This article is classified "Real"
There are a great many places on this planet which contain more than
their share of natural beauty. One of these can be found just south of
the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area in Pennsylvania. In the small town of
Bushkill, PA, there is a reasonably large concentration of reasonably
impressive waterfalls, set aside picturesque woods and pathways. The
overall effect is stunning. And although the falls are not quite as big
as Niagara Falls, one gets the impression that the overall atmosphere is
quite a bit more romantic. This balance between size, beauty, and
romance has earned Bushkill Falls (as it is naturally enough known) the
name "The Niagara of Pennsylvania."
The length of the path you take depends on what specific waterfalls you
wish to see, how much time you have, and how much walking you wish to do.
The first of the falls is pretty close to the entrance and is worth the
trip itself. Or, one can walk for hours along the longer paths and not
be disappointed.
The longer trails are especially nice if you are walking with someone
you would like to get to know (or, someone you already know well, and
just wish to talk with). The falls are exceptionally relaxing and
conducive to conversation.
Outside the falls are a number of shops where rather nice souvenirs can
be bought. There is a cafeteria where one may purchase standard cafeteria
items, a small exhibit of stuffed versions of the local wildlife, and an
ice cream/funnel cake/fudge shop of special note. Although I have yet to
try the funnel cake, the ice cream was quite good and the fudge is of
exceptional quality. All fudge is made on the premises, and you can watch
it being made at posted times.
In addition, there is also a miniature golf course if your tendencies are
toward miniature golf, and areas for fishing and paddle boating. The
paddle boats are interesting creations which have the ability of splashing
water on the back of your legs whenever you are travelling forward
(traveling backwards eliminates the splashing). Thus, it acts as a
cooling effect in summer and as another conversation opener in spring and
fall ("Oh, did you get your pants wet too?")
DIRECTIONS FROM SCRANTON, PA TO BUSHKILL FALLS:
1) Take Route 81 South to the junction of Route 81 South and
Route 380 East.
2) Follow Route 380 East until the junction with Route 80 East.
3) Follow Route 80 East until it suddenly becomes 209 North around
Stroudsburg.
4) Follow the signs on 209 North until you reach Bushkill Falls.
NOTE: For some reason the first 3 or 4 signs on Route 209 North claim that
the falls are 8 miles away. Obviously this is not the case, because signs
are not that close together. It was probably either an oversight or a
deliberate move to keep the admission price down. Either way, don't watch
the odometer that closely, and enjoy your day.
DIRECTIONS FROM SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN SCRANTON, PA TO BUSHKILL FALLS:
1) Go to Scranton, PA.
2) Follow the directions from Scranton, PA to Bushkill Falls.