Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. This large park is comprised of 13,193 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties.

Ricketts Glen harbors the Glens Natural Area — a National Natural Landmark. Hike the Falls Trail System to explore the glens, which boasts a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside.

The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of 22 named waterfalls. Old growth timber and diverse wildlife add to the beauty.

Explore the waters of Lake Jean via boat. Boat rentals are available during the summer. Enjoy fishing on Lake Jean through all seasons. Ice fishing is popular from November through March. Have a picnic by Lake Jean. Lake Jean is open to electric motors only, which makes it a peaceful place to paddle your kayak or canoe. Picnic tables hug the shoreline, offering plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the views.

Twenty-one waterfalls are along the Falls Trail within the Glens Natural Area, while one (Adams) is only a few hundred feet from the Evergreen Parking Lot off PA 118.

There are three parking areas that provide access to the Falls Trail:

Lake Rose Trailhead is at the end of the road across from the campground and provides the closest access (5-10 minutes), but fills up quickly during peak times.

Beach Parking Lot #2 is at the end of the main park road. Leave the lot and walk down the trail adjacent to the Cabin Road (first road just outside of the lot), past a park gate, and onto a section of trail to the first intersection where you go right (15-20 minute access).

The parking lots on PA 118 are 1.5 miles from the first waterfall upstream on the Falls Trail, but allow a good view of old growth trees.

The full loop of the Falls Trail is 7.2 miles if hiking both the upper and lower sections. To see most of the waterfalls, a 3.2-mile loop can be taken by going on Highland Trail and the Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen sides of the trail.

Stay the night at Ricketts Glen Campground– there are furnished modern cabins, 120 tent and trailer campsites, and five deluxe cottages in the campground. Opens the second Friday in April and closes on the third weekend in October.