Nestled away in Benton, Pennsylvania, you’ll find one of the best state parks known for its continuous trails taking you from one gorgeous waterfall to the next. It’s no surprise that Ricketts Glen State Park holds the title of boasting the most waterfalls to be explored all in one state park. Welcome to the Falls Trail.
Directions, Parking, and Hours
Ricketts Glen State Park is just a little over 4 hours from Washington, D.C. If you’re traveling from the D.C. area, I highly recommend booking yourself an Airbnb or hotel for an overnight stay or possibly a weekend stay. This gives you time to experience all Ricketts Glen State Park has to offer without the rush of time. If you’re coming from the Philadelphia area, you’re looking at approximately a 2.5-hour road trip, making this an easy day trip.
There are two main parking areas located at Lake Rose (all hikers and waterfall chasers park here), and then there is Lake Jean for all the beach activities (fishing, swimming, etc.). We parked at Lake Rose and arrived around 9 am. The parking lot was already filling up fairly fast. I recommend arriving early for all your adventures at Ricketts Glen State Park. There are public restrooms available before starting your hike to Falls Trail.
The state park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, giving you many opportunities to visit in and out of peak season. There are no park or parking fees to enter the park.
Know Before You Go
Before you go, I created a free Dog-Friendly Hiking Checklist to help you pack the essentials, plan for changing conditions, and enjoy the trail without stress.
Dogs are welcome in the park. They must be leashed at all times, and please clean up after your pet. Make sure to have food and water available to your pet during your visit. Just like us, they burn extra calories in activities such as hiking and will need to replenish their fuel as well. I only recommend bringing your furry 4-legged friend if they are accustomed to various terrain and fairly well-trained. Parts of the trail can get tricky for our fur babies, and safety first, always. Also see our post, Hiking with Dogs: The Ultimate Guide, for tips on hiking with your dog.
Check current weather conditions. You will be hiking along Falls Trail, which can become slippery and dangerous in icy or rainy weather, depending on the season. Use caution on wet or icy rocks, as conditions can change quickly throughout the year.
Cell service is spotty. We didn’t have any cell service during our time hiking the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park. Be sure to download your hiking map(s) prior to your visit.
Leave No Trace Behind. Please be respectful to Mother Nature’s beauty and leave her as you found her. Do not carve into trees, break branches, or pick any wildflowers. Please take whatever belongings you brought into the park back out with you when you leave.
What To Bring
Day Backpack. I like to bring my Osprey hiking backpack with me on all of my day hikes. It allows me to carry my essentials and North’s hiking essentials all in one backpack.
Proper Hiking Boots. You will encounter various terrain, from flat, dry surfaces to slippery rocks along this trail. Ensuring you have the proper hiking boots with you is essential for your safety!
H2O. Be sure to pack plenty of water for yourself and your fur-baby. Take whatever you would drink and times that by 2 for your dog. North usually exceeds my water intake by double!
Food. I always make sure to pack some protein snacks, lunch, and food for North. It’s nice to take time out of your hike, stop for a picnic-type lunch, and enjoy the waterfall views with your fur-baby. This also gives you time to rest and recharge.
Good energy. Nothing beats going on a hike with your favorite 4-legged companion. Make sure you’re in good spirits and take in the moments along the hike. Don’t rush. Take pics and soak it all in.
Falls Trail Description
- Length: 4.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 866 ft
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- Waterfall Views: 18
- Hiking Time: Approx. 3-4.5 hours
After you’ve stopped by the restroom, you are ready to embark on one of the most gorgeous waterfall hikes! Head north from the public restrooms to Lake Rose Trailhead. You’ll come to this bridge crossing, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself tucked away in a forest full of trees. The view took my breath away. We were buried in absolute peace and serenity all around us.
You’ll continue to follow through the flat woodlands for approximately 1.5 miles or so. This part of the trail is accessible to all persons. Once you’ve reached your 1.5-mile mark, the terrain will begin to change from flat to rocky, leading as you begin to see waterfall after waterfall. I was amazed at how many beautiful waterfalls one park could greet us with.
Terrain
Let me be honest, hiking the Falls Trail is not for the weary or the unequipped. Please be aware of your own physical abilities before attempting this hike. As mentioned earlier, you can easily hike the first 2 miles as the majority of that hike is flat ground and not wet. But it’s also where the waterfalls are not. As you approach the waterfalls (Falls Trail Loop), the terrain does change.
The closer you are to the waterfalls, the more likely the ground will be wet or slippery. I recommend having trekking poles to help you hike through some of the more challenging parts of the trail. The Falls Trail is absolutely worth the trek, yet it does require you to be cautious and aware of your footing. Not all, but some of the waterfall trails become more narrow, where on a crowded trail, you will be waiting in line for others to pass by you or vice versa.
Falls Trail FAQs
How early should I arrive to hike the Falls Trail?
You will want to arrive as early as possible. The Falls Trail does get busy fairly quickly. We arrived around 9 am, and that gave us enough time to take breaks, snap photos, and snack along the way. We could see the trail getting busier and busier as time passed by.
The Falls Trail description says it’s a moderate-difficult trail. When does the trail become difficult?
You have to remember you are hiking uphill to arrive at many of these waterfalls. The first 6-7 waterfalls’ terrain isn’t very difficult, but it can be a bit challenging. I would rate these as moderate. But once you pass the 6th-7th waterfall, you are reaching a higher elevation, and the trails do become narrower and rockier. If the trail becomes too difficult for you, by all means, turn around. You’ve still had the opportunity to explore many waterfalls! Safety first!
How long should I expect to hike the Falls Trail?
According to All Trails, the Falls Trail is estimated to take 3.5-4 hours to complete the full loop. However, I did not find this to be an accurate representation of the hike if you’re one to stop for snacks, views, take pics, and a lunch. If you find yourself needing to turn around, you’ll also need to account for that time to go back downhill.
Is it safe to take my dog?
Yes. But just like needing to know your own physical ability, you’ll need to consider your dog’s physical abilities and limitations. North is a large German Shepherd dog. There were parts where she was easily able to cross that might be more challenging for a smaller dog without the help of their owner. Just something to consider. All dogs are welcome on the Falls Trail, though.
Explore more trails in our Hiking Adventures category.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more affordable outdoor adventures and hiking guides just like this one!
PIN IT AND SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!
