Ricketts Glen: 21 Waterfalls, Slippery Rocks, and No Parking

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Ricketts Glen: 21 Waterfalls, Slippery Rocks, and No Parking

Quick Facts

  • Location: Luzerne/Sullivan/Columbia Counties (Northeast PA)
  • Size: 13,050 acres
  • Key Feature: Falls Trail (7.2 miles, 21 waterfalls, Ganoga Falls 94 ft)
  • Best For: Waterfall enthusiasts, experienced hikers, photographers
  • Warnings: Slippery rocks, parking fills early, winter closure, drop-offs.

Ricketts Glen State Park is home to Pennsylvania’s most famous waterfall hike - the Falls Trail, a 7.2-mile loop with 21 named waterfalls. Ganoga Falls drops 94 feet, one of the tallest in the state. On a Saturday morning in October, the parking lot fills up before 8 AM. If you arrive at 9, you’re parking on the roadside and adding a mile to your hike. The trail itself is slippery - constant spray from waterfalls coats the rocks and stone steps. People slip. Drop-offs are real. The trail closes in winter due to ice. But if you arrive early, wear good boots, and respect the conditions, you’ll see more waterfalls in one hike than anywhere else in Pennsylvania. It’s the bucket-list hike that requires a battle plan.

The Glens Natural Area, home to the Falls Trail, is a designated National Natural Landmark featuring old-growth timber and 21 waterfalls. Visit the PA DCNR site for trail closures and check AllTrails for current conditions.

The Falls Trail (The Main Event)

The Numbers

  • Distance: 7.2 miles (full loop) or 3.2 miles (shorter loop)
  • Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet
  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
  • Waterfalls: 21 named waterfalls along Kitchen Creek
  • Ganoga Falls: 94 feet (tallest in the park, one of the tallest in PA)

The Route

The Falls Trail follows Kitchen Creek through a gorge. You’ll descend via stone steps, pass waterfalls every few hundred feet, and climb back up the other side. The loop can be done clockwise or counterclockwise. Most hikers go counterclockwise (descend via Glen Leigh, ascend via Ganoga Glen).

What to Expect

  • Constant spray: Waterfalls create mist. Rocks are wet.
  • Stone steps: Hundreds of stone steps (some uneven).
  • Drop-offs: The trail runs along the gorge. Stay on marked paths.
  • Crowds: Popular on weekends. You’ll share the trail with dozens of hikers.

The Waterfalls (What You’re Here For)

Ganoga Falls (The Star)

94 feet. The tallest waterfall in the park. Located in Ganoga Glen. It’s the photo everyone wants.

The Full List (21 Named Waterfalls)

In order along the trail:

  • Glen Leigh (counterclockwise): Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Ganoga, Seneca, Delaware, Mohican, Conestoga, Tuscarora, Erie
  • Ganoga Glen (counterclockwise): Harrison Wright, Sheldon Reynolds, Murray Reynolds
  • Waters Meet (junction)
  • Glen Leigh (clockwise): Wyandot, B. Reynolds, R.B. Ricketts, Ozone, Huron, Shawnee, F.L. Ricketts, Onondaga

Shorter Loop Option

If you don’t want to do the full 7.2 miles, you can hike to Waters Meet (the junction) and turn back. This cuts the loop to ~3.2 miles and still shows you 18 waterfalls.

Parking (The Real Challenge)

Lake Rose Parking Lot

The most convenient lot for the Falls Trail. It fills up before 8 AM on weekends, especially in October (peak foliage).

When to Arrive

  • Weekends (April-May, October): Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM.
  • Weekdays: Much quieter. Arrive anytime.
  • Summer weekends: Arrive before 9 AM.

Overflow Parking

If Lake Rose is full, you can park on the roadside (Beach Lake Highway) or use the Beach Lot (adds 2+ miles to your hike).

Safety (This Is Not Optional)

It’s Slippery

The trail is wet year-round due to constant spray from waterfalls. Rocks and stone steps are slick. People slip and get injured.

Gear You Need

  • Sturdy hiking boots: Required. No sneakers.
  • Trekking poles: Highly recommended for stability on wet rocks.
  • Water: Bring at least 1 liter.

Drop-Offs

The trail runs along the gorge. There are significant drop-offs. Stay on marked paths. Watch your footing.

Winter Closure

The Falls Trail closes annually from December to late March/early April due to ice. Only registered ice climbers with crampons, ice axe, and rope are allowed during closure.

Lake Jean (The Other Side of the Park)

Swimming

600-foot beach on Lake Jean. Open late May - mid-September. Swim at your own risk (no lifeguards).

Boating

Electric motors only. Rentals available (rowboats, kayaks, canoes).

Camping

120 tent/trailer sites. Big Loop (spacious, lake access). Small Loop (pet camping). Reservations recommended.

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (April-May): Waterfalls are fullest from snowmelt. Parking fills early on weekends.
  • Summer: Waterfalls are smaller but still impressive. Lake Jean is open for swimming.
  • Fall (October): Peak foliage. The most crowded time. Arrive before 8 AM.
  • Winter: Trail is closed (ice). Ice climbers only.

FAQ

How long is the Falls Trail? 7.2 miles (full loop) or 3.2 miles (shorter loop to Waters Meet).

How many waterfalls? 21 named waterfalls.

Is it dangerous? It can be. Slippery rocks, drop-offs. Wear good boots and watch your footing.

When should I arrive? Before 8 AM on weekends (especially October). Weekdays are much quieter.

Is the trail open in winter? No. It closes Dec - late March/early April due to ice.

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Trails in Ricketts Glen: 21 Waterfalls, Slippery Rocks, and No Parking