Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in Pennsylvania. It also ranks as one of the top nature hike destinations in the US because of the beautiful waterfalls in their natural state along, free- range trails for optimal viewing. We are lucky enough to have this beautiful state park right in our own backyard! Have you ever been there? When was the last time you took a hike here or a family walk on one of the many trails they have to offer?
On Easter Monday, I was hung over from the Easter celebration of a 5:30AM excited wake up to see if the Easter Bunny came, too many carbs, chocolate eggs and bunnies. Rather than loading up on caffeine and suffering through a case of the Monday blues, I went on a hike at Ricketts Glen State Park. I re-fell in love with this scenic beauty and cannot wait to get back there with the family hopefully later this week!
Ricketts Glen State Park boasts over 26 miles of trails! With11 different trails to choose from, ranging from .82 miles to 7.2 miles and easy/ fairly level to difficult/ very steep, there is bound to be the perfect trail for you and your family to explore! The "Falls Trail" has 21 waterfalls on route, the tallest being 94 foot tall (in the top 25 highest known, named waterfalls). Don't let the 7.2 Mile trail scare you! There are many different clearly marked options on the trail describing Moderate- Difficult hiking and you can choose your route. There are maps and signs posted throughout to keep you informed where the next waterfall or group of waterfalls are located, and there are smaller loops within the full "Falls Trail" that you can enjoy. You can choose to start from the bottom or the top of the trail depending on the terrain and distance you are looking to hike! You can always check out the website in advance of your trip to plan ahead.
I enjoyed a hike along the "Falls Trail" today with my sister and my mom and we did the route from Route 118 parking lot to Waters Meet (1.8 Miles there and 1.8 miles back. On the way up we took the "More Difficult" route and on the way back down we opted for the top path which was the "Easiest" route.
Can you spy me on my hike? 🔎
As a family we have done parts of this trail on many other occasions with our daughters from the age of approximately 2 and 3.5 years old walking on their own.* When starting from both the top and bottom of the "Falls Trail" there are reasonably flat paths to walk and enjoy even before you get to the waterfalls where it becomes more of a challenge with inclines, but these paths are clearly marked!
*Always evaluate your own family's health and safety when participating in any physical activities and do so at your own risk.
Ricketts Glen state Park has so much to offer in the way of outdoor family fun. From a short walk in the woods, around the lake, or a hike alongside beautiful waterfalls, this place won't disappoint! They also have a large lake on site, Lake Jean that is open during summer months for fishing, boating, and swimming along the sandy beach. They also offer camping for tents, RVS and cabin rentals! If you are looking for some outdoor family adventures, Ricketts Glen state Park may be just the place you have been searching for!
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