Tumbling Waters Trail

The Tumbling Waters Trail at PEEC was designated Pennsylvania’s best trail in 2019 by Outside Magazine.

This three-mile loop features a variety of vegetation, two ponds, and two beautiful waterfalls. Even better, this trail is lightly trafficked relative to many in the area, giving visitors a bit more peace and quiet even during the busy season.

The Tumbling Waters Trail at the Pocono Environmental Education Center is 3 miles long and marked by bright orange blazes. The trailhead is located across from Lodge A at PEEC. PEEC’s trails are open daily, year-round from dawn to dusk. Trail guides are available online and at the main building.

You should give yourself about two hours to complete it. Dogs are allowed, keep ’em on a leash.

The trail winds its way through several diverse habitats that are characteristic of the Pocono region, such as hemlock ravines, upland-mixed oak forests, and pine plantations. Other highlights include a scenic vista overlooking the Delaware River Valley and a waterfall in a shaded hemlock ravine.

The numbered markers along the trail correspond to the entries in this guide. These explanations will give you a glimpse into both the natural and human history of this beautiful area. While hiking, please respect the environment, pay attention to your presence in the woods, and as always, practice Leave No Trace hiking ethics.

Trailhead Location: directions to Tumbling Waters trailhead; across from group lodges A & B at the Pocono Environmental Educational Center (PEEC)
Restrictions: Swimming and wading are not permitted within 50 feet upstream of a waterfall or in the waterfall itself

This trail has it all – an overlook of the Delaware River Valley, Tumbling Waters waterfall, remnants of farms, hemlock forest, mixed forest, a pine plantation, and two ponds. Over nine miles of trail can be connected together in the PEEC area to fill the entire day.

“A beautiful loop trail on the way out. Hiking poles are helpful for the steep spots if you have joint issues. The falls are lovely and tranquil creating an occasional cool vortex in the valley. The near cliff wall is lush with mountain laurel. The loopback is rather plain aside from some nice patches of pine and hemlock forest.”

“My husband and I visited PEEC on October 12, 2012. It was a wise decision! We hiked the Tumbling Waters trail and saw the impressive waterfall. Don’t underestimate the difficulty of hiking down and up the steep “steps” to see the waterfall–we are used to this, but if you don’t hike regularly you will find this part challenging, The rest of the hike isn’t that difficult, but do wear hiking shoes because there are some slippery and steep parts to this hike. The entire hike is scenic and the views and ecosystem change with each mile hiked.”