Ricketts Glen State Park stands as one of Pennsylvania’s most spectacular natural areas, spanning 13,050 acres across Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan Counties. Established in 1942, the park is best known for its remarkable Falls Trail, a 7.2-mile loop that passes 21 named waterfalls cascading through the Ganoga Glen, Glen Leigh, and Ricketts Glen gorges. The tallest, Ganoga Falls, drops 94 feet through moss-covered rock formations that feel almost primeval.

Beyond the waterfalls, the park preserves one of the last stands of old-growth timber in Pennsylvania, with towering hemlocks and oaks that predate European settlement. Lake Jean anchors the park’s recreational offerings, providing a sandy beach for swimming, kayaking, and fishing for bass, perch, and trout. In winter, the frozen waterfalls draw ice climbers and photographers, while cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails crisscross the highlands.

Hikers will find over 26 miles of trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to rugged climbs through the gorges. The Falls Trail requires sturdy footwear — the rock steps stay slippery year-round. Birders should watch for nesting warblers and the occasional bald eagle near the lake.

The best time to visit is mid-October, when peak fall foliage transforms the gorges into corridors of gold and crimson. Summer weekends draw crowds, so arrive early to secure trailhead parking. Spring snowmelt makes the waterfalls their most powerful, though trails can be muddy through mid-May.

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