Attractions and Places To See in Ricketts Glen State Park - Top 5

Ricketts Glen State Park is renowned for its diverse natural beauty. Its primary attraction is the Glens Natural Area, featuring 22 to 24 named waterfalls cascading through deep gorges. You can also explore significant stands of old-growth forest with trees over 300 years old, and enjoy Lake Jean, a 245-acre lake.

The Glens Natural Area within Ricketts Glen State Park is home to 22 to 24 named waterfalls. The Falls Trail allows hikers to experience most of these, including the impressive 94-foot Ganoga Falls.

The most popular trail is the Falls Trail. This moderately difficult 7.2-mile loop allows hikers to experience most of the 21 waterfalls in the Glens Natural Area. A shorter 3.2-mile loop is also available by combining parts of the Highland Trail with Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen.

The Falls Trail is considered moderately difficult. The terrain is rocky, often slippery, and steep, especially around the waterfalls. Proper footwear with good grip is essential for safety. It's advisable to wear sturdy hiking boots.

Yes, beyond the challenging Falls Trail, Ricketts Glen offers other options. The Evergreen Trail is an easier, 1-mile trail that leads through old-growth forest to Adams Falls. For more easy hikes, you can explore routes like the Ganoga View Trail or the Delaware Falls loop. Find more options on the Easy hikes in Ricketts Glen State Park guide.

Lake Jean is a central hub for recreation. You can enjoy swimming at its 600-foot beach, typically open from late May to mid-September. The lake is also popular for fishing diverse species and boating with non-gasoline powered vessels. Boat rentals are available during the summer.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and fall offer spectacular views of the waterfalls and vibrant foliage. Autumn provides a quieter experience with changing leaves. The Falls Trail is typically closed in winter due to hazardous conditions, though ice climbers and properly equipped hikers may be permitted.

Yes, Ricketts Glen State Park provides various overnight accommodations. You can choose from ten cabins, modern campgrounds equipped with hot showers and flush toilets, or deluxe camping cottages. This allows visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the park's natural environment.

Beyond hiking, the park offers 26 miles of diverse trails, some suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Lake Jean is great for swimming, fishing, and boating. Over 10,000 acres are open for hunting and trapping common game animals. You can also find cycling routes in the area, such as those listed in the Cycling in Ricketts Glen State Park guide.

One of the highest points in the park offering scenic views is Grand View, an outcrop of Huntley Mountain Formation sandstone. Additionally, the various trails, especially those along the Glens Natural Area, provide numerous picturesque vistas of the waterfalls and surrounding forests.

While not featuring extensive cultural sites with standing structures, Ricketts Glen State Park has a rich history. The land was historically home to Native Americans. The park is named after R. Bruce Ricketts, who owned the land in the late 19th century and developed trails, naming many waterfalls. The Glens Natural Area was recognized as a National Natural Landmark in 1969.

Yes, the park offers several facilities. There are picnic areas, particularly around Lake Jean and off PA 118. Campgrounds and cabins are available for overnight stays. You can also find a map and resting benches at locations like Beautiful break place.