Ricketts Glen State Park: Waterfalls, Hiking & the Falls Trail

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

Last updated: 5 August 2026

Table of Contents

• How Many Waterfalls Are There at Ricketts Glen?
• Waterfalls and Hiking Trails
• Camping and Accommodation
• Getting to Ricketts Glen
• Costs and Fees
• Day Trips from Ricketts Glen
• When to Visit and Safety Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Waterfalls Are There at Ricketts Glen?

Ricketts Glen State Park has 22 named waterfalls, ranging from 11-foot cascades to 94-foot Ganoga Falls, the tallest in the park. Twenty-one of them line the 7.2-mile Falls Trail loop through Kitchen Creek’s twin glens; the 22nd, Adams Falls, sits near the Route 118 entrance on the short Evergreen Trail. The 13,050-acre park protects old-growth forest in the Glens Natural Area.

Twenty-two named waterfalls in a single state park. That’s the hook at Ricketts Glen State Park, and it’s not marketing hype. The Falls Trail delivers exactly what the brochure promises: a relentless parade of cascades dropping between 11 and 94 feet through a hemlock forest that predates European settlement. This is northeastern Pennsylvania, near the town of Benton. You’re roughly 30 miles west of Wilkes-Barre and 50 miles northeast of Williamsport. The park sprawls across parts of three counties.

Is Ricketts Glen worth visiting? Yes. Full stop. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the park’s 13,050 acres contain the Glens Natural Area, which protects some of the last remaining old-growth forest in the state. The Falls Trail isn’t a casual stroll. It’s a 7.2-mile loop with 1,000 feet of elevation change, stone staircases, slick rocks, and stream crossings. People slip. People get tired. But the payoff is real: you’ll pass more waterfalls in one hike than most people see in a year of weekend trips.

This guide covers the trails, the camping options at Lake Jean, the logistics of getting there, the costs, and what to do if you have extra time in the area. We’ll also address safety concerns, because the trail has a reputation for injuries. Ricketts Glen isn’t a secret, but it’s not overrun like some national parks. You can still find solitude here if you time it right.

Waterfalls and Hiking Trails

The Falls Trail is a 7.2-mile loop with 1,000 feet of elevation change that passes 21 of the park’s 22 named waterfalls, including 94-foot Ganoga Falls, and typically takes 4-6 hours to complete.

The Falls Trail ranks as Pennsylvania’s most famous waterfall hike. You’ll climb stone staircases carved into the gorge walls. You’ll cross wooden bridges slick with mist. The trail splits into two sections, Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen, each following a separate creek upstream before joining at the top.

Start at the trailhead near Lake Jean. The loop descends 500 feet into Kitchen Creek Gorge. Most hikers go counterclockwise, tackling Ganoga Glen first. The elevation gain hits 1,000 feet total, according to Pennsylvania DCNR trail statistics. Your knees will feel every foot of it on the descent.

Ganoga Falls drops 94 feet over a moss-covered cliff face halfway up the trail. It’s the tallest waterfall in the park. Photographers crowd the viewing platform on summer weekends. The falls thunder after spring snowmelt. By late August, the flow slows to a trickle.

The park’s waterfalls range from 11 to 94 feet. Harrison Wright Falls. Sheldon Reynolds Falls. B. Reynolds Falls. Each has a wooden sign nailed to a tree. Some are just 20 feet apart. The names honor 19th-century local families and park benefactors.

Trail conditions demand respect. The stone steps get slippery when wet. Roots cross the path. Hikers slip every season, and rescue crews respond to calls for ankle injuries and falls each year. Wear boots with ankle support. Trekking poles help on the descents.

Ricketts Glen’s 26 miles of hiking trails include easier options. The Evergreen Trail is a 1-mile loop that leads to Adams Falls near Route 118. The Old Beaver Dam Road Trail offers a rolling 4-mile loop. Both skip the waterfall crowds. The Beach Trail along Lake Jean runs a flat 0.8 miles. Families with strollers use it.

The forest along the Falls Trail holds 400-year-old eastern hemlocks and white oaks. The National Park Service designated it a National Natural Landmark in 1969. Some trees measure 5 feet across at the base. The canopy blocks 90% of sunlight in summer.

Download the Official Ricketts Glen State Park trail map PDF before your visit. Cell service dies halfway down the gorge. The visitor center stocks paper maps for $1. Check AllTrails Ricketts Glen Falls Loop for current trail conditions and recent user photos.

Best photo spots cluster around Ganoga Falls and the triple-drop section near R.B. Ricketts Falls. Morning light hits the Glen Leigh waterfalls between 9 and 11 a.m. Afternoon sun favors Ganoga Glen after 2 p.m.

Overnight stays are limited to the campground, cabins, and cottages near Lake Jean. The park does not offer backcountry camping along the Falls Trail, so if you want a dawn start on the waterfalls, book a campsite and walk to the trailhead.

Activity Difficulty Guide

Ricketts Glen State Park spans a wide difficulty spectrum, from flat lakeside strolls suitable for all ages to a demanding 7.2-mile waterfall loop with 1,000 feet of elevation change and a real injury record. Most visitors come for the Falls Trail, which sits firmly in the challenging category due to slick stone staircases, rooted paths, and sustained elevation gain. Easier alternatives around Lake Jean make the park accessible to families and casual walkers who still want to experience the old-growth forest atmosphere.

Camping and Accommodation

Ricketts Glen State Park has 120 campsites with modern restrooms and showers, most open April through December, plus 10 modern cabins and five deluxe cottages that require advance reservations.

The main campground sits near Lake Jean. All 120 sites come with picnic tables and fire rings. Modern bathhouses have flush toilets and hot showers. Fifty sites offer electric hookups for RVs and trailers. Most of the campground is open April through December, and a small number of sites stay open year-round for winter camping.

Book your site through the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Reservation System. Reservations open 11 months in advance. Summer weekends fill up fast. Sites generally cost $20 to $40 per night depending on hookups, residency, and the night of the week.

The park maintains 10 modern rental cabins that are available year-round. Each is furnished with two or three bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area, and its own toilet and shower room; bring your own linens and dishes. Five deluxe cottages in the campground sleep five and open mid-April through mid-October. Both book months ahead for fall foliage season.

Campers rave about sites 101 through 120. These spots sit closest to Lake Jean with water views. Sites near the entrance road get traffic noise. The Ricketts Glen State Park – Stay the Night page shows the full camping map.

No hotels exist within the park boundaries. Jim Thorpe sits about 50 miles south with historic inns and chain motels. Bethlehem offers more hotel options about 80 miles southeast. Reading has budget chains under two hours south. Most waterfall hikers stay in the campground to start trails at dawn.

Getting to Ricketts Glen

Ricketts Glen State Park is located at 695 PA Route 487, Benton, PA 18602, approximately 30 miles north of Bloomsburg and accessible via I-80 or I-81 with no public transportation options available.

You need a car. No buses run here. The park sits in rural northeastern Pennsylvania between Scranton and Williamsport. From Harrisburg, take I-81 north to Exit 187 (PA Route 93), then follow signs through Berwick to Route 487 north, about 2 hours total. From Scranton, allow about 75 minutes: I-81 south to Exit 242, then Route 309 south to Route 118 west. Wilkes-Barre sits 50 minutes away via Route 309 south.

I-80 travelers exit at 260B (PA Route 487 north) and drive 13 miles to the park entrance. I-81 drivers use Exit 187 or Exit 242 depending on direction. Park at Lake Jean off Route 487 for the upper Falls Trail trailhead and the swimming beach, or use the Route 118 lots for Adams Falls and the lower falls. The Official Ricketts Glen State Park directions and parking information page lists seasonal closures.

Winter brings ice. Route 487 stays open year-round but secondary park roads close December through March. The Pocono Mountains region gets heavy snow, chains help in January and February.

Costs and Fees

Ricketts Glen State Park charges no daily entrance fee, with campsites costing roughly $20-$40 per night and modern cabins running about $61-$209 per night plus tax, depending on season and residency.

Pennsylvania doesn’t charge admission to its state parks. You can hike all 22 waterfalls without paying a cent. Park in any lot. Walk the trails. No ticket required.

Camping starts at a base rate of $16 per night for Pennsylvania residents and $21 for non-residents, with surcharges for electric hookups, the shower house, and premium Friday, Saturday, and holiday nights, according to the State Park Prices schedule. Most sites work out to roughly $20-$40 per night. The park offers 120 campsites total, and summer weekends that include a Saturday require a two-night minimum stay.

Cabins cost more. The 10 modern cabins rent for about $61-$183 per night for Pennsylvania residents and $73-$209 for non-residents, plus 6% state hotel tax, and rent by the week in peak summer. The five deluxe cottages run about $49-$144 per night. Book early, they fill up months ahead for fall foliage season.

Firewood costs $6 per bundle at the park office. Bring your own to save money. Boat rentals at Lake Jean run $10-$15 per hour. Pennsylvania fishing requires a state license, $27.97 for resident adults, $60.97 for non-residents.

These rates match other Pennsylvania state parks. Day use stays free everywhere. Seniors 62 and over and people with disabilities qualify for reduced campsite prices, and every reservation carries a $6.50 non-refundable transaction fee.

Day Trips from Ricketts Glen

Ricketts Glen State Park sits within about two hours of Jim Thorpe, the Pocono Mountains, the Delaware Water Gap, and Hershey, offering diverse day trip options with historic towns and outdoor recreation areas.

Jim Thorpe lies about 70 minutes south via Route 93. This Victorian railroad town wedged into a Lehigh River gorge draws visitors to its brick-lined streets and 1860s architecture. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway runs weekend excursions along the water. Bike rentals start at $30 for half-day access to the 26-mile rail trail.

Head about 90 minutes east to reach Delaware Water Gap. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area protects 70,000 acres along the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border. Hikers tackle the Appalachian Trail section through the gap itself. Canoe outfitters rent equipment for river floats starting at $45 per boat.

The Pocono Mountains region spreads across northeastern Pennsylvania within an hour’s drive. Winter brings skiing at seven resorts. Summer visitors swim in glacial lakes and ride zip lines through forest canopy.

Hershey sits about two hours southwest via Interstate 81. Hersheypark single-day tickets run roughly $50-$90 depending on the date and how far ahead you buy. The Hershey’s Chocolate World tour ride is free and runs daily.

Lancaster County Amish country lies two hours south. Roadside farm stands sell fresh produce and baked goods. Gettysburg battlefield sits about two and a half hours southwest for Civil War history buffs.

Multi-day Pennsylvania trips combine Ricketts Glen with Philadelphia (2.5 hours southeast) or Pittsburgh (3.5 hours west). The Visit Pennsylvania official tourism website maps regional driving routes. Allegheny National Forest covers 513,000 acres in northwestern Pennsylvania for extended wilderness trips.

When to Visit and Safety Tips

The best time to visit Ricketts Glen is May through October for optimal trail conditions, with peak waterfall flow in spring and peak foliage in mid-October, though the Falls Trail sees accidents annually due to slippery rocks and steep terrain.

Spring delivers maximum waterfall flow. Snowmelt from March through May turns every cascade into a roaring spectacle. The downside? Trails get muddy. Early April can be a slog through ankle-deep muck on lower sections.

Fall foliage peaks around mid-October. The forest explodes in rust and gold. Weekends during this two-week window pack the parking lots by 8 AM. Arrive before dawn or visit on a Tuesday.

Summer offers calm water for swimming at Lake Jean. The Falls Trail stays open, though waterfalls shrink to modest ribbons by August. July and August bring the heaviest crowds, over 15,000 monthly visitors according to Pennsylvania DCNR statistics.

Winter closes the Falls Trail to everyone except properly equipped ice hikers and climbers. Ice coats every stone step from December through March. The park stays open for cross-country skiing and ice fishing, but never attempt the waterfall loop without crampons, ropes, and winter experience.

Now the serious part. Pennsylvania state park safety reports document multiple rescue incidents on the Falls Trail each year. People slip. People fall. The combination of wet rocks, steep stone steps, and 1,000 feet of elevation change creates real hazard. Ricketts Glen State Park accidents happen most often at the base of waterfalls where mist keeps stones perpetually slick.

Wear proper hiking boots. Not sneakers. Not running shoes. Boots with aggressive tread. Trekking poles help immensely on descents.

The park elevation ranges from 1,000 feet at Lake Jean to 2,449 feet at the highest point. That elevation change concentrates along the Falls Trail, where you climb and descend via rock staircases carved into cliffs. Stay on marked paths. Do not climb on waterfall rocks for photos; fatal falls have occurred near the cascades.

Black bears live here. Pennsylvania Game Commission black bear safety guidelines recommend making noise while hiking and storing food in bear-proof containers at campsites. Sightings are rare on the Falls Trail itself due to heavy foot traffic.

Timber rattlesnakes inhabit rocky areas. Watch where you put your hands when scrambling over boulders. They’re not aggressive but will strike if stepped on.

Pack at least two liters of water per person. The Falls Trail takes four to six hours for most hikers. Bring salty snacks, chips, trail mix, jerky. Your legs will thank you.

Check Ricketts Glen State Park current conditions and alerts before driving out. The park posts trail closures, weather warnings, and maintenance updates. The visitor center operates 8 AM to 4 PM daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends only in spring and fall.

Start early. Begin the Falls Trail by 7 AM if possible. You’ll finish before afternoon thunderstorms roll in, and you’ll have the waterfalls mostly to yourself for the first hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ricketts Glen a hard hike?

The full Falls Trail is rated most difficult by Pennsylvania DCNR. The 7.2-mile loop involves about 1,000 feet of elevation change, stone staircases, exposed roots, and rock kept slick by waterfall spray. Fit hikers manage it comfortably with boots and trekking poles. If that sounds like too much, a 3.2-mile loop using the Highland Trail still passes most of the waterfalls.

Is Ricketts Glen worth visiting?

Yes. The park holds National Natural Landmark status and ranks among Pennsylvania’s premier natural attractions. You’ll find 22 waterfalls along a single trail system, a rarity in the eastern United States. The old-growth forest adds another layer of significance. Beyond waterfalls, the park offers camping, swimming at Lake Jean, and fishing. The Falls Trail demands good fitness and preparation. If you’re not ready for steep, rocky terrain, the experience loses much of its appeal.

Are there bears at Ricketts Glen State Park?

Black bears live in the park and surrounding forest. Encounters are rare but possible, especially in remote sections of the trail system. Store food properly at campsites using bear-proof containers or by hanging it from a tree branch. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a bear on the trail. The park has not reported recent serious bear incidents, but basic precautions are smart.

Can you swim in the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen?

No. Swimming and wading are prohibited in the glens. The pools below the waterfalls are cold, deep in spots, and surrounded by dangerously slick rock. Swim at the sand beach on Lake Jean instead, which is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, with boat rentals available nearby in summer.

How long does it take to hike the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen?

The complete 7.2-mile loop takes 4 to 6 hours for most hikers. Your fitness level, photo stops, and trail conditions all affect timing. Wet or slippery rocks slow you down. Start early in the day so you don’t rush or end up hiking in darkness. Shorter out-and-back options exist if you’re not prepared for the full loop.