Need some reasons to hike the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park this fall?
Jeannie Leininger, of Milton, has two.
“My family loves it because of the rigor of the hike combined with the amazing natural beauty,” she said. “No where else can you find this sort of concentration of legitimate waterfalls in one hike that the whole family will enjoy — and it is free. You can’t beat that.”
Add in the multi-hued backdrop of the Valley’s fall foliage, and it is easy to see why this venue has become such a popular destination.
“We started taking our Scout troop years ago and they were absolutely fascinated by it,” said Harry Huff, of Mifflinburg. “It became a regular destination for our group. We had a sunrise breakfast one year on a rock below one of the falls. One time, we dropped a frisbee over one of the larger falls and watched it hit different air pockets and talked about the science behind it. Another time, with a church youth group, we got there after a truck-sized boulder fell off the side of one of the falls, which changed the whole dynamic.”
Those changes add to the appeal for regular Ricketts Glen hikers
“The falls trail is ever-changing,” Huff said. “Each year, there is a different water flow, and it changes the trail.”
Two trails offer access
According to Ricketts Glen Ranger Nick Maneval, the falls have become the park’s signature attraction.
“Every state park has something that draws people in. The Ohiopyle is known for its whitewater, Hickory Run has its boulder field,” he said. “Here at Ricketts Glen, it is the series of waterfalls you’ll see. We have 22 named waterfalls, with the highest at 94 feet and the majority falling between 30-60 feet high.”
There are two main trails that can be used for viewing. The main one, called the Falls Trail, is 7.2 miles, but can be really challenging. It boasts a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading though rock-strewn clefts, and passes through a stand of old-growth forest.
The January 2009 issue of Backpacker Magazine named the Falls Trail loop the best hike in Pennsylvania, as part of the magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards.
“The Falls Trail covers a 1,000-foot elevation from bottom to top, and can be tough for those not used to hiking,” Maneval said. “It can also get really slippery — whether muddy from rain or wet leaves. Some areas of the trail are fairly narrow, but our trail crew has been doing a good job of widening it out so it is better to maneuver through. There are a lot of steps involved, and a decent amount of rocks and roots are exposed, so be mindful.”
For those not confident enough to tackle the challenges of the Falls Trail, there is a smaller, 3.2-mile loop that still gives you ample opportunity to view waterfalls.
“You’ll see a majority of our waterfalls in the upper loop. In fact, you’ll see all but four of our 22 falls along the upper loop,” said Maneval.
Preparation key to safety
Safety for hiking any of Ricketts Glen’s myriad trails starts in the preparation, according to Leininger.
“Carry a backpack with you with lots of water or Gatorade and some snacks,” she suggested. “Wear hiking shoes and dress cool — and be prepared to get wet!”
Maneval agreed that good hiking shoes are essential for trail safety, and that proper hydration is key for a successful trip. He also urged using common sense when following the trails.
“It is a well-used path, but we don’t have it blazed like many trails people are used to because we don’t want to take away from the natural beauty of the falls area,” he said. “However, there is plenty of signage at each intersection, and if you are walking a falls trail, it usually means you are walking near water. If you find yourself walking away from water, that is a good indication that you may no longer be on the Falls Trail.”
Huff suggested doing some pre-hike strength building before tackling the trails.
“You can do some stairs or stadium steps or anything else to help build your lower leg strength. It can be easy to turn an ankle out there, and your thighs definitely get a workout,” he said. “The trail wouldn’t be recommended for a heart patient. People can get tired out from the rigor of the longer Falls Trail. If you get overly tired, make sure to take breaks and work your way back out.”
More than just waterfalls
The waterfalls are not the only worthy attraction at Ricketts Glen.
“We have our 245-acre Lake Jean that is open Memorial Day through a couple of weekends after Labor Day,” said Maneval. “There is a beach area to swim, although it is an open swim, meaning there are no provided lifeguards. There is also boating on the lake for kayaks, canoes and boats with electric motors. Fishing on the lake has changed somewhat after we drained the lake a few years ago. Right now, it is catch-and-release only, and we are starting to see some really nice fish being caught.”
Ricketts Glen also offers 12 campsites, with more in the works later this fall. There are 10 modern cabins and five deluxe cottages available to rent.
“The critters out here shouldn’t deter anyone, either. You have ticks anywhere you go in the state, but haven’t had too many here,” said Maneval. “There are also not many poisonous snakes, and while we have occasional bear sightings, they’ll leave you alone if you leave them alone.”
For more about the park, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/rickettsglen or call the main office at 570-477-5675.
