Located in central Pennsylvania sweet valley, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic lies a state park that is best known for its 22 waterfalls. The Ganoga Falls is the highest of the falls at 94-foot.
The park is situated in Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties with acreage of 13,050 and is considered the most scenic of the state parks. The park is named for Robert Bruce Ricketts, who was a Colonel during the American Civil War. He fought at Gettysburg and is best known for defense against the Confederates on Cemetery Hill.
Nearby towns include Nanicoke, Wilkes-Barre, Eagles Meere, and Back Mountian.
Hiking to See the Waterfalls
There are 26 miles of trail that cross over and through the park. The trails vary from fairly level to very steep hills.
When hiking along the falls visitors should wear sturdy boots. According to park’s website the wearing of sneakers, sandals, “water shoes” or “street shoes” could cause a serious fall.
The Falls Trail is the most difficult and is 7.2 miles long if taking the higher and lower section. In order to see most of the waterfalls the hiker would wants to stay to the side of the Highland Trail, Glen Leigh, and the Ganoga Glen.
The smallest waterfall is 11 feet high. The scenery that surrounds the fall is breathtaking; however the terrain is rocky and slippery.
Hiking Ricketts Glen
The remaining trails are:
- Beach Trail: 0.8 mile and easy hiking
- Cherry Run Trail: 4.6 miles and moderate hiking
- Ganoga View Trail: 2.8 miles and moderate hiking
- Grand View Trail: 1.9 miles and moderate hiking
- Highland Trail: 1.2 mile and moderate hiking
- Mountain Springs Trail: 4 miles and moderate hiking
- Old Beaver Dam Road Trail: 1.2 mile and moderate hiking
- Old Bulldozer Road Trail: 2.9 miles and moderate hiking
- The Bear Walk Trail: 1 mile and easy hiking.
Camping at Ricketts Glen
There are a 120 tent and trailer sites available. Hot showers, flush toilets, shaded sites, gravel parking spurs and a sanitary dump station is available to campers. There are designated areas for pets.
Recreation at the park includes horseback riding, boating, swimming, and fishing.
For those who are not interested in camping there are near by hotels and campsites with cabins. Several restaurants are also near by.
Rickett's Glen Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is located off of RT 487, where you will find maps, notices of current happenings and events, bathrooms, and a little gift area.
The Pennsylvania State Parks Website has information.
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