Ricketts Glen State Park: The Ultimate Guide to Waterfalls, Hiking & Epic Adventures

Are you looking for one of the absolute best hikes in Pennsylvania? Then you need to put Ricketts Glen State Park on your bucket list.

In our video, we explored its misty trails, thundering waterfalls, serene lake, and so much more. This park is a certified National Natural Landmark and an absolute treasure, offering everything from relaxing beach days to heart-pumping ice climbs. It's the kind of place that sticks with you long after you've left.

Before you dive into all the details, see the magic for yourself! To witness the incredible 94-foot Ganoga Falls in all its glory and get a real feel for the trail, watch our full video tour on YouTube!

Your Adventure Base: Getting to Ricketts Glen

Ready to go? You can find this slice of paradise at 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814.

Spread across three counties—Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan—this sprawling park is easier to get to than you think. For a detailed scenic drive, check out our dedicated video on the route from Berick, PA!

Ricketts Glen State Park Quick Facts

For those who love the quick and dirty details, here's what makes this park so special:

• Size: A massive 13,193 acres of pristine forests and wilderness.

• Waterfalls: Home to 24 named waterfalls, with the tallest, Ganoga Falls, standing at an impressive 94 feet tall!

• Lake Jean: A beautiful 245-acre lake that is the hub for swimming, boating, and fishing.

• Trails: Offers 26 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels and a 12.5-mile loop for horseback riding.

• Bird Watching: Ricketts Glen is a certified Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Audubon Society, making it a paradise for bird lovers. https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas

• Camping: Features 120 campsites and 10 modern cabins for overnight stays.

The Main Event: The Famous Falls Trail

Let's be real, the waterfalls are the star of the show here, and the Falls Trail is your ticket to the front row. This is hands-down one of the most stunning collections of Pennsylvania waterfalls you'll ever see.

A Rewarding Challenge

The Falls Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that is considered difficult, but the payoff is enormous. You'll pass by 18 of the park's most breathtaking waterfalls as the trail winds through an old-growth forest that feels completely ancient and wild.

But this trail is no joke. It's a challenging hike that will have you navigating steep, rocky terrain that's almost always wet and slippery from the constant mist. Seriously, your choice of footwear is crucial.

Hike Smart, Hike Safe: Know Before You Go

We can't stress this enough—safety makes the adventure fun. Before you hit the trail, keep these tips in mind to have an incredible and safe visit.

• Wear Proper Footwear: This is the most important rule. You must wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with excellent grip. No sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs are allowed on the trail—the park rangers are serious about this, and for good reason.

• Stay On The Marked Trail: The rocks are slick, the drops are steep, and nearly all accidents happen when visitors wander off the path.

• Pack Water and Snacks: There are no concession stands once you're on the trail. Pack more water than you think you'll need and bring some high-energy snacks.

• Check the Weather & Be Prepared: The weather can change in a flash. Dress in layers, as the shaded glens can be much cooler.

• Arrive Early: Ricketts Glen is extremely popular. Parking lots fill up very quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Get there early to secure a spot.

Your Ricketts Glen Adventure Checklist

• Sturdy Hiking Boots (broken in!)

• Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

• High-Energy Snacks (trail mix, granola bars)

• Small First-Aid Kit (for blisters and scrapes)

• A Charged Phone & Portable Battery Bank (service is spotty!)

• Downloaded Park Map (Don't rely on cell service)

• Sunscreen and Bug Spray

• Camera or GoPro!

A Park for All Seasons

One of the best things about Ricketts Glen is that it offers amazing experiences year-round.

Spring & Summer

Enjoy hiking through lush, vibrant greenery and feeling the cool, refreshing spray from the waterfalls. Afterward, head over to Lake Jean for swimming at the 600-foot beach (open mid-May to mid-September). While there's no lifeguard on duty, it's a perfect spot to cool off. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats, or try your luck fishing for panfish, trout, and bass.

Fall

The park absolutely explodes in a riot of fiery color, making it a premier destination for fall foliage viewing in PA. Hiking during this season is an unforgettable experience for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Winter Wonderland

This is where the park transforms into a magical, quiet wonderland. When the temperatures drop, Ricketts Glen becomes a go-to spot for winter hiking PA adventurers. It offers snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. For the ultimate thrill-seeker, the waterfalls freeze into magnificent sculptures of ice, creating a premier destination for ice climbing!

Camping & Cabins: Stay the Night

If you're looking for the best camping in northeastern Pennsylvania, this is it. The park has ten modern cabins available for rent year-round and 120 campsites, many situated right on the peaceful shores of Lake Jean. The campgrounds include modern washhouses with flushing toilets, hot showers, and laundry tubs. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online!

https://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com/

Wildlife, Hunting, and History

The park is a haven for wildlife. It also has a rich human history. Archaeologists have found evidence of Paleo-Indians living here as far back as 10,000 B.C.! Later, a lumber town called Ricketts thrived in the area, and the park service occasionally offers fascinating "Ghost Town Walks" to its ruins.

Over 10,000 acres are also open for hunting and trapping, with healthy populations of black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ricketts Glen

• How hard is the Falls Trail, really?
  It's officially rated as "difficult" due to its steep, rocky, and slippery terrain. It involves navigating over 1,000 feet of elevation change. It is not a casual stroll and is not recommended for young children, anyone with mobility issues, or those in poor physical condition.

• Is Ricketts Glen State Park dog-friendly?
  Yes and no. Dogs on leashes are welcome in the park and on most of the trails. However, dogs are strictly prohibited on the Falls Trail for the safety of both the dogs and other hikers. For dog-friendly state parks in PA, Ricketts Glen has plenty of other great trails for you and your pup to explore!

• Is there cell service in the park?
  Cell service is extremely limited and unreliable, especially in the glens. Do not depend on it for navigation. Download all park maps and trail guides before you arrive.

• How much does it cost to enter Ricketts Glen?
  Great news! There is no entrance fee to enter Ricketts Glen or any Pennsylvania state park. Fees only apply to activities like camping, cabin rentals, and boat rentals.

Now I'd love to hear from you! Have you ever been to Ricketts Glen? What was your favorite waterfall, or do you have a trail tip to share? Let me know in the comments section below!

Thanks for reading, and as always, thank you for watching

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