Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park: Pennsylvania’s Waterfall Wonderland
In the forested mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen State Park harbors one of the most spectacular waterfall concentrations in the eastern United States. The park’s legendary Falls Trail passes 21 named waterfalls — ranging from delicate cascades to thundering 94-foot plunges — as it follows two ancient glens carved deep into the mountainside. This is not a park with one waterfall and a gift shop. This is a wild, rugged landscape where every bend reveals another cascade, every mossy ledge another photo opportunity.
Spanning 13,050 acres across three counties, Ricketts Glen also offers swimming at Lake Jean, over 26 miles of hiking trails, modern camping, and old-growth forest that has stood for centuries. With over 14,000 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this is one of Pennsylvania’s crown jewels — and one of America’s most underrated state parks.
Park Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Benton, Luzerne/Columbia/Sullivan Counties, Pennsylvania |
| 📐 Park Size | 13,050 acres |
| 💧 Named Waterfalls | 21 along the Falls Trail |
| 🏔️ Highest Waterfall | Ganoga Falls — 94 feet |
| 🏊 Lake Jean | 245-acre lake with swimming beach |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 26+ miles |
| 🏕️ Campsites | 120 sites + modern cabins |
| 💰 Entry Fee | Free |
| 📞 Phone | (570) 477-5675 |
| 🌐 Website | dcnr.pa.gov |
| ⭐ Highlights | Falls Trail, Ganoga Falls, old-growth forest, Lake Jean |
The Falls Trail
The Falls Trail is the reason people travel from across the country to visit Ricketts Glen. This 7.2-mile loop descends through Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh — two parallel ravines carved by Kitchen Creek — passing 21 named waterfalls along the way. The trail connects at the bottom via the Waters Meet bridge, where the two branches of Kitchen Creek merge in a dramatic confluence.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Loop | 7.2 miles (Ganoga Glen + Glen Leigh + Highland Trail) |
| Short Loop | 3.2 miles (using Highland Trail connector) |
| Elevation Change | ~1,000 feet |
| Difficulty | Strenuous — rocky, steep, slippery terrain |
| Time | 4-6 hours (full loop) |
| Waterfalls | 21 named falls along the route |
| Season | Spring through Fall (closed in winter unless properly equipped) |
Signature Waterfalls
| Waterfall | Height | Glen | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ganoga Falls | 94 ft | Ganoga | Tallest in the park — thundering multi-tier cascade |
| Cayuga Falls | 11 ft | Ganoga | Wide curtain fall with deep pool below |
| Harrison Wright Falls | 27 ft | Glen Leigh | Most photographed — perfect plunge into dark pool |
| Ozone Falls | 60 ft | Glen Leigh | Tallest in Glen Leigh — dramatic vertical drop |
| Adams Falls | 36 ft | Kitchen Creek | Lower section — accessible easy hike from parking |
| Mohican Falls | 39 ft | Ganoga | Multi-step cascade with beautiful rock formations |
| Erie Falls | 47 ft | Glen Leigh | Horsetail cascade that fans across wide rock face |
All Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falls Trail Loop | 7.2 mi | Strenuous | 21 waterfalls — the star attraction |
| Highland Trail | 2.0 mi | Easy | Connector for short loop option |
| Grand View Trail | 1.2 mi | Moderate | Scenic overlooks of Ganoga Glen |
| Ganoga View Trail | 0.8 mi | Easy | Quick view of lake and surrounding forest |
| Cherry Run Trail | 3.5 mi | Moderate | Less-traveled forest trail |
| Old Bulldozer Road Trail | 2.0 mi | Easy | Wide, flat — good for beginners |
| Mountain Springs Trail | 4.5 mi | Moderate | Remote northern section |
Lake Jean
At the heart of the park, Lake Jean is a 245-acre lake offering swimming, boating, and fishing. The 600-foot sandy beach is open from late May through mid-September, providing a refreshing cool-down after the strenuous Falls Trail hike.
- Swimming: Sandy beach open late May – mid-September, sunrise to sunset
- Boating: Electric motors only — rowboat, kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals available
- Fishing: Stocked with trout, bass, panfish, and walleye
- No lifeguards: Swim at your own risk
Camping
| Option | Sites/Units | Cost/Night | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tent/Trailer Sites | 120 | $15-$25 | Some electric, hot showers, flush toilets |
| Modern Cabins | 10 | $60-$115 | Year-round, equipped kitchens, heat |
| Winter Camping | Limited | $15-$20 | Available at select sites year-round |
Old-Growth Forest
The Glens Natural Area — a designated National Natural Landmark — protects one of Pennsylvania’s last remaining stands of old-growth forest. Ancient eastern hemlocks, some over 500 years old and towering 100+ feet, shade the Falls Trail and create a cathedral-like atmosphere. White pine, oak, and birch mix with rhododendron thickets to create a forest canopy that filters light into green-gold beams along the trail.
History
The park owes its preservation to Colonel R. Bruce Ricketts, a Civil War veteran who purchased vast tracts of forested land in the late 1800s. Unlike most landowners of his era, Ricketts chose to protect the glens rather than log them — building the original trails along the waterfalls between 1889 and 1893.
- 1889-1893: Colonel Ricketts builds trails through the glens
- 1920: Ricketts’ heirs sell the land
- 1942: Pennsylvania begins acquiring land for the state park
- 1944: Park formally opens to the public
- 1969: Glens Natural Area designated a National Natural Landmark
- 1990s: Major trail rebuilds by the state
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr-May) | Peak waterfall flow, wildflowers, rhododendron blooms | Trails can be icy into April — check conditions |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Swimming at Lake Jean, full trail access, camping | Busiest season — arrive early for Falls Trail parking |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Oct) | Stunning fall colors framing waterfalls | Peak crowds mid-October — best photography season |
| ❄️ Winter (Nov-Mar) | Frozen waterfalls, ice formations, cross-country skiing | Falls Trail requires microspikes — ice climbing popular |
Budget Planner
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entry | Free | No entrance or parking fee |
| Campsite | $15-$25/night | Electric sites extra |
| Modern Cabin | $60-$115/night | Year-round, 2-night minimum weekends |
| Boat Rental | $8-$12/hour | Kayaks, canoes, paddleboats |
| Reservation Fee | $6.50 | Non-refundable transaction fee |
Nearby Attractions
- Worlds End State Park — Dramatic canyon scenery, 30 minutes west
- Eagles Mere — Victorian mountain village with toboggan slide, 25 min
- Susquehanna River — Fishing and boating, 40 minutes south
- Pocono Mountains — Ski resorts and attractions, 1 hour east
- Bloomsburg — College town with dining and shopping, 30 min south
Safety and Tips
- Footwear is critical: The Falls Trail involves wet, rocky terrain with steep drops. Hiking boots with ankle support and good traction are essential
- Start early: The Falls Trail parking lot fills by 9-10 AM on summer and fall weekends. Arrive by 7:30 AM or use the Lake Rose Trailhead as an alternate
- Dogs: Allowed on leash but strongly discouraged on the Falls Trail — the terrain is dangerous for pets
- Cell service: Very limited throughout the park — download trail maps beforehand
- Water crossings: Some trail sections require crossing shallow streams on rocks — waterproof hiking boots recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
How many waterfalls are in Ricketts Glen State Park?
The Falls Trail passes 21 named waterfalls along Kitchen Creek’s two branches — Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh. The tallest is Ganoga Falls at 94 feet. The waterfalls range from delicate 10-foot cascades to dramatic multi-tier plunges. All 21 can be seen on the full 7.2-mile Falls Trail loop.
Is the Falls Trail difficult?
Yes, the Falls Trail is rated strenuous. It involves steep descents and ascents over wet, rocky terrain with approximately 1,000 feet of elevation change. The trail surface is often slippery from waterfall mist. Sturdy hiking boots are essential — sneakers and sandals are not safe. Allow 4-6 hours for the full loop. A shorter 3.2-mile option covers most of the major waterfalls.
Can you swim at Ricketts Glen?
Yes, Lake Jean has a 600-foot sandy beach open for swimming from late May through mid-September. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk. Swimming in the waterfall pools along the Falls Trail is not permitted due to safety concerns.
When is the best time to visit Ricketts Glen?
Spring (April-May) offers peak waterfall flow and blooming rhododendrons. Fall (mid-October) provides stunning foliage framing the waterfalls but draws heavy crowds. Summer allows swimming at Lake Jean. Winter visitors can see dramatic frozen waterfalls but need microspikes for the icy Falls Trail. For the best balance of water flow and manageable crowds, visit late May or September.
Is there an entrance fee for Ricketts Glen?
No, Ricketts Glen State Park has no entrance or parking fees. The park is free to visit year-round. Fees apply only for camping ($15-$25/night), cabin rentals ($60-$115/night), and boat rentals at Lake Jean.
