Tag Archives: cabins

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.DSC_1473 - F.L. Ricketts Falls

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

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DSC_1464 - Harrison Wright Falls

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Indian Bear Winery in Walhonding, Ohio, NOW INDIAN BEAR CORK AND COFFEE

Update:  The Indian Bear Winery is now Indian Bear Cork and Coffee

Update:  On June 4th, 2023, a fire broke out at Indian Bear Winery and the structure was destroyed by the fire. 

Update:  On September 20, 2022, Indian Bear Lodge & Winery announced that they were under contract to sell 97 acres to “Because I Said I Would”, a non-profit organization making an impact on the local youth. 

Indian Bear Winery is one of the most beautiful locations to sample wines in Ohio.  A beautiful, country setting on two-hundred plus acres is only an hour east of Columbus and began as lodge in 2001.

From the moment I pulled onto the gravel drive, my senses were on full alert.  The smell of fresh cut grass led me to sprawling acres and a lake where a teepee stood at its water’s edge.

It was early spring so the vineyards were just beginning to bloom and would be ready for harvest in the fall.  Trellises supported a wide range of wine varietals, including those from Ohio.

In the summer of 2014, the owners, Brad Collins and Tom Lechner planted Concord, Seyval and Vidal grapes.  Until the vines began producing fruit, the owners imported juices from California, Chile and New York to begin their wine making process.  Head winemaker, Joe Hollabaugh will be creating new wines for the winery.

Approaching the entrance into the winery, I couldn’t help but notice its beautiful red and gray exterior.  The building was completed by April 2015 and soon thereafter, was open to the public.   The winery entered the 2015 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and won a Gold Medal for their “Roscoe’s Red Blend” as well as a Bronze Medal for their Vidal Blanc.

The tasting room was even more extravagant with its rustic, architecture and country decor displayed in its large exposed beams and expansive stone flooring. The hand-written list of available wines in addition to their wine tasting costs were posted above the service area.

I completed the laminated menu and decided on the 3 for $5 samples selecting the Peach Apricot Crush, American Vidal Blanc and the American Carmenere Reserve.

At the last minute, I included the Red Berry Crush slushie which tasted like heaven.

With my slushie in hand, I took the stairs to explore the areas available for private and semi-private events.  On-site lodges provide accommodations for guests who wish to stay at the property.   There are also two carriage houses and four cabins to sleep a total of more than 100 guests.   From the second story deck, I could look out for miles into the countryside.

My favorite part of the decor were the oak barrels that are typically used for fermenting and storage.

Returning to the first level of the winery, I was in complete awe of the spectacular stone handiwork of the fireplace flanked by two storage compartments for firewood.  I reached out to touch the smoothly sanded wood planks for the mantle which were designed from beams from a local area barn.

In addition to the interior, Indian Bear Winery has several outdoor settings including a fire pit.   I found a stone bench to finish up my drink and could hear the visitors as they discussed their weekend plans.  As I enjoyed the beauty of Indian Bear Winery, I could also hear the large tractor approaching as it mowed the high blades near the tasting room and I could once again smell the scent of freshly cut grass.

Have you visited Indian Bear Winery?  What wines did you enjoy?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Indian Bear Winery along the Three Rivers Wine Trail and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio  43843
Telephone:  740 507 3322

Open Fridays from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

Where to Stay: 

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio  43843
Telephone:  740 507 3322

Where to Eat: 

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio  43843
Telephone:  740 507 3322

Open Fridays from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

For appetizers, they make a gorgeous charcuterie board, fittingly called, “The Napa.” A popular choice on the menu is Alfredo Chips- homemade kettle chips topped with alfredo sauce, blue cheese and green onions.