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The Hornbecks Creek (Indian Ladders) area in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area holds a series of waterfalls including the roughly 35-40 foot main Indian Ladders Falls plus upper and lower drops. The trail system is split into upper and lower sections due to erosion.

Height
40 ft
Type
Tiered
Access
Moderate Hike
Trail
2.7 mi out-and-back
Elevation gain
193 ft
Best season
Spring
Land manager
National Park Service (Delaware Water Gap NRA)
Watercourse
Hornbecks Creek

Before you go

Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check National Park Service (Delaware Water Gap NRA) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indian Ladders Falls (Hornbecks Creek) drops about 40 feet. That makes it the 477th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 31% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.

The Hornbecks Creek (Indian Ladders) Trail reaches it about 2.7 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 193 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Dingmans Ferry. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with National Park Service (Delaware Water Gap NRA) for closures and current conditions.

Spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.

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