Waterfalls

Ricketts Glen harbors the Glens Natural Area -- a National Natural Landmark. Hike the Falls Trail System to explore the glens, which boasts a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside.

The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of 22 named waterfalls. Old growth timber and diverse wildlife add to the beauty.

The full loop of the Falls Trail is 7.2 miles if hiking both the upper and lower sections. To see most of the waterfalls, a 3.2-mile loop can be taken by going on Highland Trail and the Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen sides of the trail.

The Glens Natural Area Enlargement Map (PDF) ​of the Glens Natural Area shows the Falls Trail in detail.

How to Access the Waterfalls

Twenty-one waterfalls are along the Falls Trail within the Glens Natural Area, while one (Adams) is only a few hundred feet from the Evergreen Parking Lot off PA 118.

There are three parking areas that provide access to the Falls Trail:

  1. Lake Rose Trailhead is at the end of the road across from the campground and provides the closest access (5-10 minutes), but fills up quickly during peak times.

  2. Beach Parking Lot #2 is at the end of the main park road. Leave the lot and walk down the trail adjacent to the Cabin Road (first road just outside of the lot), past a park gate, and onto a section of trail to the first intersection where you go right (15-20 minute access).

  3. The parking lots on PA 118 are 1.5 miles from the first waterfall upstream on the Falls Trail, but allow a good view of old growth trees.