Fulmer Falls

Fulmer Falls
Map
LocationGeorge W. Childs Recreation Site, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania
TypeChute
Total height16.8 metres (55 ft)

Fulmer Falls is the second waterfall located in the George W. Childs Recreation Site in Dingmans Ferry, Pike County, Pennsylvania, United States of America. The falls are downstream from Factory Falls and upstream from Deer Leap Falls on the Dingmans Creek. At 17 meters (56 feet), it is the largest of the three falls.[1][2][3]

History

In 1892, Philadelphia newspaper publisher George William Childs purchased land in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania with the intent of creating a recreation space and tourist destination for the general public. Included in the purchase was the area known as Fulmer Falls. The Pike County Dispatch described Childs' recreation spot as "a colossal pleasure ground, free to all comers" and "a charmed spot."[4] A popular vacation destination by 1897, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that, "The Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, High Falls and Silver Thread Falls far surpass any in the Catskills."[5][6]

In 1912, his widow donated one hundred and fifty-five acres of her husband's land purchase to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which established a state recreation area and named it in her husband's honor as the George W. Childs State Park. In 1983, that park became part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.[7][8]

In 2018, the park was closed due to damage caused by two winter storms, Quinn and Riley. Restoration work involving trail upgrades, the removal of downed trees and the repair of damaged railings and posts was undertaken by the U.S. National Park Service in September 2023 with the park's reopening estimated to take place in spring 2024.[9]

Geography

The falls can be reached at 41°14′12.36″N 74°54′55.62″W / 41.2367667°N 74.9154500°W / 41.2367667; -74.9154500 from Childs Park Road, west of Lake Road (State Route 2004), 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) north of Pennsylvania Route 739.

  • Fulmer Falls Wide View
    Fulmer Falls Wide View
  • Fulmer Falls Downstream View
    Fulmer Falls Downstream View
  • A picture of the top of the falls
    A picture of the top of the falls
  • Another picture of the top of the falls
    Another picture of the top of the falls

References

  1. ^ Brown, Scott (2004). Pennsylvania waterfalls: a guide for hikers and photographers. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. 14–16. ISBN 0-8117-3184-7.
  2. ^ "About Dingman's Ferry: Where It Is Located and Some of Its Attractions." Brooklyn, New York: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, August 10, 1890, p. 14 (subscription required).
  3. ^ "Minor Local News." Milford, Pennsylvania: Pike County Dispatch, August 18, 1892, p. 3 (subscription required).
  4. ^ "The Attractions of Milford." Milford, Pennsylvania: Pike County Dispatch, May 12, 1892, p. 3 (subscription required).
  5. ^ "Up in the Gap Amid Mountains." Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 6, 1897, p. 31 (subscription required).
  6. ^ Sandt, Kathleen. "Construction Set to Begin at George W. Childs Park." Bushkill, Pennsylvania: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, October 24, 2022.
  7. ^ "George W. Childs Recreation Site." Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania: Department of Parks and Recreation, Delaware Township, retrieved online June 4, 2024.
  8. ^ Sandt, "Construction Set to Begin at George W. Childs Park," Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
  9. ^ Sandt, "Construction Set to Begin at George W. Childs Park," Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

41°14′12″N 74°54′56″W / 41.23667°N 74.91556°W / 41.23667; -74.91556