Alerts
FALLS TRAIL OPEN: As of 4/6/23 The Falls Trail is now open for the 2023 season, however there is still a section of trail that will be closed for hazard mitigation and repairs. A closure for repairs to an unstable rock ledge remains in place to all hikers on the Glen Leigh side of the system from F.L. Ricketts Falls to Ozone Falls (2 total falls in the closed section, 20 falls can still be viewed as normal).
This means that a full loop of the system is not possible until repairs can be completed. You will have to backtrack at some point in your hike to get back to where you parked your car. |
Warning: The spotted lanternfly has invaded our area. This invasive insect could cause serious harm to Pennsylvania’s resources, businesses, and economy. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAVE! Help us stop the spread of these unwelcome hitchhikers. Inspect your vehicle, camper, tent, gear, etc. before you leave the park and destroy any lanternflies you find. For more information, visit the Penn State Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly website. |
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.
Seasons and Hours
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at sunset.
The park office is open specific hours. The beach, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours.
Reservations
Make
online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Saturday.
Directions
The park is 30 miles north of Bloomsburg on PA 487.
The section of PA 487 from the town of Red Rock to the Lake Jean area of the park is a very steep road. Heavy trailer units should avoid this hill and enter the park by taking PA 487 south from Dushore.
GPS DD: Lat. 41.33517, Long. -76.30153
Top 10 Activities to Do at Ricketts Glen State Park
Hike the Falls Trail System. Wear proper footwear. Sandals are prohibited.
Cool off on a hot summer day with a swim at the beach on Lake Jean.
Spend a winter weekend in one of the modern cabins.
Camp overnight in the campground. Scouts and other groups can try the rustic Organized Group Tent Campground.
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.
Visit the park in winter to snowmobile, cross-country ski, and snowshoe.
Enjoy 10,287 acres of hunting within the state park and additional acres in the surrounding state game lands.
Enjoy the Laurel View Trail in mid-June when mountain laurel is in full bloom.
How to Access the Waterfalls
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.
The
Glens Natural Area Enlargement Map (PDF) of the Glens Natural Area shows the Falls Trail in detail.
Food and Refreshment Concession
The food and refreshment concession near the beach sells food, refreshments, and firewood from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, weather dependent.
Learn, Experience, Connect
Natural wetlands, old growth forests, and majestic geological formations (which helped produce 22 beautiful waterfalls), make Ricketts Glen an excellent choice for outdoor studies.
From March to November, the environmental education specialist conducts hands-on activities, guided walks, and presentations on the natural and historical resources for school groups, scouts, civic organizations, and the general public.
Call in advance to set up a program to enhance classroom or group studies. Campers and visitors may check the bulletin boards and at the park office for listings of weekend programs and nature hikes.
Access for People with Disabilities
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.
In an Emergency
Call 911 and contact an employee.
Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office.
Nearest Hospital
Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital
549 Fair Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-387-2100