Falls Trail from PA 118(edit)

based on 39 tracks & routes | |

MODERATE

#1 hike out of 12 in Ricketts Glen State Park |

MODERATE

8.0 mi

Distance

4 hrs 21 min

Time

942 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate lollipop loop hike in Ricketts Glen State Park featuring a large number of waterfalls.

The lower part of this hike follows the Kitchen Creek up the Falls Trail for 1.5 miles. At the "Water Meet" the Falls Trail forks going up the Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen sides. The Highland trail connects the two sides for a 3.2 mile loop. Follow the Falls Trail back down Kitchen Creek to the PA 118 Lot to complete the 7.2 mile hike.

In the winter, the trail is closed to anyone who does not have the appropriate mountaineering gear (full crampons, ice axe, rope and climbing helmet). Trekking poles with ice tips are also recommended and for practical purposes are more useful than an ice axe. The rope is not needed unless you should need to perform a rescue. However, the rangers do enforce these requirements. Also, hikers must sign in and out at the park office or by calling the office. Phone number is posted at the trail heads.

This trail goes by Murray Reynolds Falls, Sheldon Reynolds Falls, Harrison Wright Falls, Tuscarora Falls, Conestoga Falls, Delaware Falls, Seneca Falls, Ganoga Falls, Cayuga Falls, Oneida Falls, Mohawk Falls, Mohican Falls, Erie Falls, Onondaga Falls, Shawnee Falls, F.L. Ricketts Falls, Huron Falls, Ozone Falls, R.B. Ricketts Falls, B. Reynolds Falls, and Wyandot Falls.

Note: Adams Falls is just south of the PA 118 Lot. Be sure not to miss it before starting your hike.

Getting Started

Parking:
Parking is at the PA 118 Lot. The trail can be accessed from the other lots (Lake Rose and Beach). Either of these two lots will shorten the overall length of the hike at the cost of missing the the lower 3 falls.
GPS: 41.301171, -76.270916

When to Go:
The trail is open Spring, Summer, and Fall. Properly equipped ice climbers can access the trail in the Winter (see the official site for more details). In early to mid Spring, the waterfalls can have much larger amounts of water, though the hike is spectacular even with less water. The park can become very crowded on the weekends during the summer. Going mid week or getting an early start can help reduce crowds.

Caution:
There are no railings, steep drops, and occasionally slippery rocks. Be sure to follow the guidelines listed on the official site.

Taking Children

The elevation gain and distance make this a difficult hike for children 8 and under. I'd recommend parking at either the Lake Rose or Beach lots for a shorter version of the hike.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

kevinkmcnulty 3 years, 9 months ago

This was a fantastic hike in winter. Beautiful waterfalls and well maintained trail. The park’s requirements for mountaineer gear should not be taken lightly. You definitely need full crampons (not micro spikes or yak tracks). The park tells you to bring ice axe and rope. I found trekking poles with ice tips and snow baskets to be infinity more useful. The were only a few spots were an ice axe would have provided any benefit that the poles would not have and there was no need for the rope unless you needed to perform a rescue for someone, in which case the ice axe could be beneficial as well to belay. All that said, the rangers do enforce these gear requirements so be prepared. You should also bring a helmet as sections of the trail have significant ice and rock overhangs. Overall, the actual hike is not that strenuous and I highly recommend it!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brian Louden 4 years, 6 months ago

One of my favorite hikes on the East Coast. The large number of really good waterfalls throughout the entire hike make this place really stand out. I would rate this hike as moderate, with the distance and elevation being the only challenges. The trail is very well maintained and not overly rocky or strenuous.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★