Raymondskill Falls, history that swirls around this picturesque creek.
The Battle of Conashaugh, a.k.a. the Battle of Raymondskill, which was a Revolutionary War era skirmish between settlers and Indians along the Raymondskill.
Just off Raymondskill Road is the Ramirez Solar house, which overlooks the creek. Built by architect Henry Wright Jr., it is considered the earliest example of a passive solar house.
A French resort known as Hotel Schanno, which opened in 1832, once stood on the banks of Raymondskill Creek. It survived the flood of 1955 and the turmoil of the Tocks Island Dam but was destroyed by an arsonist in 1990. All that remains is a small stone pillar where Raymondskill Road meets Route 209.
Not far from the pillar is a rusty, old Phoenixville truss bridge that crosses the creek, begging to have its history studied and shared.
The Loreaux Brewery now is the Silver Spring House. It is said to have been the site where beer was first bottled for family use in the United States.
As lost as you can get involved in the history of this place, you will find it just as easy to get lost in its natural beauty.
Most locals know Raymondskill Falls. At just four feet shorter than Niagara Falls, it is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. There are two parking areas on Raymondskill Road, about a half mile off Route 209, from which hikers can access the Raymondskill Falls Trail. A couple of smaller waterfalls adorn the landscape along the trail as it winds its way down to the creek.
Across from the lower lot is the Hackers Falls Trailhead, which leads to Hackers Falls. It is a relatively short but pretty hike to the waterfall. On one section, trees on either side of the trail lean toward one another, creating the illusion of walking into a pyramidal tunnel.
The falls plunge into a wide, rocky pool. In the colder months of winter, the rocks on either side of the falls are covered in icicles, adding to its charm.
Going back to the trailhead and continuing up Raymondskill Road leads to a little bridge that crosses over Raymondskill Creek with a small parking area on the right. A little farther up the road is the driveway leading to the Ramirez Solar House. The gate is locked, so hikers will have to hoof it up.
On the northern side of the creek, there is a trail that leads past several more impressive waterfalls, one of which can be seen from the road. This is another beautiful section of the forest. It is not heavily used, so it is also very peaceful.
Enjoy, and remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints.
The Battle of Conashaugh, a.k.a. the Battle of Raymondskill, which was a Revolutionary War era skirmish between settlers and Indians along the Raymondskill.
Just off Raymondskill Road is the Ramirez Solar house, which overlooks the creek. Built by architect Henry Wright Jr., it is considered the earliest example of a passive solar house.
A French resort known as Hotel Schanno, which opened in 1832, once stood on the banks of Raymondskill Creek. It survived the flood of 1955 and the turmoil of the Tocks Island Dam but was destroyed by an arsonist in 1990. All that remains is a small stone pillar where Raymondskill Road meets Route 209.
Not far from the pillar is a rusty, old Phoenixville truss bridge that crosses the creek, begging to have its history studied and shared.
The Loreaux Brewery now is the Silver Spring House. It is said to have been the site where beer was first bottled for family use in the United States.
As lost as you can get involved in the history of this place, you will find it just as easy to get lost in its natural beauty.
Most locals know Raymondskill Falls. At just four feet shorter than Niagara Falls, it is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. There are two parking areas on Raymondskill Road, about a half mile off Route 209, from which hikers can access the Raymondskill Falls Trail. A couple of smaller waterfalls adorn the landscape along the trail as it winds its way down to the creek.
Across from the lower lot is the Hackers Falls Trailhead, which leads to Hackers Falls. It is a relatively short but pretty hike to the waterfall. On one section, trees on either side of the trail lean toward one another, creating the illusion of walking into a pyramidal tunnel.
The falls plunge into a wide, rocky pool. In the colder months of winter, the rocks on either side of the falls are covered in icicles, adding to its charm.
Going back to the trailhead and continuing up Raymondskill Road leads to a little bridge that crosses over Raymondskill Creek with a small parking area on the right. A little farther up the road is the driveway leading to the Ramirez Solar House. The gate is locked, so hikers will have to hoof it up.
On the northern side of the creek, there is a trail that leads past several more impressive waterfalls, one of which can be seen from the road. This is another beautiful section of the forest. It is not heavily used, so it is also very peaceful.
Enjoy, and remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints.