There are a few small restaurants and diners near ricketts glen, but the state park is. Ricketts glen state park, luzerne county, pennsylvania. The direct and official information for ricketts glen state park in benton, pennsylvania. Ricketts glen state park is located in columbia, luzerne, and sullivan counties in pennsylvania. Visitors can swim, fish, and kayak on the beautiful lake jean.
But what ricketts glen is most known for is the 22 named waterfalls found in the glens south of lake jean, with the largest of. Ricketts glen state park is like an enchanted forest, full of old growth trees and cascading waterfalls. It is an exhausting hike, so be prepared and wear boots as the rocks are typically wet and sometimes slippery. So, when i was planning a trip to northeastern pennsylvania during the fall, i knew that a visit to ricketts glen was in order ricketts glen state park is located mostly in luzerne county, pennsylvania, with small sections in sullivan county and columbia county. The loop hike at ricketts glen is actually a combination of a few different trails and one short stretch is actually an outandback extension of the loop. Ricketts glen state park is located about 30 miles north of bloomsburg on route pa487. Lake jean was just starting to be drained and hopes were high that there would be good water flow over the falls in ganoga glen. Tips for hiking the falls trail in ricketts glen state. Of all the trails ive hiked in pennsylvania, i dont think theres anywhere better than the falls trail in ricketts glen state park. Shares ricketts glen state park in northeastern pennsylvania is well known for its waterfalls. Hiking and camping in ricketts glen state park the.
All of the waterfalls are located along the aptly named falls trail, which stretches for 7. Also, our wedding day attire had to be comfortable enough to hike four miles in, so that was. How to get to and explore this hikers paradise bonus. Stay the night at ricketts glen state park camping flush toilets, warm showers this activity or structure is ada accessible. The park is over,000 acres in size and contains a 245 acre lake, lake jean. Hiking the falls trail at ricketts glen state park pahikes. Ricketts glen state park is named for robert bruce ricketts and his family. We will look for summer flowers as we hike up the mountain by the northeast falls trail, across the highland trail and down the southwest falls trail. The section of route pa487 from the town of red rock to the lake jean area of the park is a very steep road. Hiking trails near ricketts glen state park hiking project. But none can match the 21 waterfalls that are on the loop trail at ricketts glen. Although it is not as well known as many other parks and destinations in the united states, it is a definite highlight for anyone who enjoys waterfalls. Ricketts glen state park is a wonderful place to experience the great outdoors.
Ricketts glen state park benton 2020 all you need to. Since hiking is involved, this workshop is best suited for those comfortable doing moderate hiking and step climbing. The park boasts a lake, 21 named waterfalls, diverse wildlife and old growth timber. Ricketts glen state park is home to 22 waterfalls, all of which can be viewed via a 7. On an ice hike at ricketts glen state park, valley to summit tours provides all the specialty gear you need. So many falls i only had time to check out two of them but ill definitely be back. Ricketts glen state park luzerne county, pennsylvania f.
Ricketts glen is a national natural landmark known for its oldgrowth forest and 24 named waterfalls along kitchen creek. A limited number of charcoal grills and hot charcoal disposals are located in the picnic areas. Ricketts glen state park pahikes hiking pennsylvania. The 26 miles of trails are a prime attraction of the park. Hiking the falls trail in ricketts glen state park was at the top of my pennsylvania bucket list for as long as i had one. This top northeast hike through pennsylvanias ricketts glen state park tracks past a series of 22 waterfalls. Luzerne, sullivan, and columbia and offers a variety of hiking options on 26 miles of trails. Ricketts glen state park, pa backpacker backpacker. Ice hiking the ricketts glen falls trail family travels.
Waterfalls are my favorite, just something about them seems surreal. Hike the falls trails in ricketts glen state park, evergreen parking lot. Im not into camping as much as my husband but would return in a heartbeat the campground is really nice and the lots are mostly wooded with privacy between you. Tips on ricketts glen state park warnings and dangers. Ricketts glen state park is a pennsylvania state park on,193 acres 5,280 ha in columbia, luzerne, and sullivan counties in pennsylvania in the united states. Before you go, there are a few things you should be aware of so you can take precautions and avoid any trouble. Slow moving trucks are common on this section of the road. Ricketts glen state park in pennsylvania usa today. Daytime adventures, hiking in ricketts glen state park.
Auto snowmobiling hiking gate state park hunting no hunting lake, water. Hiking the falls trail ricketts glen trails unblazed. An enchanting old growth forest housing beautiful 24 waterfalls make ricketts glen state park the prime location for free camping in pa. Ricketts glen state park has 20 trails in the vicinity, including 17 hiking trails, 14 for walking and 19 for other activities. Thousands of visitors flock to this park to enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing and other outdoor activities. Alltrails has 14 great hiking trails, running trails, forest trails and more, with handcurated trail. Featuring 21 waterfalls, the falls trail in ricketts glen state park is one of the best hikes in all of pennsylvania, and, as perhaps the best hike in ricketts glen, is the main reason many visit the park.
Instagrammers are sharing their travels, secrets, and favorite insider tips to help you find read more 5 fall foliage hikes. A ricketts glen new years day hike adventure travel buzz. Ricketts glen is a state park located in northern pennsylvania. The highland trail connects the eastern terminus and. It features 24 waterfalls ranging from 9 to 94 feet, picnic areas, and a swimming lake. If youre within three hours of the park, its worth a day trip.
I have lived in pennsylvania all my life and i cant recall ever visiting. Earthy forest elopement at ricketts glen state park. Ricketts glen state park, a,000acre park northwest of. Best trails in ricketts glen state park pennsylvania alltrails. A combination of forests, lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails attract over 500,000 visitors to ricketts glen state park every year. I finally made it to ricketts glen state park for a daytime adventure hike in july with my daughter this year. This doesnt mean that i havent hiked a bunch of regular trails.
A group outing to ricketts glen state park pahikes. When i picked out my dress and jewelry and flowers, and when helped cameron select his outfit, we kept the gorgeous landscape in mind and tried to keep everything natural looking. You also can see the majority of the trails from a. Ricketts glen state park benton 2020 all you need to know. Ricketts glen state park in pennsylvania sprawls over,050 acres in the luzerne, sullivan and columbia counties. Springs trail to be the demolished dam then back on mt springs trail to cherry run and back to beach parking lot. Hike with caution the ricketts glen trail is a difficult one. Ricketts glen state park is located in the northeastern pennsylvania mountains, about three hours from philadelphia and less than two hours from state college. When i heard about the spectacular scenery at ricketts glen state park, i made arrangements quickly to see the beauty of the park for myself. I started my ricketts glen hike at the lake rose parking lot and. Ricketts glen state park warnings and dangers ricketts glen state park is a wonderful place to experience the great outdoors. The park is a beautiful place to spend the day hiking and enjoying nature at its finest.
Ricketts glen state park benton updated february 2020. The longest trail in ricketts glen state park is old beaver dam rd. Another major waterfall is easily accessible from a parking lot. Hiking around bloomsburg where to go hiking near bloomsburg pa. The state park and natural national natural landmark has nearly half a.
Ricketts glen is a national natural landmark known for its oldgrowth forest and 24 named waterfalls along kitchen creek, which flows down the allegheny front escarpment from the allegheny plateau to the ridgeandvalley appalachians. A 5 mile loop hike along falls trail offers views of 20 of the named waterfalls in the park. Free camping in pa 7 best locations in pennsylvania. This is a beautiful park to visit if youre in the mood for a hike. With more than 26 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length, youll be. We spent a day exploring the nationally recognized ricketts glen state park. Most of the waterfalls 21 of them are visible from a loop trail that is roughly 5 miles long. Hikers on the falls trail should be in good physical condition, wear sturdy boots, and use caution due to slipperywet conditions and steep trail sections. The trailhead for this hike of the falls trail at the lake rose trailhead. There are 26 miles of trails to explore in the ricketts glen state park.
If you like to combine challenging hikes, beautiful scenery, and amazing photo opportunities, you will love the trails of ricketts glen state park in pennsylvania. And, if i had to pick a favorite area of that trail, its the 1. Picnicking at ricketts glen state park picnic facilities are located in the lake jean area and in the lower area off pa 118. Best trails in ricketts glen state park pennsylvania. Hikers on the falls trail should be in good physical. From ricketts glen waterfalls to ricketts glen hiking and the falls trail in ricketts glen state park in pennsylvania, weve got you covered. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. This is more than a state park we went to ricketts glen state park may 2123 2004. Best kid friendly trails in ricketts glen state park. However, the most popular and scenic is the falls trail.
Looking for a great trail in ricketts glen state park, pennsylvania. With more than 20 waterfalls and 26 miles of trails spanning 3 counties, the park is a mustsee yearround. The purpose of this video is to show the trail type of ricketts glen state park falls trail. It was well worth the wait, but i wish we did it sooner. But what ricketts glen is most known for is the 22 named waterfalls found in the glens south of lake jean, with the largest of these waterfalls standing 94 feet tall. L eading fellow workers into the woods for after work hikes, we decided to do something special during a spring weekend. Tips for hiking the falls trail in ricketts glen state park. In addition to its rich native american history, this beautiful park features tons of great hiking trails, towering waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and dense old growth forests. Before going on an ice hike, whether at the ricketts glen falls trail with valley to summit or on another tour company somewhere else, it helps to have the right ice hiking gear.
There are trails to the falls that can be excellent for teens and younger children accompanied by parents staying on the trails within read more. Ricketts glen state park is one of the most popular destinations for hikers in the state. To see the 21 waterfalls you will hike about 5 miles. Ricketts glen has 26 mile of beautiful hiking trails that vary from level to very steep and are the prime attraction to the park. It was decided to do a group outing to ricketts glen state park to hike the falls trail. Falls trail gently winds through a forest over several wooden bridges but dont be fooled. Ricketts glen is nestled between luzerne, sullivan and columbia counties. This hike through ricketts glen provides access to 21 waterfalls, the tallest one being 94 feet. I love hiking and have spent a few times on the appalachian trail. Ricketts glen state park in the pocono mountains of northeastern pennsylvania has both in spades.