Ricketts Glen State Park, PA

While I have only addressed western locations in my previous posts, my favorite state park in here in the east. Ricketts Glen State Park is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, about one hour west of Scranton. While the park has camping, a 245 acre lake (electric motors only), and 26 miles of hiking trails, the big draw for me is the Waterfall Trail.

The trail runs along 22 named waterfalls, and hundreds of beautiful cascades through two glens. The 7.2 mile trail is described as difficult, with steep stairways and rocky paths, however the scenery is magnificent! As long as you take your time, I didn’t find a difficult hike. Here is a park map with trail information.

While my Favorite time to visit is during the fall colors, the waterfalls are beautiful year round. The Falls Trail is closed in the winter except for properly equipped ice climbers and hikers. I have visited the park in all seasons except winter, and even during the driest times there is water in the streams.

There are two campgrounds, one of which is open year round. While the campsites have no hookups, both campgrounds have bathrooms with flush toilets & showers. There is a dump station in the park.

One suggestion – the southern entrance to the park (from Red Rock) climbs a 2 mile, 18% grade. Unless you want to test your rig, you might want to enter the park from Dushore using route 487 South.

Another suggestion – if you have a toad or tow vehicle, drive to Red Rock and take 118 East a mile or so to the Rt 118 Trailhead Parking lot. That way you will be hiking up the glen early on while fresh, and downhill on the way back when you are tired.

If you enjoy hiking along streams & waterfalls, it is hard to beat Ricketts Glen!