Ricketts Glen State Park — Attraction in Colley Township

It's an amazing hike that you wouldn't want to miss. A good 2 hour drive from the Harrisburg area, the Lake Rose Trailhead Parking lot was already more than half full when we arrived at 10 am. It's easy to assume that during the weekend you will have to settle with roadside parking instead.

The Falls Trail is the number one highlight of the park and boasts 21 named waterfalls to keep you engaged. I did my research and planned our hike. I can definitely attest and recommend the path we took. It's an approximately 4.2 mile, 5 hour hike for us that covers all 21 waterfalls. The Ganoga Glen side of the Falls Trail is more challenging than the Glen Leigh side, and you would want to go uphill on the Ganoga Glen side; in other words, go around the loop on a clockwise direction as described below:

o- Start from the Lake Rose parking lot, hike [0.15 mile] to the Y intersection o- Bear left to Highland Trailfor the easy [1 mile] hike. Tip: trail continues behind the Midway Crevasse! o- When you see a sign for F.L. Ricketts, skip it until the next sign that says Glen Leigh then you turn right; otherwise you'd have taken a shortcut and missed the Onodaga Fall. o- Enjoy 8 waterfalls on this moderately difficult [1 mile] hike on Glen Leigh o- At Waters Meet, bear left towards Rt. 118 to catch 3 gorgeous waterfalls that you wouldn't want to miss. o- Hike back to Waters Meet to complete the [0.75 mile] round trip detour. o- Continue straight to the Ganoga Glen side of the Falls Trail for 10 more waterfalls. This is the most strenuous section of the Falls Trail. Approximately [1 mile]. o- Turn right at the intersection to stay on Falls Trail, and then follow the sign to Lake Rose Lot. This adds about [0.3 mile].

This was a mid-August summer day and the water level was understandably low; therefore, we don't get to see the full splendor of the waterfalls, but they were still amazing as shown in the photo. Many waterfalls have names posted, but others you would have to identify with the pictures on the brochure or figure out based on the order of appearance. I'm serious about hiking that extra 3/4 mile toward Rt. 118 as these are among my favorite waterfalls. My favorite though is the petit but gorgeous 15' Wyandot Fall.

The grounds were wet. Exposed roots can be muddy and slippery. There are many sections of uneven rocks. You definitely need a good pair of hiking boots. Contrary to some accounts, the park prohibits swimming or wading in the water. Also, no fishing and no biking. All dogs have to...

Visited on 3/29/24. A cool but very sunny day, right after a rainy day so the falls were more full but the trail was a little wet and slippery. We were traveling through PA and had time to do the Falls Trail. We parked at the Lake Rose Trailhead. It had restrooms but they were closed for the season and also several spots to park with overflow by the ranger station. There was also a restroom at the Ranger station. We were there around 8am and were only a few hikers there ahead of us. We started the trail going clockwise (going left at the fork) as most people went counterclockwise. Plus wanted the sun at our backs for the larger falls on the way back and walking into the falls on our way back up. This was one of the most beautiful trails I have ever hiked. We saw at least 20+ named and several smaller falls. This was classified as a moderate hike and I agree with that as it is well maintained and they have built in rock stairs along the Falls going down and coming back up. There is some minor scrambling to get closer to the falls. However almost every Fall you can get very close and right next to it, without going off trail in most cases. There was not a lot of vegetation yet and saw some pictures on how beautiful it is in Summer and Fall but you also have a better view of the Falls when there are no leaves on the trees. Moderate Rating* there are a lot of built in stairs as you have a lot of elevation down and back up and many of the steps you need to step down a bit and on up a bit on the way back up, large steps. You should have some hiking experience and be in decent shape to do this hike. When we were there it was light traffic but there were some people that should not have attempted this trail that were going to have significant troubles getting back up and putting themselves and possibly others at risk and slowing everyone else down. The trail, in most spots, is not wide enough for one person at a time. And again, a lot of elevation. Down at the bottom of the loop there were some benches that we sat at and had a lunch, we brought in, and had two falls in our view. This trail reminded us of a trail in Shanadoah and another in Glacier. A...

Ah, Ricketts Glen, a geological masterpiece nestled within the verdant embrace of Pennsylvania's wild heart. Here, the unrelenting forces of time and nature have crafted a wonder, a realm of resplendent waterfalls and lush forests. It's a place where geography, meteorology, and biology unite in perfect harmony.

As you embark on your journey through this splendid haven, your footsteps echoing amidst towering trees, your eyes are bound to feast upon an array of mushrooms, each with its own tale to tell. Let me regale you with the stories of four fungi that grace this mystical realm.

The Amanita Muscaria: Known for its vivid crimson cap adorned with white flecks, this mushroom, with its whimsical allure, has a mischievous reputation. Some believe it to be the very essence of fairy tales, while others tread cautiously, aware of its hallucinogenic potential. A true enigma in the world of mycology.

The Chanterelle: A golden treasure hidden among the fallen leaves, this delectable delight boasts a vibrant hue and a subtle, apricot-like fragrance. Those who know the secrets of the forest often hunt for these to elevate their culinary creations to new heights.

The Boletus Edulis: With its regal brown cap and stout stature, the Boletus Edulis is a prize coveted by foragers far and wide. Its earthy flavor, when sautéed in butter, transforms into a culinary masterpiece that graces the tables of gourmets.

The Hygrophoropsis Aurantiaca: As you amble along the mossy trails, you may encounter this orange-hued wonder. Resembling a piece of the autumn sun, it is a symbol of warmth and beauty in the forest's cool shadows.

In Ricketts Glen, where geography and biology intertwine, these mushrooms, like silent sentinels, offer glimpses of nature's poetic elegance. They adorn the forest floor, whispering stories of enchantment and the circle of life. So, my dear reader, when you visit this wondrous place, be sure to tread lightly and observe these fungal wonders in their natural splendor, for they are part of the living tapestry that makes Ricketts Glen truly...