"Great Hiking and Scenery" Ricketts Glen State Park by PA2AKgirl

Ricketts Glen State Park Travel Guide: 51 reviews and 122 photos

Ricketts Glen is located in what is known as the "Endless Mountain Region" of Pennsylvania. (Northcentral to Northeastern PA.)
I think it's the most beautiful part of the state and I love going up to Ricketts Glen for some hiking.

The park is close to other state parks as well (ie: Worlds End...which is fantastic) so if you're planning on visiting Pennsylvania, take a couple days and head up there...

A little history and geology of the area

This park was approved to be a national park but that ended during WWII. It's named after Colonel Ricketts who was involved in the Civil War, namely at the Battle of Gettysburg. He owned a good portion of the land and it was eventually sold to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It's now preserved not only as a state park but also a national natural area in the glen area of the park.

Kitchen creek is made up of 2 branches that carved the gorges of of Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh. At a place appropriately called “Waters Meet” these 2 branches come together and then flow through Ricketts Glen. There are wonderful rock formations and a few types of waterfalls, including "bridal veil" (flows straight down as in the 1st picture) and "wedding cake" (in tiers...like my last picture)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Amazing waterfalls, convenient, great recreational site
Cons:can be a bit dangerous on the Falls Trail

Intro Updated Sep 25, 2004
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Reviews (15)

Cooling Off Favorites (3)

Though it is the tallest waterfall at Ricketts Glen, I think the best place to try to get in the water is under the... more travel advice

very buggy where there isn't rushing water - Ricketts Glen State Park

It's so buggy Warnings Or Dangers (4)

In the spring, there are SO many bugs here. It's really pretty irritating. The Falls Trail is long enough that you want... more travel advice

cottage floorplan from website - Ricketts Glen State Park

Sweet Valley Cottages Hotels (2)

If you're not into staying right in the park, in a cabin, then these cottages are a good alternative. They aren't... more travel advice

lots of choices... - Ricketts Glen State Park

After the Falls Trail... Favorites (3)

Try out some of the other hikes! Maybe not on the same day, but if you revisit, just do a portion of the trail and then... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
The Old Bulldozer Road Trail
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Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 9, 2004

8 photos

More of the fantastic scenery...

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Comments (16)

hikeratheart Aug 20, 2010 at 8:21 PM Report Abuse

Also if you are going to attempt winter hiking be careful of sink holes in the snow. Some places you may be knee deep and all of a sudden you are waste deep because of boulders under the snow.
flynursepa Jul 24, 2008 at 6:08 AM Report Abuse

These cabins were clean, inexpensive, and convienent for a family. We had a wonderful time here. The waterfall trail hike is worth your time. You should be in good shape.
wcph Aug 28, 2005 at 5:50 PM Report Abuse

Gorgeous photos. What beautiful scenery!
deeper_blue Sep 13, 2004 at 6:49 AM Report Abuse

This place looks fantastic, thanks for the tips!
gregoryr1m Aug 6, 2004 at 11:16 AM Report Abuse

I had to pay another visit ti your Ricketts Glen pages. It looks like a beautidul place.
ronny_m21 Jul 14, 2004 at 12:13 PM Report Abuse

not bad... not bad at all.... ;-) wonderful pics... good info too!
dsantosh Jul 5, 2004 at 11:49 PM Report Abuse

Katey, my friend, many many happy returns of the day. Wishing you a happy birthday , a great time , happy travels and all the best in life.
dr.firas Jun 26, 2004 at 9:27 AM Report Abuse

Great Page Katey :-)) And thanks a lot for being in my Pisa page, indeed it is a great place, have fun dear there and happy traveling :-))
Anchovy56 Jun 22, 2004 at 9:32 AM Report Abuse

You are like me in that you love water....
Stephen-KarenConn Jun 10, 2004 at 7:37 PM Report Abuse

Excellent, well written tips. We're sold. Ricketts Glen is now definitely on our list of places we MUST SEE.