A Hike of Waterfalls: Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

What if you learned you could hike a trail with over 20 waterfalls?  Not just small ones but several falls with a drop of nearly 100 feet?  When I heard about the spectacular scenery at Ricketts Glen State Park, I quickly planned a road trip to see the beauty of the park for myself.

The 15-foot Onondaga Waterfall

I started my hike at the Lake Rose Parking Lot and took the Highland Trail, passing the Midway Crevasse.   Ricketts Glen is located in Benton, Pennsylvania and is so large that it covers three counties, Columbia, Luzerne and Sullivan.  This state park, over 13,000 acres, was once privately owned by Robert Bruce Ricketts, who had once planned to build a hotel here.

Shortly into my hike, I approached the 15-foot Onondaga Waterfall, but more impressive was the F.L. Ricketts Falls which is the magnificent 380-foot “wedding cake” waterfall named after Robert’s brother Frank.

Most of the waterfalls throughout the trail range from 11 to 94 foot drops.   Harrison Wright Falls is another one of the beautiful waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park, falling 27 feet.

The park was founded in 1942 and approximately 500,000  visitors hike the trail each year.  The journey totals 7.2 miles starting at PA 118, but there is a somewhat shorter trek starting at Lake Rose. The Falls Trail has been categorized as difficult due to its steepness and slippery conditions from the mist of the waterfalls.

Within Ricketts Glen, there have been sightings of black bear, white-tailed deer, squirrels, porcupine and raccoon.  Animals not often seen include beaver, the river otter, bobcat, coyote, red fox and mink. The park is also a popular birding location and wild turkeys during the fall season.

While the hike of waterfalls is the main draw to the park, there are also ten cabins, two camping areas, horseback riding, hunting, swimming, fishing as well as boating.  As of 1997, ice climbing was permitted.  Other winter activities include cross country skiing and ice fishing, but the park is closed to hiking during the winter months.

I completed the trail in two and a half hours with plenty of stops to stand amazed at the falls. The park was busy with visitors and it was fun to watch the young children enjoy the views as well.  The day was cool and perfect to explore the park and I was excited to end my hike with a picnic lunch, surrounded by nature and the sound of the falls.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ricketts Glen?  What other parks can you suggest for hiking?  I would love to hear about your visit and other hiking suggestions if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for your interest in my experience at Ricketts Glen!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ricketts Glen State Park
695 State Route 487
Benton, PA  17814
Telephone: 570 477 5675

• Admission Fee:  There is no fee for visiting Ricketts Glen State Park
• Hours:  Open daily from dawn to dusk;
• Amenities:  Hiking, cabins, beach, concessions at the beach, wildlife viewing,
• Scenic View:  The 21 waterfalls on the hike are breathtaking.
• Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
• Tips for Your Visit:  The hike can be slippery and the steps can be steep at times so be prepared.  Pack water and snacks for the hike.  During the wintertime, trails may be closed, so check the state park website for any updates.

Where to Stay:

Mattress & Muffin Inn
240 S. Main Street, Benton, PA  17814
Phone:  570.925.5466

This beautiful home in historic Benton offers affordable, quaint accommodations and complimentary breakfast in the morning.

Where to Eat:

Hobokon Sub Shop
Main Street, Benton, PA  17814
Phone:  570.925.2100

I picked up a sub sandwich to enjoy after hiking Ricketts Glen.  The staff were very friendly and my meal was perfect for my picnic lunch!

What to Eat: 

• Pretzels were brought to Pennsylvania by the German settlers.
• Philly Cheesesteaks are sandwiches made of strips of steak topped with Cheez Whiz and onion.
• The Banana Split is said to have been invented in Latrobe, Pennsylvania
• Hershey’s Kisses
• Lebanon Bologna made by the Pennsylvania Dutch
• Apple Butter produced by the Pennsylvania Dutch
• Utz potato chips
• Tastycakes
• Heinz Ketchup
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• Twizzlers
• Chocolate
• Scrapple is a meat loaf made of pork scraps and cornmeal.
• The Arnold Palmer is a drink made of half tea and half lemonade.
• Pot Pie is another contribution by the Pennsylvania Dutch.
• Root Beer was invented by Charles Elmer Hires of Philadelphia, PA.
• Philadelphia Pepper Pot Soup was served at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War.
• Funnel cakes
• Stromboli
• Shoofly Pie is a pie with the main ingredient of molasses
• Whoopie Pies are cake cookies with a cream filling
• Peeps

What to Read:

• Ricketts Glen State Park by Tim Shirey
• Ricketts Glen State Park by Jesse Russell