Falls Trail Loop

The Falls Trail Loop is the crown jewel of Ricketts Glen State Park, guiding hikers past 22 named waterfalls across three distinct stream branches: Ganoga Glen, Glen Leigh, and the connecting Kitchen Creek corridor. Ganoga Falls, at 94 feet, is the tallest of the cascade sequence and one of the most photographed features in Pennsylvania's state park system. The loop descends steeply from the Lake Rose trailhead into old-growth eastern hemlock and yellow birch forest, following Kitchen Creek as it tumbles through a series of cascades spaced just minutes apart. Named falls including Oneida, Huron, Mohican, and Erie each bear Native American names reflecting the region's indigenous history. The trail surface is rooted and rocky throughout, with log-and-stone staircases navigating the steepest pitches beside the gorge walls. Footing requires careful attention, especially near mist-soaked rocks beneath the larger drops. In autumn, the surrounding hardwood canopy ignites with red, orange, and gold, creating spectacular contrast against the white water. Spring snowmelt amplifies flow dramatically. The glen sections can be skipped during icy conditions — park staff sometimes close them in winter. Hikers should complete the full loop counterclockwise for the most manageable descent gradient. Allow 4 to 6 hours and carry water, as stream crossings are not always easy to drink from.