Ricketts Glen Falls Trail — Local services in Fairmount Township

My destination was the Falls Trail. There is a loop of a couple trails about 4 miles worth to see all 21 waterfalls (the one usually advertised is 7 miles but no need to do all 7 to see all the waterfalls. Instead there is a cutoff trail to shorten it). This is truly a gem of our state of PA. The park is about a 4.25 hour drive from Pittsburgh. It is a pleasant drive. I parked at the Lake Rose Trailhead. This one is right at the Falls Trail trailhead. This is my third visit over the years and I have not had any issues finding a parking spot here but i do go on a weekday and arrive around 8am. There is a restroom with a pitt toilet and running water. The Falls Trail trailhead is to the right of the restroom. This trail is a good option when temps are high elsewhere. With higher elevation (black mountain summit nearby indicates 2449 ft elevation) and mostly shaded trails, the temps will be a bit cooler. Maps of the park were available at the trailhead. I wouldn't count on that being a given, however, and was prepared by downloading a PDF online and printing and carrying it for reference. I chose doing a loop of Falls Trail (Ganiga Glen) to Waters Meet. I then went south on falls trail (Ricketts Glen) for 3 falls, backtracked back to Waters Meet and continued along Falls Trail (Glen Leugh) until Highland trail on the left. I took that (all waterfalls seen already) as the shortcut then using the shortcut back to Falls Trail and back to the parking lot. All told, around 4 miles of trekking and 4.25 hours because of all the stopping to take photos (lots and lots of photos) of the 21 waterfalls, of the foliage, of the enormous amount of effort put into building steps everywhere, and of butterflies in abundance. It is a wonderful eye-appealing venue, worthy of a trip. How much water is running will depend of rainfall amounts. This visit this past week was superb in that regard. Was the hike strenuous? That seems to be subjective. The map says so. Guess depends compared to what? Something else in the state or other states or what criteria exactly? I've hiked plenty. Let us say it has steps everywhere. Terrain is uneven. You and your party need to be mobile and able-bodied. Strenuous? You are stopping every so many feet to take photos. Dangerous? Well, I wouldn't take a stereotypical 2 year old who runs about as it is a natural area with no barriers between you/them and water everywhere. As long as you are steady on your feet, mind your distance from edges, it is as safe as anyplace with water all around and...

This is my favorite Pennsylvania hike... even when it's dry and water is low and low.

There is beautiful scenery and wildlife during the entire hike. The trail can get crowded on weekends.. especially during leaf peeping season.

I like to park at the Rt. 118 lot, hike in to Waters Meet and then complete the Falls Trail Loop. It's a little longer, but you hike the difficult stretch at the beginning when your body is fresh and hike down when you're more tired. Bring plenty of water to drink.

The trail has some benches throughout and plenty of rocks and old fallen trees to sit and have a break, eat a snack or your lunch.

The trail is dog friendly. Don't forget to keep your dog on a leash and pick up after them. Make sure you take all your trash out with you.

If it's hunting season, make sure you wear orange.

There are also a few additional falls just a few steps off of the old Rt 118. lot. Make sure you go over there to check it out. Adams Fall is one of the prettiest so...

I’ve tent camped here at Ricketts Glen State Park numerous times: guys only, with the families, and just with my wife. For me personally, this is some of the most beautiful campgrounds I’ve been to.

What makes it special is the vast size of the grounds (over 13,000 Acres) which gives you the true sense of being away deep in the forest.

But no question, the twenty-one incredible Waterfall series tops the shear number and beauty of what I’ve experienced. It’s great hiking up or down them. Each direction, time of year, and time of day gives you a totally different feel and view.

And to add to it, you can paddle on Lake Jean which is in the park too.

Great...