Little Shickshinny Creek Falls

Tucked into the forested hills of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Little Shickshinny Creek Falls is one of those rare spots that feels like a local secret — the kind of place passed down between friends and generations of swimmers who grew up in the Wyoming Valley. Fed by the cool, clear waters of Little Shickshinny Creek and situated within State Game Lands 260, this unofficial swimming hole rewards those willing to make the short trek through the woods with a refreshing natural escape that's genuinely hard to forget.

The Setting and Landscape

The trail to the falls stretches roughly half a mile, winding through a dense second-growth forest where sunlight filters through the canopy in shifting patterns. The terrain is uneven in places — roots, rocks, and soft earth underfoot — so sturdy footwear is a must. As you descend toward the creek, the sound of moving water grows steadily louder, building anticipation before the falls finally come into view. The waterfall itself cascades into a series of clear, shallow pools with varying depths, framed by mossy boulders and overhanging tree branches. In summer, the canopy offers welcome shade; in autumn, the surrounding hillsides ignite in golds, oranges, and deep reds, transforming the entire hollow into a photographer's dream. Spring brings rushing water and wildflowers pushing up through the leaf litter, making every season here feel distinct and worth experiencing.

Swimming and the Rope Swing

The water running through Little Shickshinny Creek is the kind of cold that shocks you awake in the best possible way — clean, moving, and drawn straight from the forested watershed above. The pools vary in depth, offering options for cautious waders and more adventurous swimmers alike. The undisputed centerpiece, though, is the rope swing. Hanging from one of the sturdy trees along the bank, it draws shouts and splashes all summer long, giving the spot an energy that's equal parts childhood nostalgia and genuine thrill. This is an unofficial, unsanctioned site with no lifeguards or safety staff on duty, so swimmers should assess conditions carefully and exercise their own judgment, especially with younger visitors or after heavy rainfall when water levels and currents may change.

Plan Your Visit

Little Shickshinny Creek Falls is free to visit, though facilities on site are unknown, so come prepared — bring your own water, snacks, a towel, and anything else you'll need. The best time to swim is summer, when temperatures are warm and water levels are manageable. Parking access follows State Game Lands protocols, so check current Pennsylvania Game Commission guidelines before heading out. The falls sit within easy reach of several nearby communities: Wilkes-Barre , the region's largest city, offers a full range of dining, lodging, and services about 10 miles to the east. The small borough of Sugar Notch lies even closer, and the riverside town of Shickshinny — from which the creek takes its name — sits just a short drive south along the Susquehanna. Whether you're making this a quick afternoon dip or the centerpiece of a longer Wyoming Valley adventure, Little Shickshinny Creek Falls delivers the kind of unpolished, genuine outdoor experience that's increasingly hard to find.

Little Shickshinny Creek Falls lies in the historic Wyoming Valley, an area rich with Native American and early settler heritage.

Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment to preserve the creek and surrounding wildlife.