Most people come to Ricketts Glen for one reason: waterfalls. And it delivers. In a single afternoon you can walk past more than 20 of them, one after another, as Kitchen Creek tumbles down two deep, shady glens in northeastern Pennsylvania. The tallest, Ganoga Falls, drops 94 feet right beside the trail.
But here’s what a lot of first-time visitors don’t expect. The famous Falls Trail is not a gentle walk. It’s a long series of wet stone steps, narrow ledges and steep climbs, and the park rates it “most difficult.” The good news is that Ricketts Glen also has easy trails, including a short walk to a waterfall that almost anyone can do.
This guide to hiking at Ricketts Glen State Park helps you pick the right trail. You’ll find the difference between the 7.2-mile full loop, the 3.2-mile loop and the easy trails, all 22 named waterfalls with their heights, where to park, which direction to hike, how long it takes, the best time to go, and simple one- and two-day plans.
Cover photo: Ganoga Falls, the tallest waterfall on the Falls Trail. Photo: Ruhrfisch / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
What Is the Best Hike at Ricketts Glen State Park?
The best hike at Ricketts Glen State Park is the Falls Trail. The full loop is 7.2 miles and passes 21 waterfalls, including 94-foot Ganoga Falls. A shorter 3.2-mile loop from Lake Rose Trailhead still shows you 18 of them. Both are steep, rocky and rated most difficult. For an easy hike, take the 1-mile Evergreen Trail to Adams Falls, the park’s 22nd named waterfall. The park is free and open from sunrise to sunset.
Ricketts Glen at a Glance
| Location | Near Benton, northeastern Pennsylvania (Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia counties) |
| Size | About 13,050 acres, with about 26 miles of trails |
| Named waterfalls | 22 (21 on the Falls Trail, plus Adams Falls) |
| Tallest waterfall | Ganoga Falls, 94 feet |
| Full Falls Trail loop | 7.2 miles, most difficult |
| Shorter waterfall loop | 3.2 miles, still steep and difficult |
| Easiest waterfall walk | Evergreen Trail to Adams Falls (1-mile loop) |
| Entrance fee | Free, including parking |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset, every day |
| Falls Trail in winter | Closed except to properly equipped ice climbers and hikers |
Best Hiking Trails at Ricketts Glen: Compared
Ricketts Glen has two very different kinds of hiking. There’s the Falls Trail, which is all about waterfalls and hard work. And there are quieter forest trails around Lake Jean and the higher ground, which are easier and far less crowded. Here’s how they compare, using the park’s official distances and ratings.
| Trail | Distance | Park rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Falls Trail (full loop) | 7.2 miles | Most difficult | Seeing all 21 Falls Trail waterfalls |
| 2. Falls Trail short loop | 3.2 miles | Most difficult | 18 waterfalls in half a day |
| 3. Evergreen Trail | 1-mile loop | Easiest | Families, Adams Falls |
| 4. Beach Trail | 0.8 mile one way | Easiest | An easy walk along Lake Jean |
| 5. Bear Walk Trail | 1 mile one way | Easiest | Beginners, quiet woods |
| 6. Laurel View Trail | 1.9-mile loop | Easiest | The park’s highest point, mountain laurel |
| 7. Highland Trail | 1.2 miles | More difficult | Linking the two glens |
| 8. Cherry Run Trail | 4.6 miles one way | More difficult | A long, quiet forest hike |
| 9. Old Bulldozer Road | 2.9 miles one way | Most difficult | A steep climb to Valley View Vista |
Which trail is right for you?
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Every waterfall, and you’re a fit hiker | Full Falls Trail loop (7.2 miles) |
| Most of the waterfalls in less time | The 3.2-mile loop from Lake Rose |
| Just Ganoga Falls, fast | Lake Rose to Ganoga Falls and back (about half a mile round trip, but steep) |
| A waterfall with kids or no big climbs | Evergreen Trail to Adams Falls |
| An easy walk and a swim | Beach Trail at Lake Jean |
| Fewer people and more forest | Laurel View or Cherry Run |
1. Falls Trail: Best Overall Waterfall Hike
Distance: 7.2-mile loop · Difficulty: most difficult · Time: 4 to 6 hours · Elevation change: roughly 1,000 feet · Waterfalls: 21
This is the hike Ricketts Glen is famous for, and honestly, it’s one of the best waterfall hikes in the eastern United States. The trail follows two branches of Kitchen Creek through two steep glens, Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh. They meet at a spot called Waters Meet, and below that the creek continues through a third section, Ricketts Glen itself, down to Route 118.
What makes it special is how close you get. The path runs right beside the water, on stone steps cut into the hillside. You’ll hear a waterfall before the last one is out of sight. Between the falls, you walk under hemlocks and oaks, some of them more than 500 years old.
The three sections of the Falls Trail
- Ganoga Glen (west branch): 10 waterfalls, including Ganoga Falls, the tallest at 94 feet. About 1.25 miles from the top down to Waters Meet.
- Glen Leigh (east branch): 8 waterfalls, including 60-foot Ozone Falls. A bit shorter, with some of the steepest rock stairs on the trail.
- Ricketts Glen (below Waters Meet): 3 waterfalls, then a long, gentler walk through old-growth forest to the Route 118 parking lots, about 1.5 miles from Waters Meet.
How to hike the full 7.2-mile loop
The full loop is usually hiked from the Route 118 parking area at the bottom. You walk about 1.5 miles uphill along the creek, past the three lower falls, to Waters Meet. Then you climb one glen, cross over on the Highland Trail at the top, and come down the other glen. Finally, you walk the same 1.5 miles back to your car.
It’s a big day. Pack lunch, plenty of water and a headlamp in fall, when it gets dark early. There’s no easy way out once you’re deep in the glens.
2. The 3.2-Mile Falls Trail Loop: Best for Most Visitors
Distance: about 3.2 miles · Difficulty: most difficult (steep, despite the short distance) · Time: 2.5 to 4 hours · Start: Lake Rose Trailhead · Waterfalls: 18
If you don’t have a full day, this is the loop to do. It skips the long lower section and keeps you in the two waterfall glens, where the action is. You’ll see 18 of the 21 Falls Trail waterfalls in less than half the distance.
Which direction should you hike?
Most hikers start at Lake Rose and go down Ganoga Glen first, then up Glen Leigh. Here’s the route:
- From the Lake Rose Trailhead, head into Ganoga Glen. Ganoga Falls comes up early, so you see the biggest waterfall while your legs are fresh.
- Keep going down past the rest of the Ganoga Glen falls to Waters Meet, where the two creeks join.
- Cross the bridge and climb Glen Leigh, past Ozone Falls and seven more.
- At the top of Glen Leigh, turn onto the Highland Trail and follow it about 1.2 miles back toward Lake Rose. You’ll pass the Midway Crevasse, a narrow passage between huge sandstone blocks.
Why this way? Glen Leigh has some of the steepest, most slippery rock steps on the trail, and going up wet rock is safer than coming down it. Your knees will thank you too.
Want all 21 waterfalls without the full 7.2 miles? At Waters Meet, walk down into Ricketts Glen to see Harrison Wright, Sheldon Reynolds and Murray Reynolds Falls, then come back up. It adds roughly a mile round trip and gets you every Falls Trail waterfall in about 4 to 4.5 miles total.
Important: “Only 3.2 miles” doesn’t mean easy. The loop drops and climbs roughly 1,000 feet on uneven stone. If you’re new to hiking, unsure on your feet or bringing small kids, start with the Evergreen Trail instead.
3. Evergreen Trail: Best Easy Hike With a Waterfall
Distance: 1-mile loop · Difficulty: easiest · Time: 30 to 60 minutes · Start: Evergreen Parking area on Route 118 · Waterfall: Adams Falls
This is the hike for families, beginners and anyone who wants a waterfall without the Falls Trail workout. The trail starts at the small Evergreen Parking area on Route 118 and drops a short way to Adams Falls, the park’s 22nd named waterfall. It’s only a few hundred feet from the lot.
After the falls, the loop winds through a stand of big, old hemlocks and pines. Kid-friendly signs along the way make it a self-guided nature walk, which is a nice way to keep little ones interested.
It’s easy, but it’s still a natural trail. Expect roots, some wet rock near the falls and a short climb back out. Hold small hands near the water, and you’ll need to cross Route 118 carefully if you’re coming from the lower Falls Trail lots.
4. Beach Trail: Best Easy Walk by Lake Jean
Distance: 0.8 mile one way · Difficulty: easiest · Best for: campers, families, a cool-down after the Falls Trail
Not every hike here needs to be hard. Beach Trail follows the south shore of Lake Jean, from the eastern boat launch to the campground’s Big Loop. It’s flat, shady and short, and it connects the campground with the beach and picnic areas, so campers can walk instead of drive.
It’s a great way to end a day. After a tough waterfall loop, a slow walk by the water and a dip at the beach in summer feel pretty good. There are restrooms, drinking water and picnic tables at the trailhead.
5. Bear Walk Trail: Best for Beginners
Distance: 1 mile one way · Difficulty: easiest · Blazes: yellow
Bear Walk links the Lake Rose Trailhead with Beach Lot #2 through quiet woods. There are no waterfalls, but that’s partly the point. It’s calm, it’s gentle, and it gives first-time hikers a feel for the park without the crowds or the stone stairs.
It’s also handy if Lake Rose is full. You can park at Beach Lot #2 and use Bear Walk to reach the Falls Trail area.
6. Laurel View Trail: Best Quiet Forest Hike
Distance: 1.9-mile loop · Difficulty: easiest · Blazes: yellow · Best in: June, when mountain laurel blooms
Laurel View climbs along the fire tower access road from the shale pit parking area to the top of Red Rock Mountain, the highest point in the park. Then it loops through rocky woods full of mountain laurel and blueberry bushes.
Two things to know. The fire tower is closed to the public, so you can’t climb it. And while the park rates this trail “easiest,” parts of it are rocky, so wear real shoes. It’s a good pick on a busy weekend when the glens feel crowded.
7. Highland Trail: The Loop Connector
Distance: 1.2 miles · Difficulty: more difficult
You’ll walk the Highland Trail as part of the 3.2-mile waterfall loop. It runs across the top between Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh. The highlight is the Midway Crevasse, where the path squeezes between big blocks of Pocono sandstone conglomerate. Kids love it, and it’s a fun break from waterfall after waterfall.
8. Cherry Run Trail: Best Long Forest Hike
Distance: 4.6 miles one way · Difficulty: more difficult · Blazes: red · Start: Beach Lot #2
Cherry Run takes you far from the waterfall crowds. It passes the old Lake Leigh dam, groves of cherry trees and traces of old logging railroads from the days when this mountain was being cut for timber.
Because it’s an out-and-back trail, the round trip can be over 9 miles. Many hikers combine it with the 1-mile Little Cherry Run and the Mountain Springs Trail to make a loop. Check the official park map before you go, and carry plenty of water.
9. Old Bulldozer Road: Best Viewpoint Hike
Distance: 2.9 miles one way · Difficulty: most difficult · Blazes: red · Start: the Glens parking lot on Route 118
Waterfall hikes here are all about looking up close. If you want a view from above instead, this is your trail. It was built so a bulldozer could reach the mountaintop, which tells you how steep it is. Near the top of the ridge, a short side path leads to Valley View Vista, looking out over the valley below. Expect a hard, steady climb and very few people.
All 22 Waterfalls at Ricketts Glen (With Heights)
Most guides only mention a few waterfalls. Here is every named waterfall in the park, in the order you’ll meet them going down each glen. Many are named after Native American tribes, and others after members of the Ricketts family and their friends.
| Waterfall | Height | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Mohawk Falls | 27 ft | Ganoga Glen |
| Oneida Falls | 13 ft | Ganoga Glen |
| Cayuga Falls | 11 ft | Ganoga Glen |
| Ganoga Falls | 94 ft (tallest) | Ganoga Glen |
| Seneca Falls | 12 ft | Ganoga Glen |
| Delaware Falls | 37 ft | Ganoga Glen |
| Mohican Falls | 39 ft | Ganoga Glen |
| Conestoga Falls | Small, easy to miss | Ganoga Glen |
| Tuscarora Falls | 47 ft | Ganoga Glen |
| Erie Falls | 47 ft | Ganoga Glen |
| Onondaga Falls | 15 ft | Glen Leigh |
| F. L. Ricketts Falls | 38 ft | Glen Leigh |
| Shawnee Falls | 30 ft | Glen Leigh |
| Huron Falls | 41 ft | Glen Leigh |
| Ozone Falls | 60 ft | Glen Leigh |
| R. B. Ricketts Falls | 36 ft | Glen Leigh |
| B. Reynolds Falls | 40 ft | Glen Leigh |
| Wyandot Falls | 15 ft | Glen Leigh |
| Harrison Wright Falls | 27 ft | Below Waters Meet |
| Sheldon Reynolds Falls | 36 ft | Below Waters Meet |
| Murray Reynolds Falls | 16 ft | Below Waters Meet |
| Adams Falls | 36 ft | Evergreen Trail, off Route 118 |
Heights are commonly published figures and include the whole cascade. Some falls, like Mohawk and B. Reynolds, have a much smaller main drop.
Ganoga Falls: the one everyone comes for
At 94 feet, Ganoga Falls is more than twice as tall as any other waterfall on the trail. Water slides and bounces down layer after layer of rock, so it looks different from every angle. If you only have an hour, you can walk from the Lake Rose Trailhead to Ganoga Falls and back. It’s short, but it’s all stone steps, so take your time.
Personal favorites worth slowing down for
- Ozone Falls (60 ft): the tallest in Glen Leigh, falling into a dark pool between rock walls.
- Harrison Wright Falls (27 ft): wide and photogenic, just below Waters Meet. Many hikers say it’s the prettiest in the park.
- Tuscarora and Erie Falls (47 ft each): two big drops close together near the bottom of Ganoga Glen.
- Adams Falls (36 ft): the easiest to reach, and great after heavy rain.
Bonus waterfall: Kitchen Creek Falls, a small roadside fall along Route 118 near the Evergreen Parking area, isn’t one of the 22 named falls, but it’s an easy stop on your way in or out.
Love waterfall hikes? Our guide to Watkins Glen State Park in New York covers a gorge with 19 waterfalls only a few hours north, and the best hikes in Silver Falls State Park is the West Coast’s version.
Where to Park for the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail
Where you park decides how long your hike will be. There are four main options.
| Parking area | Walk to the waterfalls | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Rose Trailhead | 5 to 10 minutes | The 3.2-mile loop and Ganoga Falls. Fills up early. |
| Beach Lot #2 | 15 to 20 minutes | A backup when Lake Rose is full |
| Route 118 lots | About 1.5 miles to the first falls | The full 7.2-mile loop and old-growth forest |
| Evergreen Parking (Route 118) | A few hundred feet | Adams Falls and the Evergreen Trail |
Parking tip: On summer and fall weekends, the Lake Rose lot is often full by mid-morning, and before 8 a.m. on peak October weekends. Arrive early, come on a weekday, or plan to use Beach Lot #2.
How to Get to Ricketts Glen State Park
The park is about 30 miles north of Bloomsburg on PA 487, near the small town of Benton. The park office is at 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814.
| From | Approximate drive |
|---|---|
| Wilkes-Barre, PA | About 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Bloomsburg, PA | About 45 minutes |
| Scranton, PA | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Harrisburg, PA | About 2 hours |
| Philadelphia, PA | About 2.5 to 3 hours |
| New York City | About 2.5 to 3 hours |
Road warning for RVs and trailers: PA 487 climbs a very steep hill between Red Rock and the Lake Jean area. The park advises anyone towing a heavy trailer to avoid it and come in from the north instead, taking PA 487 south from Dushore.
Cell service can be weak or missing in the glens. Download an offline map and the official park map before you leave home, and tell someone your plans.
How Hard Is Hiking at Ricketts Glen?
The Falls Trail is hard. The park rates it most difficult because of steep stone stairs, narrow ledges, roots and rock that stays wet and slippery almost all year. Other trails, like Evergreen, Beach and Bear Walk, are rated easiest and are fine for beginners.
It isn’t technical climbing, but it is a real workout. You’ll go up and down hundreds of uneven steps, often right beside a drop to the creek. Rescues happen here every year, usually from slips on wet rock or people leaving the trail for a better photo.
Is Ricketts Glen good for beginners?
Yes, if you choose the right trail. Start with Evergreen Trail, Beach Trail or Bear Walk. Try the Falls Trail once you’re comfortable on steep, rocky ground. Our hiking for beginners guide covers what to wear, what to bring and how to build up to harder hikes.
Hiking Ricketts Glen with kids
Younger kids will be happiest on the Evergreen Trail and at Lake Jean. Older kids and teens who already hike regularly usually do fine on the Falls Trail, but hold hands on the steep sections and near the edges. Many parents say the Falls Trail is too much for toddlers, and carrying one on wet stone stairs isn’t safe.
Is Ricketts Glen wheelchair or stroller accessible?
Not the waterfall trails. There are no paved or accessible paths to any of the Falls Trail waterfalls, and strollers won’t work on the stone steps. Adams Falls is the closest waterfall to a parking lot. The Lake Jean beach and picnic areas are the easiest parts of the park to enjoy without stairs.
How Long Does It Take to Hike Ricketts Glen?
| Hike | Allow about |
|---|---|
| Lake Rose to Ganoga Falls and back | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Evergreen Trail and Adams Falls | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Beach Trail | 20 to 45 minutes |
| 3.2-mile Falls Trail loop | 2.5 to 4 hours |
| 3.2-mile loop plus the lower three falls | 3.5 to 4.5 hours |
| Full 7.2-mile Falls Trail loop | 4 to 6 hours |
These are planning times, not race times. Add an hour or two if you like to stop for photos at every waterfall, which most people do.
Best Time to Hike Ricketts Glen
| Season | What it’s like | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (mid-April to May) | The strongest waterfalls from snowmelt and rain. Trails are wet, and the Falls Trail reopens after winter. | Best for big waterfalls |
| Summer (June to August) | Green, shady and cooler in the glens. Lake Jean beach is open. Busy weekends, and some falls get thin in dry spells. | Go early, on a weekday |
| Fall (September to October) | Colorful leaves around the falls, usually peaking in early to mid-October. The busiest time of year. | Most beautiful, most crowded |
| Winter (about mid-November to mid-April) | Frozen waterfalls, but the Falls Trail is closed to regular hikers. | Only for equipped ice hikers |
Best days to go: weekdays in May, June, September and early October, ideally a day or two after a good rain. You’ll get strong waterfalls with fewer people on the stairs.
Fall warning: wet leaves on stone steps are as slippery as ice. Days are also shorter, so start the full loop by late morning at the latest.
Is the Falls Trail open in winter?
Only for experienced, properly equipped hikers and ice climbers. In winter, roughly mid-November to mid-April depending on conditions, the park closes the Falls Trail to everyone else. You need at least crampons, an ice axe and rope, and you must sign in and out at the park office. If you’re starting from the Route 118 area, the park asks you to call the office at 570-477-5675 to sign in.
Other trails stay open in winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and the campground is open year-round.
Park Rules and Practical Info
- Fees: no entrance or parking fee. You only pay for camping, cabins and boat rentals.
- Hours: the park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Plan to be off the trails well before dark.
- Dogs: leashed dogs are allowed on park trails, but the Falls Trail is a poor choice for most dogs because of the steep, slick steps and narrow ledges. Pack out all dog waste. Pets aren’t allowed on the swimming beach.
- Restrooms: available at the Lake Rose and Route 118 trailheads and near the beach and campground. There are none on the Falls Trail itself.
- Swimming: allowed only at the Lake Jean beach (late May to mid-September, no lifeguards). Don’t swim, wade or climb in the waterfalls or creek.
- Stay on the trail: don’t cut across switchbacks or climb out onto rocks for photos. That’s how most injuries here happen.
- Trail closures: sections of the Falls Trail sometimes close after rockfalls or storms. A rock ledge collapse closed part of Glen Leigh in 2022, for example. Call the park office at 570-477-5675 or check the official park page for alerts before you go.
What to Wear and Bring
The park is clear about this: wear sturdy hiking boots, not sneakers, sandals, water shoes or street shoes. Good grip matters more than anything else on this trail.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Hiking boots with grippy soles | Wet stone steps, roots and mossy rock |
| Trekking poles | Take strain off your knees on the long stairways |
| Water (at least 2 liters for the loop) | No drinking water on the trail |
| Lunch and snacks | No food sold at the trailheads |
| Rain jacket | Sudden showers and waterfall spray |
| Offline map and the park map | Cell service is unreliable |
| Headlamp | Short fall days and dark glens |
| Small first-aid kit | For blisters, scrapes and twisted ankles |
| Bug spray | Ticks and mosquitoes in summer |
Our picks for the best budget trekking poles for beginners and the best waterproof hiking jacket are both a good fit for this trail.
Safety Tips for the Falls Trail
- Assume every rock is slippery, even on a sunny day. Spray from the falls keeps the steps wet.
- Keep three points of contact on the steepest steps, using your hands on the rock, and step slowly on the way down.
- Let faster hikers pass. Find a wide spot and step aside instead of rushing.
- Start early. You’ll have more daylight, cooler air and a better chance at parking.
- Check the weather. Heavy rain raises the creek and makes the stairs dangerous. Freezing nights can leave ice on the steps in spring and fall.
- Tell someone your plan and when you expect to be back.
- Turn back if you need to. No waterfall is worth a broken ankle.
Photography Tips
- Go on a cloudy day. Soft light keeps the water from looking blown out and brings out the green moss.
- Bring a small tripod if you want that silky water look, but set it up only on the trail, never on wet rocks.
- Best shots: Ganoga Falls from the trail below it, Harrison Wright Falls from the bridge area near Waters Meet, and Ozone Falls framed by the rock walls of Glen Leigh.
- Keep your phone in a zip bag or waterproof case. Spray reaches farther than you think.
Ricketts Glen Itineraries: One Day and Two Days
One day: the waterfall loop
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | Park at Lake Rose Trailhead |
| 8:15 a.m. | Down Ganoga Glen, starting with Ganoga Falls |
| 10:00 a.m. | Waters Meet; short side trip to Harrison Wright, Sheldon Reynolds and Murray Reynolds Falls |
| 11:00 a.m. | Climb Glen Leigh past Ozone Falls |
| 12:15 p.m. | Highland Trail and the Midway Crevasse back to Lake Rose |
| 1:00 p.m. | Picnic lunch at Lake Jean |
| 2:30 p.m. | Drive down to Evergreen Parking for Adams Falls and Kitchen Creek Falls |
Easy day for families
Start with the Evergreen Trail and Adams Falls in the morning. Then drive up to Lake Jean, walk the Beach Trail, have a picnic and spend the afternoon at the beach or in a rented kayak. If the kids still have energy, walk from Lake Rose to Ganoga Falls and back, holding hands on the steps.
Two days
- Day 1: the full 7.2-mile Falls Trail from the Route 118 lots, with a long lunch at Waters Meet. Evening at your campsite or cabin by Lake Jean.
- Day 2: an easier day. Laurel View Trail in the morning, then Adams Falls, and a paddle or swim at Lake Jean in the afternoon. Fit hikers can swap in Old Bulldozer Road for the view from Valley View Vista.
Other Things to Do at Ricketts Glen
- Lake Jean: a 245-acre lake with a 600-foot sandy beach, open from late May to mid-September. You can rent rowboats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats in season. Only electric motors are allowed.
- Fishing: Lake Jean has trout, bass, panfish and walleye. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required.
- Old-growth forest: walk the lower Falls Trail from Route 118 to see hemlocks and other trees over 500 years old and more than 100 feet tall.
- Winter fun: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling on marked trails.
A Little History: Why the Glens Survived
In the late 1800s, almost every forest in this part of Pennsylvania was cut down for lumber. The glens were saved by one man, Colonel R. Bruce Ricketts, a Civil War veteran who owned the land. Instead of logging the waterfall valleys, he protected them and built the first trails between 1889 and 1893. He named many of the falls himself, after Native American tribes and members of his family.
Pennsylvania began buying the land in 1942, and the park opened in 1944. In 1969, the Glens Natural Area was named a National Natural Landmark. That’s why you can still walk among trees here that were already old when the first settlers arrived.
Where to Stay Near Ricketts Glen State Park
Staying the night makes a big difference here. You can be on the trail at 8 a.m., beat the crowds to Lake Rose and not have to drive home tired after a long hike.
Camping and cabins in the park
The park campground near Lake Jean has full-hookup, electric and non-electric sites, and it’s open year-round. There are also cabins, and a limited number accept dogs. It’s the closest you can sleep to the waterfalls. Reserve through Pennsylvania State Parks online or by calling 888-727-2757. Summer and October weekends book up early. Planning a trip to New York too? See our Letchworth State Park camping guide.
Hotels and rentals nearby
Lodging right next to the park is limited, so most visitors stay in small towns nearby or in a bigger city.
- Benton and Red Rock: the closest area, with a few small inns, cabins and vacation rentals.
- Dushore: a small town north of the park, a good base if you’re coming from New York State.
- Bloomsburg: about 45 minutes south, with chain hotels, restaurants and groceries.
- Wilkes-Barre: about an hour away, with the most hotel choices and good prices.
Booking tip: check the drive time to the trailhead you’ll use, not just “near Ricketts Glen.” Lake Rose and Route 118 are on different sides of the park, and the hill on PA 487 is slow.
Ricketts Glen Hiking FAQs
What is the best hike at Ricketts Glen State Park?
The Falls Trail. The full loop is 7.2 miles with 21 waterfalls, and a shorter 3.2-mile loop from Lake Rose passes 18 of them.
How many waterfalls are at Ricketts Glen?
There are 22 named waterfalls. Twenty-one are on the Falls Trail, and the 22nd, Adams Falls, is on the Evergreen Trail off Route 118.
How hard is the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail?
It’s rated most difficult. Expect steep, wet stone steps, narrow ledges and about 1,000 feet of up and down. You need good boots and decent fitness.
How long does it take to hike Ricketts Glen?
Allow 4 to 6 hours for the full 7.2-mile loop and 2.5 to 4 hours for the 3.2-mile loop, plus extra time for photos.
Is there an easy hike at Ricketts Glen?
Yes. The 1-mile Evergreen Trail leads to Adams Falls, and the Beach Trail and Bear Walk Trail are also rated easiest.
Where should I park for the Falls Trail?
Park at the Lake Rose Trailhead for the 3.2-mile loop, or the Route 118 lots for the full 7.2-mile loop. Beach Lot #2 is the backup when Lake Rose is full.
Does Ricketts Glen State Park cost money?
No. Entrance and parking are free. Camping, cabins and boat rentals have fees.
Can you bring dogs to Ricketts Glen?
Leashed dogs are allowed on park trails, but the Falls Trail’s steep, slippery steps make it a poor choice for most dogs. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach.
Is the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail open in winter?
Only for properly equipped ice climbers and hikers with crampons, an ice axe and rope, who sign in at the park office. It’s closed to regular hikers from about mid-November to mid-April.
What is the best month to hike Ricketts Glen?
May for the strongest waterfalls, and early to mid-October for fall color. Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Final Thoughts
Ricketts Glen is the kind of place that makes you stop every few minutes, just to look. Few hikes anywhere pack this many waterfalls into a single morning.
If you’re fit and well prepared, do the Falls Trail. The 3.2-mile loop is the sweet spot for most people. If you’re bringing young kids or just want an easy day, the Evergreen Trail and Lake Jean will still give you waterfalls, forest and a beach. Whichever you pick, start early, wear good boots and give those wet stone steps the respect they deserve.