Falls Trail Loop in Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania sprawls over 13,050 acres in the Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia counties. The park boasts a lake, 21 named waterfalls, diverse wildlife and old growth timber. There are two Falls Trails alternatives – a long and short loop.

The long loop is 7.2 miles long and begins of Highway 118, below the glens. For the long trail, park at the Evergreen Parking Area.

The short trail begins closer to the visitors center, off of route PA-487. Once you enter the park, follow the signs for the Lake Rose Trailhead, where you will find parking. The short loop trail is 3.2 miles long, and includes 18 of the park's 21 waterfalls, including the park's big attraction, a 94-footer named Ganoga Falls.

Whether you choose the long or short variations, both trails are considered difficult. The terrain varies. Many sections through the woods are flat, crossing over the water a few times. Other sections, however, are rocky, steep and often slippery. Decent physical conditioning and sturdy footwear is a must.

Although Ricketts has a wide variety of activities, the main attraction by far is the Falls Trails. The falls are stacked consistently along the trail, making it an extremely worthwhile hike. While sections can be a bit strenuous, I always take my time to enjoy the falls on my trips through the park. The full 6.3 mile loop can be done in 4 hours or so...but in my opinion...why rush? I hike to enjoy the beauty of nature, so I give myself plenty of time.

As a word of caution, the trails are very well marked but the forests in the northeast get dark quickly once the sun starts to set. Know your daylight hours and plan accordingly. There is also limited cell phone reception, so stay to the trails to avoid getting lost and to help keep erosion in check. It never hurts to carry an emergency whistle and flashlight in your day pack, just in case.

If you want to camp at Glen Ricketts, make your reservation here.