — Bear right at the first junction.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 10 — At about 1.25 miles, make the left onto the Buchanan Trail.

The Buchanan Trail is named after the Buchanan family who first settled here in 1803.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 11 — When you get to the Cliff Park parking lot, go straight through.

There's a toilet at the Cliff Park parking area.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 12 — Go straight through the other side of the parking lot.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 13 — Go straight past the pond.

When you pass the pond, on your left you'll see a golf course. It's the 9-hole Cliff Park course, opened in 1913 as the second public golf course in the country and the first to allow women to play.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 14 — Once you've hiked around the pond, make the left turn and climb.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 15 — Then at the intersection of the Cliff Trail, make the right. We'll be taking the Cliff Trail all the way back to the start.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 16 — The trail is wide and easy to follow.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 20 — You'll notice unofficial smaller trails between the official Cliff Trail and the actual cliff. These are officially closed.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 17 — There are few viewpoints where you can see down to the Delaware River, NJ, and NY.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 18 — Stay straight on the Cliff Trail. Don't turn at any intersections.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 19 — At about 2.7 the Loggers Path comes in from the right. Stay straight on the Cliff Trail.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 21 — You'll descend and then cross a bridge.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 22 — Then come to the first intersection we encountered at the start of the hike. Make the left.

Hackers Falls Hike Directions 23 — And then we're back at the trailhead, and that's the hike!

Originally published July 23, 2025

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