Ricketts Glen State Park — Little Plastic Boat Yacht Club

Hiking a Natural Landmark Waterfall Trail

Ricketts Glen State Park is nestled in the endless mountain region within three different Pennsylvania Counties. Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan.

Hosting an array of outdoor adventure from biking, fishing (Lake Jean), camping, cross country ski, snowmobiling, and hiking trails through the Glens Natural Area gazing at the beautiful waterfalls.

Ricketts Glen Natural Area - Waterfall Trail System Map

Ricketts Glens own “Natural Area” is also a National Natural Landmark. Boasting 22 flowing waters that freely cascade over and carve through the rocky, mountain landscape. Under the protective canopy of hardwood forests, these waterfalls range in height from 11′ to an impressive 94′ !!

WHEN TO GO?

Hiking the falls trail is becoming more popular! Waterfall seekers come from far and wide to glimpse at these wonders. The park is open year round from dawn to dusk but the trail may not be.

The Falls Trail BEST time to hike is during the week (Monday – Thursday) which will get you away from most of the crowds. The Falls Trail is PACKED on the weekends during the summers.

Hiking the trail in the winter? You must check in at the office and have all proper equipment for hiking the icy and frozen trail. USE EXTREME CAUTION. Check the DCNR website to ensure the trail isn’t closed or any special recommendations during Fall and Spring. The ice stays on longer in the Natural Area and the trail opens and closes accordingly.

THE TRAIL

The full Falls Trail loop is 7.2 miles of mostly difficult hiking including upper and lower sections.

This trip we did the full loop, including the Highland Trail to hike through the Midway Cravasse.

There are 3 different parking lots to choose from. We parked at the lot off of State Route 118 by Kitchen Creek. There are three waterfalls before the trail splits at Waters Meet ahead about 1.5 miles.

From “waters meet”, there are options to go straight and take Ganoga Glen for 1.25 miles with nine waterfalls or turn right to cross the bridge to start the ascent of Glen Leigh <1 mile long with eight waterfalls.

Falls Trail Map at the start, Kitchen Creek, at the Rt. 118 parking lot.

We turned right and took the Glen Leigh side of the trail to see the eight waterfalls, cross the Midway Cravasse, and back down the Ganoga Glen side to see the remaining waterfalls.

Hiking to the first 3 waterfalls and on our way to the “Water Meets”.

“Water Meets” is a beautiful pool and bridge over the meeting of the two sides of the Glen (Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen). From here we take a right and find it is easier to hike UPHILL along the Glen Leigh at the beginning of the journey!

UncoveringPA.com has a complete list of all waterfalls!

Starting the hike uphill lets you burn off all that energy. Even though both sides extend steeply downward, Glen Leigh is the lesser of the two evils when hiking uphill. The beautiful natural staircases made of rock make for an easier trail.

After the Onandaga Fall there will be a trailhead for the continuing left (west) for the Highland Trail which will take you through the jagged “MIDWAY ROCK CRAVASSE”.

Continuing our steep descend down the Ganoga Glen side taking in all the sounds of rushing water.

Ganoga – Tallest in the Glen at 94′

Most of the trail is downhill and very slippery and steep. We passed several people with kid strollers and one lady in HIGH HEELED DRESS SHOES. Please use extreme caution on the trail and dress accordingly!

\\Always wear appropriate shoes and clothing//

\\Bring water and snacks in a backpack//

The waterfalls are not the only beauty to find hiking the trail. From tree roots covering boulders to native salamanders, there is always something to discover!