DELAWARE WATER GAP -- A waterfall in the Poconos has become a popular destination, but it’s also been a magnet for trouble and trash.
Newswatch 16 took a two-mile hike into the woods near Dingmans Ferry because rangers in the national recreation area say tourists at Adams Creek are causing trouble. Officials are trying to put a stop to it.
Warning signs are clearly marked at the trail head for Adams Creek: no climbing, no jumping.
But rangers in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area say visitors aren’t following the rules.
"We've had four injuries already just since April, people jumping off of the cliffs into the water, from the waterfall cliffs into the pool below. It's extremely dangerous,” said Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spokeswoman Kathleen Sandt.
These falls in Pike County are hidden about two miles down a treacherous trail. We traveled it the only way you can, on foot, over deep water and up steep rugged terrain.
Some teens from New Jersey say the first time they failed to prepare for a tough hike. Now, even with the right footwear, they said they had problems.
“Today just walking on the path, before we got to the waterfalls I just wasn't watching and I rolled my ankle on one of the roots in the ground. I'm ready to go home,” said Nicole Kee of New Jersey.
Rangers say daredevils posting videos to YouTube are drawing people in. Many people have posted their jumps, and directions to the remote falls.
Dillon Fazliu of New Jersey says he’s climbed the rocks, but was afraid to jump off because of the dangers below.
"It's crazy up there. I don't know how people even want to jump, but to do flips and stuff like that, that's wild to do that from all the way up there,” said Fazliu.
There's no swimming allowed at Adams Creek, but someone left their beach towel on the tree. They've also had a big issue with litter being left all over the falls: Cheez-It boxes, wine bottles, beer bottles, and more.
"Basically the whole area is being ruined by people who are coming here and not taking care of it,” said Sandt.
There’s graffiti along the trail, too. Even human waste has been an issue.
Some teens tried to help and put all of the trash in one spot.
"It's, like, heartbreaking," said Fazliu,"that people just don't care enough to keep things clean."
This isn’t just a danger for visitors, it’s putting first responders in danger every time they have to hike the falls for a rescue.
Park rangers say they have a zero tolerance policy now. Anyone caught jumping, littering, swimming, or climbing the falls will be cited. Anyone who is illegally parked will be towed.
