Thinking about hiking in Ricketts Glen Park, PA. Not sure what to expect? Read below for more information on our favorite trail in the park.
Quick Overview
· Ricketts Glen State park is a very large park (13,000+ acres)
· Trails are clearly marked, cleared away, and identified
· No cell phone service
· Park Fee - $0
· Bathrooms are very clean and well maintained
Trail Name: Falls Trail Loop
Level: Moderate/Intermediate
Distance: 4.1 Miles / Loop
Ricketts Glen State Park is a beautiful natural area located in Pennsylvania. The park covers over 13,000 acres and features 24 named waterfalls, as well as a variety of hiking trails, campsites, and picnic areas. Although the park stretches across 3 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania (Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties), surprisingly enough, Ricketts Glen is not the largest park in the state. The park is home to a diverse range of flowers, and animals including black bears, bobcats, coyotes, and several species of rare and endangered plants.
The Falls Trail loop is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park and takes you through all 24 waterfalls. It is a secluded trail with tall, heavily wooded trees, and beautiful rock formations – you almost feel like you’re in a fairy tale. With steep inclines, rocky terrain, and narrow pathways, proper hiking shoes are recommended, and visitors should prepare for the hike properly by bringing plenty of water and snacks.
The trail can be accessed from several points throughout the park, but we like to begin at the Lake Rose parking area. Lake Rose parking area is a fairly large parking lot with clean and accessible restrooms. They also provide facts about waterfall formations and hiking tips for navigating through the terrain. Falls Trail Loop is open year-round and can be crowded during peak season.
Glen Arms parking area is also a great place to access Falls Trail Loop. You begin at the base of the waterfalls and hike your way up and around the loop. If you begin at Glen Arms, your hike will be around 7.1 miles.
Ganoga Falls is the tallest waterfall in Ricketts Glen State Park and one of the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls in PA. With a height of 94 ft, you must hike approximately 3.2 miles to reach Ganoga Falls. It has a wide pool at its base which is popular for swimming and fishing on hot sunny days.
Overall, Ricketts Glen State Park is one of Black Girls Hike’s favorite parks to go to during the late spring/early summer months. 5/5 recommendation!