If you've ever dreamed of hiking through an enchanted forest, the kind where waterfalls tumble around every bend and moss carpets the rocks like something out of Tolkien’s imagination—Ricketts Glen State Park in northeastern Pennsylvania is your place.
When we first moved to Pennsylvania, many friends and acquaintances
kept nudging us to go so we finally decided to see what the hype was about.
Spoiler: it’s even better than advertised.
A Trail of Waterfalls
Let’s start with the headline: 22 named waterfalls,
all within a few miles of trail. Yes, 22. That’s not a typo. The Falls
Trail Loop, which winds through the Glens Natural Area, is the
park’s crown jewel, and rightly so.
Each waterfall has its own personality. There’s Ganoga
Falls, the tallest at 94 feet, cascading like a silken ribbon down a
stair-stepped rock face. Then Watkins Glen, shorter but wilder, crashes
through a narrow gorge in a rush of spray and sound. Around every bend, there's
another one—some hidden in fern-covered alcoves, others wide and dramatic with
natural rock amphitheaters.
We stopped so often to take photos that a couple hour hike
became almost a full-day wander. But that’s the beauty of Ricketts Glen, you’re
not meant to rush it.
Hiking the Glens
The Falls Trail is a moderate-to-challenging loop,
especially after rain when the rocks are slick (bring good shoes and extra
socks when your feet get wet!). There are steep staircases, narrow bridges, and
places where you’ll need to watch your footing. But the reward? Every step
reveals a new corner of wild Pennsylvania beauty.
If you’re not up for the full 7.2-mile loop, there are
shorter segments to explore. Even the 1.0-mile hike to see Adams
Falls near the Evergreen Parking Lot is worth the trip.
More Than Just Waterfalls
While the waterfalls steal the spotlight, Ricketts Glen
is a full-on four-season escape. The park is home to over 13,000 acres
of forest, lake, and wildlife. In the summer, you can swim or boat on Lake
Jean, a serene stretch of water at the top of the park with a sandy beach
and picnic areas.
Come fall, the entire area explodes in fiery reds, oranges,
and golds, some of the best foliage in the state. Winter? It’s a whole new
world. The falls freeze over into shimmering ice formations, and experienced
ice hikers and photographers take to the trails (with special permits and gear,
of course).
Wildlife, Camping, and That Wildwood Feeling
This isn’t a manicured park with trimmed lawns and paved
paths. It’s rugged and real. You’ll see moss-draped trees, chirping warblers, rushing
creeks, and maybe even a black bear if you're lucky (or unlucky, depending on
how close you are).
There are cabins and campsites for those who want to stay
overnight, and the star-gazing here is unbeatable—no city lights, just the
Milky Way stretching across the sky like a painted ceiling.
Final Thoughts: Wild and Wonderful
Ricketts Glen is the kind of place that makes you feel small
in the best way. Since it’s not near any major cities, it’s not touristy. It’s
not commercial. It’s just pure nature, flowing with life and layered in time.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just in it for the photos, the park has
something for you.
Come for the waterfalls, stay for the soul-cleansing quiet
of the forest. And trust us, once you’ve walked beneath the hemlocks and stood
beside those thundering falls, you’ll already be planning your return.
If You Go:
- Location:
Ricketts Glen State Park, near Benton, PA (about 2.5 hours from
Philadelphia or 3 from NYC)
- Best
Time to Visit: Spring for full waterfalls, fall for foliage, winter
for ice (with proper equipment)
- Trail
Tips: Wear good hiking shoes, bring water/snacks, and take your
time—this isn’t a race
- Stay:
Options range from rustic camping to cozy cabins; book early in peak
seasons
- Don’t Miss: The full Falls Trail if you’re up for it—absolutely unforgettable
