Poised at the top of Glen Onoko Falls, hikers drink in a panoramic view of Lehigh Gorge. But all it takes is a fraction of a second, one step onto a slick, moss-covered rock, for the serene beauty to reveal its treachery.

That's what happened Monday, when 20-year-old Jesse Michael Crossley of Catasauqua fell about 40 feet to his death from the second falls, the same area from which 31-year-old Perla Cabral of New York met a similar fate in 2013.

Crossley, clad in a bathing suit and sneakers, was hiking with friends. He was off the trail and apparently lost his footing and plummeted onto sharp rocks, said Carbon County Coroner Bruce Nalesnik, who pronounced him dead at 2:23 p.m.

Although Nalesnik said Crossley's death appears to be accidental, an autopsy was to performed Tuesday.

The falls, on state game lands at the edge of Lehigh Gorge State Park, offers a challenging hike that is rewarded by a spectacular view.

A sign at the base of the falls warns of the dangers. It reads, "Hikers have been seriously injured and killed as a result of accidental falls from the trail and gorge overlooks."

Several people have plunged to their deaths, according to newspaper accounts. No agency keeps records of deaths or injuries at the falls. In addition to the deaths, there have been numerous injuries over the years.

Crossley is a 2012 Catasauqua High School graduate. He was a member of the Air National Guard.

He is the son of Tina Crossley of Catasauqua and Russel Crossley of Allentown.

Glen Onoko Falls are reached by hiking a trail through Lehigh Gorge State Park. David Madl manages the park and has seen his share of tragedies at the falls.

"People want to get out a little farther to see the view and hit that slippery rock. The rocks are slippery with algae," he said. "People get close to where the rocks are slippery, and gravity does the rest. It doesn't take much."

Madl mentioned the warning sign at the foot of the falls.

"They need to be prepared. be extra cautious of every step they take," he said. "When you're hiking, try to have three points of contact with the ground at all times. Stay away from the edges of the ledges and right near the falls. Make sure you are alert when you're hiking in that terrain. Do not hike under the influence of anything, and be cognizant of your environment. There are a lot of loose rocks that could cause a problem."

Experienced outdoorsman Doug Fogal, who with his brother Paul owns Pocono Whitewater rafting, reminds people to "respect the risks." "Waterfalls are inherently in steep terrain, and wet with slippery rocks. Wear good footwear, with a good grip sole, not sandals," he said.

Fogal advises hikers to keep to the trail, not only for their own safety, but to protect the environment.

While the falls are beautiful, they require a hiker's complete attention.

"Even experienced hikers have had some serious injuries," he said.