Devils Well
Swimming hole in Hawley, Pennsylvania · Creek
Devils Well is a creek swimming hole. It is near Hawley, Pennsylvania. Access is free. Best season: Summer months (June-August) are a strong choice for swimming, while spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer stunning scenery and fewer crowds.
Typical season: Summer months (June-August) are a strong choice for swimming, while spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer stunning scenery and fewer crowds
About Devils Well
Devils Well gives you creek swimming access near Hawley in Pennsylvania. Expect a natural bank, not a built beach.
Set along the naturally clear waters of Wallenpaupack Creek, this unofficial gem draws adventure-seekers, swimmers, and photographers who are willing to leave the pavement behind for something genuinely wild and beautiful. You'll follow a roughly 20-minute hike along uneven trails that wind through mixed woodland, with elevation changes that keep you honest and scenery that keeps you motivated. The forest canopy shifts above you as you descend toward the creek, and you'll hear the water before you see it. A low, persistent rush that grows louder with every step. When the trees finally open up, you're greeted by a dramatic natural pool carved into the creek bed, framed by rock outcroppings and hemmed in by dense Pocono greenery.
The biodiversity here is striking: ferns cling to mossy ledges, birds move through the canopy overhead, and the whole scene carries that hushed, alive quality that only deeply forested places have. On a hot summer afternoon, slipping into that creek is an immediate, full-body reset. Cold enough to shock, refreshing enough to make you stay. The star attraction for thrill-seekers is the cliff jumping. Rock outcroppings above the pool offer the kind of launching points that inspire both hesitation and exhilaration, dropping you into deep water below.
Treat Devils Well as a wild swim: no lifeguard, variable depth, and rules that can change by season.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Creek
- Water body
- Wallenpaupack Creek
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Hawley
- State
- Pennsylvania
- Best season
- Summer months (June-August) are a strong choice for swimming, while spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer stunning scenery and fewer crowds.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate; requires a 20-minute hike along uneven trails with some elevation changes.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Camping
- None at site.
- Activities
- Jumping, Swimming
- Facilities
- There are no facilities at Devils Well. You should bring their own water, food, and supplies, and plan for a day trip.
- Last verified
- July 11, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer months (June-August) are a strong choice for swimming, while spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer stunning scenery and fewer crowds.
- Access Moderate; requires a 20-minute hike along uneven trails with some elevation changes.
- Facilities There are no facilities at Devils Well. You should bring their own water, food, and supplies, and plan for a day trip.
- Camping nearby None at site.
Highlights & features
- Cliff jumping opportunities
- Crystal-clear creek waters
- 20-minute scenic hike
- Seasonal beauty and photography spots
- Rich biodiversity
- Thrilling cliff jumps into deep water
- Secluded location near Hawley
- Naturally clear waters of Wallenpaupack Creek
How to get there
Devils Well lies in Pennsylvania near Hawley. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Starting Point: Milford, PA
Begin your journey in Milford, PA. Take Route 6 heading northwest toward Hawley. Route 6 is a well-marked highway and will guide you directly to Hawley, which lies near the northern end of Lake Wallenpaupack. In Hawley:
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2. Once you arrive in Hawley, turn onto Pike Street/Cromwell Avenue heading east.
This road will take you across Wallenpaupack Creek. After crossing the creek, look for parking near "The Ledges Hotel." The hotel is a recognizable landmark and provides convenient parking options. Ensure you park in designated areas and avoid blocking access roads or private property.
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Trailhead and Hiking Instructions
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4. From the parking area near The Ledges Hotel, locate the trailhead leading to Devils Well.
The trail follows the ridge line and is moderately easy to navigate. Hike along the ridge for about 20 minutes. The path is unpaved but generally well-defined. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as the terrain may include uneven surfaces. After about 20 minutes of hiking, you will arrive at Devils Well, a natural . The area is surrounded by scenic views and offers a peaceful spot for relaxation. Exercise caution when swimming, as natural pools may have varying depths and slippery surfaces. Additional Tips: Plan your visit during daylight hours for easier navigation. Bring any necessary supplies, such as sunscreen, towels, and water, as there are no facilities at the site. Respect the natural environment by carrying out all trash and leaving the area as you found it. Have a safe visit to Devils Well!
Plan your visit
Devils Well works well as a day trip from Hawley. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Davidsville or browse more Pennsylvania creek spots in our directory. For the full list in Pennsylvania, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is unofficial and at your own risk. No fees or facilities are present. Parking is near The Ledges Hotel; use designated areas only. The site is not maintained for public recreation.
Top picks for this trip
Merrell Hydro Moc
If you want one shoe that handles the walk in, the swim, and the lounge afterward, the Hydro Moc is the easiest pick.
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Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Buy two — a large for drying off and a small for gear — and you still spend less than one cotton beach towel.
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What to pack for Devils Well
Gear we compare side by side for creek swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Devil’s Well Pennsylvania?
Yes. Devil’s Well on Wallenpaupack Creek near Hawley, Pennsylvania is a clear creek pool reached by a short hike. Cliff jumping is risky — check depth every time; water levels change.
Is Devil’s Well free?
Yes. Access is generally free with no entry fee. There are no facilities — bring water and pack out trash.
How do you get to Devil’s Well?
Near Hawley in the Poconos / Lake Wallenpaupack region. Follow local roads to the trail approach, then hike about 20 minutes to the creek. Stay on legal access routes.
Is cliff jumping safe at Devil’s Well?
No jump is guaranteed safe. Submerged rocks and changing depth cause injuries every season. If you swim, enter carefully and never dive blind.
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Culture & history
Hawley’s proximity to the Lackawaxen River ties it to Pennsylvania’s history of canal systems, while Devils Well offers a glimpse into the untouched natural beauty of the region.
Conservation
Visitors should adhere to Leave No Trace principles to protect the pristine environment. Avoid littering, stay on trails, and respect wildlife.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.