Hiking the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail
About
The Glens Natural Area within Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic natural wonders in the state of Pennsylvania! Designated as a National Natural Landmark, The Glens Natural Area has 22 natural and free-flowing waterfalls, including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Visitors of Ricketts Glen State Park can view 21 of these impressive waterfalls by hiking the Falls Trail. The 22nd waterfall, Adams, is located a short walk from the Evergreen and Glens Parking Lots.
Location
Ricketts Glen State Park and the Falls Trail is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, near the small town of Benton. Encompassing over 13,000 acres, the park spans across 3 counties; Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia. The official park address is 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814.
Location of Ricketts Glen State Park, photo credit: DCNR
Trail Routes
The Falls Trail System forms a lollipop loop through Glen Lehigh and Ganoga Glen, passing 21 spectacular waterfalls. There are several parking lot access points and, thus, hike options.
Regardless of the route taken, the trail is rocky and often slippery. Hikers should come prepared with proper footwear, stay on the trail, and follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.
↠ Falls Trail Loop
Trailhead Location: Glens Lot or Evergreen Lot, located off of PA-118
Length: 7.2-miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
Difficulty: Moderately-difficult
Time Commitment: This trail takes an average of 3-6 hours to complete
Tips: I recommend following the trail clockwise for this route, ascending through Glen Lehigh, across the Highland Trail, and descending through Ganoga Glen. The 22nd waterfall, Adams, is located a short walk from either of the Evergreen or Glens Parking Lots. Don’t miss it!
Credit: AllTrails
↠ Lake Rose Loop
Trailhead Location: Lake Rose Lot
Length: 4.4-miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 850’ of gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Commitment: This trail takes an average of 2-5 hours to complete
Tips: In order to view all 21 waterfalls, be sure to continue past Waters Meet to view Harrison Wright, Sheldon Reynolds, and Murray Reynolds waterfalls. I recommend following the trail counterclockwise for this route, descending through the Ganoga Glen, ascending through the Glen Lehigh, and returning to the trailhead via the Highland Trail. For a shorter hike, skip the three waterfalls south of Waters Meet (Harrison Wright, Sheldon Reynolds, and Murray Reynolds).
Credit: AllTrails
↠ Beach Lot Loop
Trailhead Location: Beach Lot #2
Length: 4.4-miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 850’ of gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Commitment: This trail takes an average of 2-5 hours to complete
Tips: This loop passes the 18 waterfalls north of Waters Meet. In order to view all 21 waterfalls, continue past Waters Meet to view Harrison Wright, Sheldon Reynolds, and Murray Reynolds waterfalls. This adds 1.0-mile roundtrip + 200’ of gain.
Credit: AllTrails
When To Visit
Ricketts Glen State Park is open everyday of the year, sunrise to sunset. Summer is the busiest season, however, you will likely encounter other hikers on the trail regardless of when you visit. Important: the Falls Trail is subject to seasonal closures, typically December through April, due to snow and ice.
Spring
The Spring season (April and May) is a great time to visit Ricketts Glen! Due to snowmelt, the waterfalls are usually flowing heavily. However, the trails may be snowy, icy, muddy, and wet. Be sure to come prepared for variable trail conditions. I visited in mid-April and encountered patches of snow and ice on the trail.
Summer
Summer (June, July, August) brings comfortable weather and beautiful, lush vegetation. The summer season is the busiest season at Ricketts Glen State Park. Expect the trails to be very busy with other hikers, especially on the weekends.
Fall
Fall (September and October) is another lovely season to visit the park. More moderate temperatures and the possibility of viewing fall foliage, a visit during the fall can be very pleasant.
Winter
The Falls Trail system is typically closed to hikers during the Winter months (November through April) due to unsafe trail conditions from snow and ice. Check out the official DCNR park website for updates.
⇨ IMPORTANT: As of 12/14/2022, the Falls Trail is CLOSED for the winter season due to icy conditions.
Cost
There are no entrance fees or day use fees for any state park in Pennsylvania, including Ricketts Glen State Park and The Falls Trail.
Tips for Visiting
Ricketts Glen State Park is a very popular spot and can get very crowded. For those looking for a quieter hike, I recommend visiting during the week, during the shoulder seasons, and arriving early to the trailhead (8am or earlier).
Dogs are allowed on the trails at Ricketts Glen State Park, but must be leashed.
Restrooms are available at each trailhead, but there are no toilets on the trail.
Be sure to follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. Come prepared to hike with proper footwear and stay on the trail.
What to Explore Nearby
About 35-minutes from Ricketts Glen is Worlds End State Park. This park surrounds the valley of Loyalsock Creek and is a great spot for hiking, taking in the views at scenic vistas, and fishing. It’s also a lovely park for picnicking or camping. To learn more about exploring Worlds End State Park, read my post Vanlife in the Endless Mountains.
The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the best and most scenic hiking trails in Pennsylvania! Being able to hike past 21 natural, free-flowing waterfalls on a single day hike is such a one-of-a-kind experience.. I hope this Ricketts Glen Falls Trail guide inspires you to visit!
