Who doesn’t love a waterfall hike? And even better, this one has 21 waterfalls!
The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen is known as one of the best waterfall trails on the eastern side of the US, and for good reason! It’s a beautiful trail that features almost two dozen waterfalls, plus cascades and other water features, along the route. And because it’s in a Pennsylvania state park, it’s FREE to visit, giving it the edge over places like Watkins Glen in New York.
If the Ricketts Glen waterfall trail has been on your bucket list, the guide below has everything you need to know! So, let’s start planning your next adventure.
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The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen
We loved hiking the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen. Nowhere else in Pennsylvania can you see up to 21 waterfalls on one trail. It’s absolutely breathtaking, and it’s considered one of the best waterfall hikes in the Eastern US.
The full trail (starting at Route 118) is 7.2 miles long. However, you’ll be hiking about 1.5 miles before you reach the first waterfall.
A shorter option to see all of the falls is starting at Lake Rose Trailhead. This is the option referenced below. It’s just over 4 miles.
Lastly, you can shorten the hike even more to a 3.2-mile loop and still see 18 of the waterfalls.
No matter which length you choose, you will encounter multiple sets of stone staircases. The stairs do not have railings or walls (like they do at Watkins Glen in New York), so keep that in mind, especially if you are hiking with small children. You also might consider using hiking poles to give stabillity while ascending and descending the steps.
Prepare for Your Waterfall Hike at Ricketts Glen
Parking
There are two main parking lots for the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen.
For the shorter loop, you’ll want to park at the Lake Rose Trailhead parking. There are about 70 spaces for cars, but due to the popularity of this trail, they will fill up on weekends and in the summer months.
If you want a longer hike, park at the Route 118 Trailhead Parking. This lot also holds a large number of cars (about 75).
If those lots are full, a third option is the Beach Lot #2 Trailhead Parking. It is about a 1/2 mile walk to the Highland Trail.
Amenities
There are two single-stall restrooms at each parking lot.
Limited Cell Service
There is little to no cellular service at Ricketts Glen State Park. Download a map of the trail before you arrive.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Falls Trail. Keep in mind the trail involves many stone stairs.
Seasonal Closures
The Falls Trail system typically closes for the winter in late November or early December. As weather conditions allow, it usually reopens in March or April.
You can still hike the Falls Trail during the winter with the proper equipment and by registering with the park office. Proper equipment includes crampons (not micro-spikes), an ice axe, and rope.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hiking the Ricketts Glen Waterfall Trail
As noted above, you have a few different options for hiking the waterfall trail at Ricketts Glen. The information below references the trail leaving from the Lake Rose Parking Lot and hiking to each of the 21 waterfalls.
| Trail Location: | Lake Rose Parking Lot |
| Trail Length: | 4.1 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate (lots of stairs) |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 850 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead
The Fall Trail trailhead is at the southeast corner of the Lake Rose parking lot and is clearly marked.
Which Direction?
After about .2 miles, you’ll have to make a choice! Do you follow the trail clockwise or counter-clockwise? There is no correct answer – it’s all about what you’d prefer.
We chose to do the Falls Trail clockwise. We wanted to start with the Highland Trail and get the “boring” part of the trail out of the way first. It’s actually a very pretty section of the trail, but it would be underwhelming after completing the falls portions of the trail.
If you’re more interested in jumping right into the waterfall section of the trail and don’t mind a quiet and uneventful walk back to the car, go counter-clockwise on the trail.
Highland Trail
As noted above, the Highland Trail is very pretty, but is also pretty uneventful.
This section of the Falls Trail loop is about 1 mile long. You’ll encounter a couple of water crossings and the Midway Crevasse. But otherwise, it’s just a good a warm-up (or cool down) for the rest of the hike.
The Falls Trail
It’s very hard to describe the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen! But I’ll try.
For the most part, it’s stone steps and tons of waterfalls. 21 of them! No matter if you choose to go clockwise or counter-clockwise, you’ll have to descend the waterfall trail first (that means climbing back up on the return🥵) .
The trail is mainly flat sections interrupted by sections of stone steps. The stone steps, for the most part, are in good condition. We didn’t encounter any crumbiling or rocking steps, but you never know, so be careful.
If you encounter someone on the steps coming the opposite direction, it’s good trail ettiquette to let them complete the stairs before you start.
Each waterfall has a sign with its name. If you look at the map, it will have the name and height of each waterfall, giving you an idea of where you are along the trail, and also how steep the steps will be.
Waters Meet
Once you reach Waters Meet you have seen about half of the waterfalls! This a great space for a rest break, since they have some benches and it’s a larger, more open space.
From here you have two choices (so many choice to make on this trail!). You can start your climb back up (this would make your hike length about 3.2 miles and you’ll see 18 waterfalls) or you can follow the trail south about a .2-miles to see 3 more waterfalls (making the total hike length about 4 miles and see 21 waterfalls). It’s up to you!
Hiking Back Up
Unless you chose the long hike and parked at the Route 118 trailhead, you’ll have to hike back up the waterfall trail to return to your car. Again, you’ll encounter several stone staircases mixed in with flatter sections. Some of the stair sections are steep and long, so you might need a break or two.
Other Multi-Waterfall Hikes in Pennsylvania
There are several other multi-waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania. We’ve hiked the trail Seven Tubs Recreation Area trail (near Wilkes-Barre) and Shades of Death at Hickory Run State Park. Both are short, moderately easy trails that have waterfalls and other natural water features to see along the route. We also enjoyed our visit to Bushkill Falls, though it can be pricey to visit.
Ricketts Glen Waterfall Trail Wrap-Up
Overall, the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park is a must-do for anyone who enjoys nature. Although the multiple stairs over the 850 feet elevation gain can be tiresome, if you go slow and take breaks, almost anyone can enjoy it. Because it is such a popular trail, you’ll want to hike it in the early spring or late fall to avoid crowds. In the summer, try to arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon.
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