Waterfall lovers know that Pennsylvania’s brimming with gorgeous cascades; some require a hike and others just take a few steps to see. While we’ve got a ton of waterfalls dotting the state, only one destination can really be described as the ultimate paradise for waterfall lovers, and that’s Ricketts Glen State Park, home to the epic Falls Trail hike in Pennsylvania.

For the most epic waterfall hike in Pennsylvania, set off on the 7.2-mile Falls Trail, but make sure you’re up for the challenge first.

Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

Falls Trail leads to all 21 of Ricketts Glen’s waterfalls, but the trek is the most difficult in the park. Just be prepared for rocky terrain, slippery spots, and even a few steep climbs.

Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR The trail is closed to most hikers in the winter due to dangerous conditions. If you’re an ice climber or have the proper equipment, you can go on the trail.

Don’t worry if the 7.2-mile trail is just a bit too challenging or too long for you. Instead, follow the 1.2-mile Highland Trail. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rates it “more difficult hiking.”

All Trails/Ashlie Laubmeier DCNR calls the Falls Trail the “most difficult hiking.”

Lace up a sturdy pair of shoes or boots. Bring plenty of food and water and a compass, and let someone know where you’ll be before you head off on the Falls Trail – just in case, as the park doesn’t have WiFi or cell phone access.

Flickr/Brook Ward

You can find parking in several different parking lots that will get you to the trailhead. The closest is the Lake Rose Trailhead, about a 10-minute walk to Falls Trail. (It gets very busy, however.)

Flickr/fauxto_digit For a 20-minute trek to the trailhead, park at the Beach Parking Lot #2 while the PA118 parking lots are about a 1.5-mile hike to the trailhead.

Some hikers recommend hiking the loop trail counterclockwise, which they assert makes it somewhat easier. You can find a trail map on All Trails.

Flickr/Gene Krasko

Consider bringing your camera along on your journey that will take you to 21 magnificent waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls.

Flickr/Bob Keefer

Before you head out, check out the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.

Flickr/Jesse Moore

Have you followed the Falls Trail hike in Pennsylvania? Or did you go for the shorter Highland Trail? Either way, share your experience in the comments! If you’re a fan of waterfalls and are up for a super-short road trip, follow the two-hour road waterfalls road trip in Pennsylvania.

Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

The trail is closed to most hikers in the winter due to dangerous conditions. If you’re an ice climber or have the proper equipment, you can go on the trail.

All Trails/Ashlie Laubmeier

DCNR calls the Falls Trail the “most difficult hiking.”

Flickr/Brook Ward

Flickr/fauxto_digit

For a 20-minute trek to the trailhead, park at the Beach Parking Lot #2 while the PA118 parking lots are about a 1.5-mile hike to the trailhead.

Flickr/Gene Krasko

Flickr/Bob Keefer

Flickr/Jesse Moore

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA