A Hike of Waterfalls: Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

13 November 202122 September 2024

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

Travel Tip Tuesday: Cruise Ship Fitness and Health

22 July 202022 September 2024

Cruise vacations include a wide variety of foods that are accessible twenty-four hours a day, so staying healthy while aboard can be a challenge. Having worked for the cruise lines on contracts that lasted for periods of 6 months at a time, I can sympathize knowing how easy it is to put on the pounds when surrounded by food. Here are some healthy tips that will ensure that you can maintain your current weight and maybe even lose a couple of pounds.

1. Try to keep up with the same routine that you have while at home. For example, if you have an eating schedule that helps you to maintain a healthy diet at home, then try to incorporate those eating times into your vacation schedule. The same goes for working out. If you have a routine already established at home, try to keep with the schedule during your vacation on the cruise ship.

2, Take advantage of your time in port. Most passengers go off-shore to explore the various ports of call. Whether you have signed up for an excursion or decided to visit the port on your own, many of these activities include some type of physical exercise such as walking or swimming. You will be surprised at how active you are while disembarking the ship for some shore time.

3, Just because the ship provides some type of food option over a 24 hour period, does not mean that you need to eat for 24 hours. All-inclusive food offerings make it easy to stray away from your normal eating habits and overindulge. Step away from the midnight buffet!

4. You will want to ensure that you have a healthy breakfast each day, especially on the days that you plan to go ashore. Choose items that are high in protein and fiber so that you will stay full longer until you are ready to eat either at port or back on the ship for lunch.

5. Learn a new healthy type of exercise. Many cruise lines offer various sports or exercise activities that you may have never tried at home. For example, I once took a yoga class just to try it out to see if it may be something that would be of interest. Check out the ship’s daily schedule for various activities that you can incorporate while you are aboard the ship, and especially during those days at sea.

In addition to these five tips, you should also drink plenty of water and make healthy food choices when selecting menu items for meals. You will be pleasantly surprised when you reach home after vacation and find that you have actually lost weight on your cruise! Bon Voyage!

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Hotter Than Hale – Day Three

20 October 201531 August 2024

After sleeping in and having a carb-filled breakfast, we were all happy to spend the late morning and afternoon on Long Lake. The kids were so excited to spend time on the water, so they eagerly put on their life jackets and boarded the pontoon. My brother Mike would be captain for the day and we wanted to find a small cove for swimming.

Mike parked the boat and we carried the kids up to the house. Walking the lawn, we arrived at the stairs where we dropped off our towels at the balcony. Most of us washed up in preparation for making dinner while the boys took short naps before the food was ready.

Scott wanted to fish, so he took his tackle box and rods down to the edge of the lake where he could board the boat to throw in his bait.

Grace and Erika played in the sprinkler having a great time playing tag.

Gunnar woke up from his nap in such a happy mood hanging out with Dad. Joy spent her time in the kitchen making us a casserole for dinner while the rest of us worked on side dishes.

It was time for dinner and Erika crawled up into her seat. The kids were so hungry from playing outside and couldn’t wait to have dinner so they could play some more.

While most of us had fun taking family photos and capturing the fun moments of our vacation, Gunnar was a little less enthusiastic.

The kids were starting to wind down as the grownups discussed what we would want to do the next day. Making plans we decided that we would have one more day on the lake because the weather would be more overcast and perfect for swimming and fishing.

Gunnar was trying so hard to stay awake as long as he could in fear of missing out.

It was another amazing day in Hale as we walked down towards the lake to take in the sights and sounds. Listening to the bullfrogs and watching a family of geese swim across the water, was a beautiful ending to our relaxing day on Long Lake.

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Coach’s Pizza (now Mikey’s Pizzeria Hale)
221 N. Washington Street
Hale, MI 48739
Telephone: 989 218 3333

The pizza and service is what brings locals to Coach’s Pizza. From great appetizers such as their wings to the yummy pizzas, you will want to come back for lunch AND dinner.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Hotter Than Hale, Day 2

13 October 201531 August 2024

It was a great day to sleep in and after breakfast, Grandma brought out the bubbles. The backyard was perfect for the children to swim in their inflatable pool and play games. Erika and Grace had a fun time blowing bubble for awhile, but the boys were more excited to watch from the deck.

I guess all of that playing wore Gunnar out as he fell asleep during lunch.

I was excited to venture out and take a drive to Lake Huron. Only 30 miles east of Hale, my sister Joy and I wanted to find a beach. The weather wasn’t really all that great for sunbathing, but we thought it would be a great change from hanging out at the lakehouse. I hopped on 65 south until we reached 55 heading east.

We arrived near Tawas City where we found a beach and boardwalk. Surprisingly, we had the place all to ourselves, even at 2:30 in the afternoon.

We walked the beach for an hour and met some friendly seagulls before deciding to make our way back to the lake.

We stopped for a few moments to photograph Tawas River.

When we arrived home, we saw Erika on the deck enjoying a predinner snack. Tonight we were having tacos.

Bennett has been fascinated with his bellybutton lately and with black beans all over his face, he looks like a silly little boy.

One of the kids’ favorite activities was the water table on the deck. Uncle Scott loved to spray the kids and watch them giggle.

Erika couldn’t resist one last swim in the pool.

Gunner enjoyed every moment of watching all of the kids run around the deck.

With the sun starting to set, the kids were also settling down. Soon it would be time for bed.

Have you been to Hale, Michigan? Stayed on Long Lake? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation to Hale, Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Boathouse Beer Co. & Boozery
450 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 984 5233

You must try the Korean fried chicken sandwich made with fried chicken, aioli, napa cabbage slaw served with French fries. My sister and I split the butter lettuce salad with pork potstickers, oranges, cashews, wasabi vinaigrette and crusty bread. Yum!

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Hotter Than Hale, Our Michigan Vacation – Day 1

6 October 201531 August 2024

Each year, it becomes more and more difficult to find a vacation home that will accommodate our growing family. With nine adults and four young children, we would need some extra space and rooms for sleeping.

My parents found a place on Long Lake in Hale, Michigan for the second week of July. Since it would be part of the hottest time of the year, we wanted to be near a lake where we could swim and fish as well.

Leaving from Columbus, Ohio, we made a quick stop in the adorable village of Frankenmuth and had finally arrived in Hale towards late afternoon. We stopped at the grocery for some items that we would be using for the week and learned that the weather had been extremely hot. So hot, in fact, the cute little town of Hale could not keep their ice cream cold. We realized that there was no other place hotter than Hale.

After unpacking, we checked out the pontoon boat that we would be using for the week and found the firepit where we would later make s’mores. It had been a long day of travel, so we found our rooms and slept in until the next morning.

Reflections on Long Lake were our early morning views from our back yard. There were geese, rabbits, chipmunks and the sound of frogs that kept us entertained.

I decided to walk close to the rental home with a trail around the perimeter of Long Lake.

Happy Gunnar kept us entertained posing for photos and enjoying his toys.

While Erika liked to pose on the balcony.

We had finished unpacking and settled into the house after breakfast. The kids were eager to blow up the inflatable pool for a late morning swim.

We were able to distract the children for a little while when we promised them a ride on the boat. Everyone was excited to cruise along the lake, find a great swimming spot and a place for to fish.

Long Lake is 4.5 square miles with an average depth of 26 feet. With 88, 272 feet of shoreline, its maximum lake depth is 88 feet. Surrounded by beautiful homes, Long Lake has been a vacation spot for many residents of Michigan. Nearby, there are thousands of acres of white pine, oak, ash, cedar, maple and beech trees, providing lumber throughout the state as well as Ohio, New York and Canada. Lumbermen were known to haul wood across Long Lake transporting to various locations.

After we docked the boat, the kids were excited for another swim in their kiddie pool, so we watched them until it was time for dinner. Of course, Bennett was the last one out of the pool.

Erika snuggled up with Daddy after a long day of vacation.

Gunner hung out with grandpa, while

Grace played one of her games.

Bennett finally came in from the pool and dried off before dinner.

We played a few games before bed and it was time to watch the sunset over the lake. What a fun day packed with watersports and we’ll be ready for another activity-packed day tomorrow.

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Long Lake Bar & Grill
5002 E. Main Street
Long Lake, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 257 2017

Dock your boat at Long Lake Bar & Grill and enjoy some hamburgers and fries. Check out Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” video which was filmed in this area.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale