Ricketts Glen Falls Trail, Pennsylvania
Total Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,010 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
The Hike: The Falls Trail is closed in the winter except for properly equipped ice climbers and hikers.
The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park is considered the best waterfall hike along the entire East Coast. Ranging in size from 11ft to an impressive 94ft, the trail allows hikers can come within inches of 21 named waterfalls + dozens of smaller unnamed falls and rapids. The falls trail is technically unmarked, however due to its popularity and the stone staircase that was built years ago, the trail is still generally easy to follow.
Although the 7.2 mile distance may seem intimidating to some hikers, this trail isn’t as challenging as the numbers make it seem. Between stone stairs that were built into the mountain, and the fact that most hikers end up stopping frequently to take pictures of each waterfall, the trail really is perfect for all skill levels. Plus, with so much scenery to look at during this hike, the trail ends up feeling much shorter than many expect.
Between the rushing water, cool mountain air, and dense tree cover overhead, this is one of the best places to head on a hot Pennsylvania summer day.
The Details: Due to the abundance of water in this area, the trail and neighboring rocks get very slick, There are no guardrails or protection from falling off ledges, and people have died from being careless on this trail. Proper footwear and a trekking pole (or walking stick) are recommended.
Although there are multiple locations where you could start this hike, I always recommend starting at the Lake Rose Trailhead Parking. Starting in this lot is not only incredibly scenic, but is the shortest distance to the first waterfall. After hiking down the trail, your first fall will come into view at around .4 miles.
Since this is a loop, it doesn’t matter which way you go first, however I usually keep following the stream downward along Ganoga Glen. Keep walking down the trail, stopping at each waterfall along the way. Eventually, you will be dumped at “waters meet” which is the confluence between both waterfall filled streams you will be seeing on this hike. Cross the bridge over the water, and then start hiking upward along the other stream, Glen Leigh. Especially be careful of slick rocks when walking upward. After viewing the last waterfall, the Falls Trail will intersect the Highland Trail and you will be taken down a meandering path through the lush forest found in this part of Pennsylvania. Eventually, this mild trail will loop back to the very first section of trail you walked on, and take you back to the parking lot.
Alternatively, hikers could start from the Evergreen or Glens Lot Trailhead located on Route 118. If hiking this direction, you will be starting at the bottom of the falls at “waters meet” first. This round trip distance is 6.6. miles.
Starting at the Lake Rose Parking, the waterfalls you will be seeing in order of appearance are:
Adams Falls - 36ft
Murray Reynolds - 16ft
Sheldon Reynolds - 36ft
Harrison Wright - 27ft
Erie Falls - 47ft
Tuscarora Falls - 47ft
Mohican Falls - 39ft
Delaware Falls - 37ft
Seneca Falls - 12ft
Ganoga Falls - 94ft
Cayuga Falls - 11 ft
Oneida Falls - 13ft
Mohawk Falls - 27ft
Wyandot Falls - 15ft
Reynolds Falls - 40ft
R.B. Ricketts Falls - 36ft
Ozone Falls - 60ft
Huron Falls - 41ft
Shawnee Falls - 30ft
F.L. Ricketts Falls - 38ft
Onondaga Falls - 15ft
Gear: For this hike, we recommend bringing along either the Winter or Summer Day Hike Essentials, depending on the season. Crampons, ice axes, and proper knowledge of how to use both are required in the winter moths.
*The information in this article is for planning purposes only. Actual trail conditions may vary depending on environmental factors. It is always advised to get the latest trail information from a park office or ranger before you begin your hike.