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    Ricketts Glen State Park

    4.5 (123 reviews)

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    Sharon D.

    Wonderful park with great hiking trails, and lots of waterfalls. One of my favorite places to hike in thee fall.

    Joseph T.

    Yeah so Ricketts Glen State Park is stunningly beautiful during the month of October. I am very glad that my friend Laura found RGSP in a Google search as a place to go hiking and take photographs. I reckon I will be coming back every year, henceforth. The main trail with all of the waterfalls isn't for the faint of heart. If you are in mildly decent shape, you'll be fine. But if you have any sort of health issues, bad knees, sore feet, etc...then you may want to sit that trail out. It is a very steep descent and climb back up. If you are able-bodied, then please consider making the trek during the fall months. You won't be disappointed.

    Brenda W.

    My destination was the Falls Trail. There is a loop of a couple trails about 4 miles worth to see all 21 waterfalls (the one usually advertised is 7 miles but no need to do all 7 to see all the waterfalls. Instead there is a cutoff trail to shorten it). This is truly a gem of our state of PA. The park is about a 4.25 hour drive from Pittsburgh. It is a pleasant drive. I parked at the Lake Rose Trailhead. This one is right at the Falls Trail trailhead. This is my third visit over the years and I have not had any issues findi g a parking spot here but i do go on a weekday and arrive around 8am. There is a restroom with a pitt toilet and running water. The Falls Trail trailhead is to the right of the restroom. This trail is a good option when temps are high elsewhere. With higher elevation (black mountain summit nearby indicates 2449 ft elevation) and mostly shaded trails, the temps will be a bit cooler. Maps of the park were available at the trailhead. I wouldn't count on that being a given, however, and was prepared by downloading a PDF online and printing and carrying it for reference. I chose doing a loop of Falls Trail (Ganiga Glen) to Waters Meet. I then went south on falls trail (Ricketts Glen) for 3 falls, backtracked back to Waters Meet and continued along Falls Trail (Glen Leugh) until Highland trail on the left. I took that (all waterfalls seen already) as the shortcut then using the shortcut back to Falls Trail and back to the parking lot. All told, around 4 miles of trekking and 4.25 hours because of all the stopping to take photos (lots and lots of photos) of the 21 waterfalls, of the foliage, of the enormous amount of effort put into building steps everywhere, and of butterflies in abundance. It is a wonderful eye-appealing venue, worthy of a trip. How much water is running will depend of rainfall amounts. This visit this past week was superb in that regard. Was the hike strenuous? That seems to be subjective. The map says so. Guess depends compared to what? Something else in the state or other states or what criteria exactly? I've hiked plenty. Let us say it has steps everywhere. Terrain is uneven. You and your party need to be mobile and able-bodied. Strenuous? You are stopping every so many feet to take photos. Dangerous? Well, I wouldn't take a stereotypical 2 year old who runs about as it is a natural area with no barriers between you/them and water everywhere. As long as you are steady on your feet, mind your distance from edges, it is as safe as anyplace with water all around and uneven terrain.

    Lisa M.

    Visited many times while living in NEPA but never actually hiked the trails. After relocating to Florida and yearning for some time in nature, I decided to make a day of it and I enjoyed the experience. I can't say for certain the trail I took but it was challenging and steep, many steps to climb, and definitely slippery in some areas. However, I felt that the distance between each waterfall wasn't bad and it kept you going. Once I reached the 64' foot waterfall, I went back the same way I came and going back was much more challenging due to climbing up the elevation vs going down on the way! But it was a good workout! Just a side note- you will not have phone service, which I was aware of and I'd suggest covering up and keeping bug spray on you as I just used it prior to entering trail. I feel this is such a gem, wasn't over crowded and free to explore compared to other parks. On the way home, we stopped at Harvey's lake to end the day with lakeside dinner.

    Plaque
    Marissa C.

    The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen has been on my destination wish list for several years now, so I was thrilled to finally get the opportunity to hike it! There are a couple of different options, and after reading up on it, we opted to park at the Lake Rose Trailhead parking lot, hike down the Ganoga Glen side (10 named waterfalls), made it to Waters Meet and headed down to the falls right below it, and then headed back up the Glen Leigh side (8 named waterfalls) then took the Highland Trail back to the parking lot, happy to have seen 19 falls in about 3.5 miles. Midway Crevasse on the Highland Trail was a neat large rock area with benches that was neat to see. We had heard the trail was quite popular, so we made sure to make to the parking lot by 9 am on a weekday and had no trouble getting a spot. I read a lot of mixed reviews about trail difficulty before we went, and I would say that being honest about your group's capabilities is probably the best bet. The signage by the trailhead indicates it is challenging and says no flip flops/sandals. We opted for hiking boots, trekking poles, and packs with plenty of water and food and had a good hike (and passed several folks who said they wished they had poles with them). We didn't have cell service so found having a paper map in our packs handy, though quite a bit of the trail doesn't really have a lot of options to get off track on (some sections just have a narrow passageway as it is). The beautiful waterfalls and scenery are well worth it! We also drove down to the trailhead for Evergreen Trail and hiked far enough to see Adams Fall. It is a unique fall and was worth the extra little mileage! It has a couple of levels and the bottom part ends in Leavenworth Pool - it's worth it to go all the way down to the pool to see the whole thing from there. The park also offers Lake Jean for fishing, a beach for swimming, and boat rentals. There's also camping available onsite.

    Eric R.

    Winter Wonderland! I heard about the dozen of beautiful waterfalls this place has and how majestic they look in the winter frozen over so I ventured to this obscure spot in hopes for a much needed adventure and I was not disappointed. Locals (should) know better but anyone from out of town visiting will be required to have very good crampons (not simple spikes), rope and an ice axe during the winter months were the much more dangerous trails that I hiked are well marked as closed without this proper equipment. Either own or rent before visiting for those wonderfully amazing iced over waterfalls. I would certainly love to re-visit in the summer months to see these falls unfrozen around lush green trees. My route took me passed a whopping 18 waterfalls; some small and others simply majestic!! An absolutely amazing experience.

    Christopher C.

    (This visit took place on Easter morning in the height of Covid season. When things return to more of a normal state, your experience likely will vary.) If you like waterfalls (no not the urban dictionary version either, sickos) then this is your spot. If you do then you've probably heard of or have been to Bushkill Falls or the large number of falls that are within the boundaries of Delaware Water Gap National Park. www.visitbushkillfalls.com/ www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/trails.htm What separates this place from either of those two spots would of course be in the case of Bushkill, cost, and at Delaware Water Gap you can see a lot of falls but they are comparatively spread out where you need to drive. At Ricketts Glen you can get in more falls for free with a one stop hike of only a few miles. Jim at the Uncovering PA website has made several posts over the years as how to best tackle the various trails at Ricketts Glen. To me they're a must read great source of information. uncoveringpa.com/hiking-falls-trail-ricketts-glen-state-park We parked at the Lake Rose trailhead parking lot, which was maybe 1/2 full, and proceeded to tackle the Falls Trail in a counter-clockwise format. The only one we skipped was Onondaga. By that point we were fairly beat and chose to left turn on to the Highland Trail shortcut then continuing on the Falls Trail to the Highland trail for that one last waterfall which would have necessitated turning around in the direction of the parking lot. My own opinion is that I would never want to do this trail during summer or on a busy holiday weekend. Parts of the trail are very tight, wet and there is no room for two people to pass at the same time. I could see things getting nightmarishly bogged down-waiting. Thankfully we only experienced that on a minuscule basis. For the most part it was smooth sailing with only a handful of stops/waits for others. Let me also note that while most of the visitors here only focus on the falls and/or falls trail only, there are over twenty miles of other trails not near the falls along with tons of hunting, fishing, camping and cabin overnight stay options. Our visit was a solid 4.5 hours with a fair amount of picture taking stops along the way. I'm sure our pace was glacial compared to some but why would you rush things when the scenery is this amazing? This place is only about a two hour drive from home and while I am kicking myself for having waited until now to make a visit it sure as hell won't be the last. A+

    Midway Crevasse
    Eric K.

    I've visited Ricketts Glen 3 times - each about 5 years apart (and about 5 years older) - and it seems like the experience is like childbirth in that it is an awesome experience AFTER it is over but can be really painful during the actual experience! :D The views here are stunning and worth a visit if you are a waterfall buff. Keeping in mind that this isn't an easy trail - Looking at a USGS topo map, if you park at the Lake Rose Trailhead at around 2230' elevation, the bottom of the Falls Trail loop at Waters Meet is around 1550' ..pushing close to 700' down...then - get this - you have to go back up the other side! Conventional wisdom suggests if you chose to do the loop (missing the 3 lowest falls, but giving the most 'bang for your buck' with 18) that you should travel the loop clockwise, but on each of my trips, I have gone counterclockwise (down Ganoga Glen first, then up Glen Leigh) and here's why: the Western side has more up/down climbing and steeper elevation changes at one time, while the Eastern side has a more even elevation change which is appreciated if you start to tire out ;) - not a suggestion per say but something to consider when deciding your plan of attack. It also makes your last mile or so the more level Highland Trail and reaching Midway Crevasse (cool rocks) serves as a nice landmark letting you know that you have almost conquered your hike;) OK - all that being said - it is totally worth it. You want to give yourself plenty of time - add maybe 2 hours to how long you think it will take ..as you will want to take pictures, stop and take in the scenery & actually LISTEN to the cascading water ..etc. I would suggest carrying a backpack with water, trail mix, etc. as you're putting your body thru its paces... and heed warnings about the potential of getting stuck if you were to run out of daylight (matches/flashlight). We made the trek 2 weeks ago (late October) and barely made it out before dark - it was the day after a rain and it was slow go with wet rocks & leaves! Would be best to get an early start to allow for potential slowdowns - as of this writing there was about a 15-foot section where the rock ledge steps had crumbled on the Glen Leigh side, so we had to do some old-fashioned scrambling up loose rocks;) Also - this was the first time I did the trails with a hiking stick - and I'm glad I did ...EXTREMELY handy! One more thing - about the only thing you'll be able to do with a cell phone is take pictures ...no reception in the canyons! Did I mention it is totally worth it - truly one of the most picturesque areas in Pennsylvania!

    Nupur B.

    Beautiful hike with refreshing views ! Did the 4 mile Rickett Glenn falls via Lake Rose trail recently and had a wonderful time. Started with Mohawk falls first and ended with easy Highland trail. Definitely recommend shoes with traction as the trail can get very narrow, rocky and slippery. It can also get crowded and especially so near the narrower sections of the hike (near Huron falls for example) Although it is a smaller hike give yourself time as it can get very steep. Definitely carry some water and a snack if you prefer but water is must. PS: parking spots fill up quick so recommend starting early

    Lake offers swimming area (summer), boat rentals, and fishing.
    Chelle T.

    Camping for all types (rustic, group, cabins, RV) with toilets, showers near the lake, swimming, fishing and hiking. The Falls Trail is amazing. We did the 4-mile loop and saw 21 waterfalls. It is steep in places with slippery stone steps of varying heights. I'd recommend good hiking shoes and walking stick/poles if you have them.

    Harrison Wright Fall 27'
    David H.

    It's an amazing hike that you wouldn't want to miss.  A good 2 hour drive from the Harrisburg area,  the Lake Rose Trailhead Parking lot was already more than half full when we arrived at 10 am.  It's easy to assume that during the weekend you will have to settle with roadside parking instead. The Falls Trail is the number one highlight of the park and boasts 21 named waterfalls to keep you engaged.  I did my research and planned our hike.  I can definitely attest and recommend that path we took.  It's an approximately 4.2 mile, 5 hour hike for us that covers all 21 waterfalls.  The Ganoga Glen side of the Falls Trail is more challenging than the Glen Leigh side, and you would want to go uphill on the Ganoga Glen side; in other words, go around the loop on a clockwise direction as described below: o- Start from the Lake Rose parking lot, hike [0.15 mile] to the Y intersection o- Bear left to Highland Trailfor the easy [1 mile] hike. Tip: trail continues *behind* the Midway Crevasse! o- When you see a sign for F.L. Ricketts, skip it until the next sign that says Glen Leigh then you turn right; otherwise you'd have taken a shortcut and missed the Onodaga Fall. o- Enjoy 8 waterfalls on this moderately difficult [1 mile] hike on Glen Leigh  o- At Waters Meet, bear left towards Rt. 118 to catch 3 gorgeous waterfalls that you wouldn't want to miss.  o- Hike back to Waters Meet to complete the [0.75 mile] round trip detour. o- Continue straight to the Ganoga Glen side of the Falls Trail for 10 more waterfalls. This is the most strenuous section of the Falls Trail. Approximately [1 mile]. o- Turn right at the intersection to stay on Falls Trail, and then follow the sign to Lake Rose Lot. This adds about [0.3 mile]. This was a mid-August summer day and the water level was understandable low; therefore, we don't get to see the full splendor of the waterfalls, but they were still amazing as shown in the photo.  Many waterfalls have names posted, but others you would have to identify with the pictures on the brochure or figure out based on the order of appearance. I'm serious about making that extra 3/4 mile detour toward Rt. 118 as these are 3 of the nicer waterfalls. My favorite though is the petite but gorgeous 15' Wyandot Fall. The grounds were wet even though it didn't rain. Exposed roots were muddy and slippery. There are many sections of uneven rocks so you definitely need a good pair of hiking boots.  Contrary to some accounts, the park prohibits swimming or wading in the water. Also, no fishing and no biking. All dogs have to be on leash.

    Zac H.

    Rickett's Glen has a nice long hiking trail with plenty of waterfalls along the route. There are 2 shorter hikes if you aren't feeling up for the whole trek. Gorgeous scenery and absolutely worth a day trip to check out the falls. If you enjoy camping they also have a variety of options available. The tent sites all have a fire ring and a picnic table. There is ample room for larger tents and still plenty of space after that.

    Lauren S.

    The Falls hike is a gorgeous waterfall hike. You can either do a 7 mile route or 5ish mile route depending on where you park, both are moderate to hard depending on how well you handle elevation. Wear proper footwear the trails tend to be damp due to all the waterfalls even if it hasn't rained. Totally worth the trek there are places to rest if you need it. Very popular trail so early is your best bet to avoid crowds. No cell services so make sure you have printed out direction in as out of the park if you don't know the area.

    At the top of Ganoga Falls

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    Tons of waterfalls along this hike. Get some exercise and see some great falls. Chris Vtrainers Personal Training

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Ricketts Glen State Park

    Can any one tell me how much are activities? Like rentals and stuff? Thanks in advance!

    This information is available by contacting the Ricketts Glen staff at rickettsglensp@pa.gov The boat rental concession offers: Rowboats… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Ricketts Glen State Park

    The Falls Trail is the number one highlight of the park and boasts 21 named waterfalls to keep you engaged.

    Mentioned in 28 reviews

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    Worlds End State Park - Playground

    Worlds End State Park

    4.8(28 reviews)
    22.1 mi

    Worlds End is another fantastic state park in Pennsylvania! There are a lot of sights to see and…read morethings to do. Unfortunately, the weather interfered with our ability to see as much as we had hoped, but we still had a great time! There is a nice visitor center with a variety of historic and nature info available, including some great info on the CCC work that took place in the park (there's a really nice interactive model of a CCC camp too) and how and where the park name is suspected to have been derived from. There is a real snake to look at, as well. A very nice playground is located nearby, and this section of the park also offers easy access to the Loysalsock Creek and the beach with a snack bar, plus multiple picnic tables and shelterhouses. It's beautiful even just to look at the valley walls and the creek itself. There are several gorgeous vistas available, some by foot and some by foot or car. We especially liked the Loyalsock Canyon Vista, which can be reached on foot or by car. It is located next to the Rock Garden, which is a very neat grouping of giant rocks and boulders that is a lot of fun to check out. The park also offers camping and plenty of trails. Worlds End is located within the Loyalsock State Forest, so there is also a lot more that one could explore in the area.

    Ricketts Glen used to be my favorite PA state park, but World's End has totally won me over. The…read moremost important reasons: 1) The hikes here are a little more challenging, a little longer, and just generally more enjoyable for me. 2) The family campground is spacious - the tent sites and modern electric sites are interspersed, but you don't feel like you're right on top of the next site over. 3) The bathroom facilities are clean and warm, no matter what time of year I've visited. Big ups to maintenance and the camp hosts. 4) The camp hosts and visitors center personnel are fantastically kind and helpful. They obviously love this park. 5) Fun stuff like the Forksville General Store, Snack stands, swimming hike, Haystacks, Rock Garden, and all kinds of other interesting places to explore! I've been here with friends, with my family, and by myself, and I've thoroughly enjoyed each trip, so I'll definitely be back for more!

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    Worlds End State Park - Visitors Center displays

    Visitors Center displays

    Worlds End State Park - Playground

    Playground

    Worlds End State Park - Creek

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    Creek

    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park

    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park

    5.0(6 reviews)
    52.6 mi

    While scrolling social media, I saw someone casually mention Sweet Arrow Lake as a place to find a…read morewaterfall in Central PA. A waterfall? Within 45 minutes of my house? Excuse me?! That was all I needed. Immediately added to the Sunday adventure list. I planned my visit for a mid-March Sunday, right after a hearty pre-St. Patrick's Day brunch (and cocktail), because if I was going to go chasing waterfalls, I might as well do it properly fueled and slightly festive. Getting there was super easy with Google Maps, and parking was plentiful all around the lake. Since it was my first visit, I parked near the clubhouse and set out to explore. Bathrooms were locked for the season, but there were portajohns available...which I respectfully chose to ignore and simply hoped for the best. It was about 50°, cloudy, and windy, but that didn't stop people from being out and about. There were families, walkers, and a surprisingly intense group of disc golfers launching discs through the air like they had something to prove. I heard multiple rounds of "HEAD'S UP!" and just accepted that at any moment I could become part of the game. Even with the number of people there, it never felt crowded. The park is big enough that you can easily find your own little peaceful corner and pretend you're out in nature alone...minus the occasional flying disc. This is definitely more of a walk than a hike, which honestly matched my post-brunch energy level perfectly. The paths are a mix of paved trails and well-worn walking routes, with plenty of options to wander depending on how far you feel like going. The lake itself was gorgeous in that moody, dramatic way that makes you feel like you're in a very calm, slightly emotional movie scene. There was someone fishing from a kayak, a few people along the shoreline, and just enough quiet to make it feel relaxing despite the wind. I came for the waterfall, though. And I heard it before I saw it. "I can hear water!" I announced (again, to no one in particular) as I followed the Waterfall Trail like I was on some sort of mission. And when I finally got there...totally worth it. The waterfall was beautiful. It might be partially man-made, but honestly, I do not care. It's water. It's falling. It's peaceful. It's a win! As I walked around, I kept thinking how perfect this place would be for a picnic once the weather warms up. There are so many great spots to throw down a blanket, snack, and pretend you're the kind of person who has their life together enough to plan outdoor picnics. Sweet Arrow Lake is easy to get to, easy to park, easy to walk, and very family-friendly. There's nothing wildly over-the-top here beyond the waterfall, but that's kind of the point. It's a solid, peaceful place to get outside, get some steps in, and enjoy a view that you don't come across every day in Central PA. And honestly? For a spontaneous "there's a waterfall 45 minutes away" adventure...I'd say that's a pretty great return on investment!

    A wonderful place to go walking hiking trails are for beginners the small damn was cool must come…read moreearly parking are limited so get your parking spot early boat rental fun for the little one

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    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park

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    Ricketts Glen State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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