Ricketts Glen State Park: 15 Facts You Should Know!

Ricketts Glen State Park is a must-see for anybody who enjoys the natural beauty and outdoor activities. 

• Its waterfalls, hiking paths, and numerous geological areas make it a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable destination for guests of all ages.
• Ricketts Glen State Park is famous for its 22 identified waterfalls, which range in elevation from 11 to 94 feet. Hikers and photogs who seek out the beautiful grandeur of the cascades flock to the park.
• Almost 26 miles of nature trails are available in Ricketts Glen State Park, along with the renowned Waterfall Trail, which leads tourists past 21 of the park’s cascades. The paths’ difficulty ratings range from simple to severe, making them suitable for trekkers of all ability levels.
• Its Natural Beauty: Ricketts Glen State Park is located in Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains area and boasts a broad variety of natural elements such as woods, streams, and rocky outcrops. The scenic beauty and outdoor enthusiasts flock to the park because of its breathtaking beauty.

History and Facts

• Ricketts Glen State Park is situated in United States northern Pennsylvania.
• In 1943 the park was constructed and named after a conservative R. Bruce Ricketts.
• In 1995 Ricketts Glen State Park was recognized as a National Natural Landmark which granted it the designation of a national natural region. 

Location

• Address: 695 State Route 487, Benton 
• Location: Pennsylvania, United States
• Zip code: 17814

Ricketts glen state park address with city and state name – Bing Maps

• The glaciers that blanketed this area during the previous Ice Age had a significant effect in sculpting the scenery of Ricketts Glen State Park. The glacial moved and receded, depositing layers of silt that eventually formed the park’s unique landscape.
• The park contains two distinct rock formations: Ricketts Glen State Park is built on two rocky outcrops: the Pocono Formation and the Catskill Formation. The Pocono Deposit, which is mostly composed of limestone, shale, and aggregate rock, serves as the park’s basis. The Catskill Group, which is made up of mudstones, sandstone, and shale, may be discovered at the park’s upper altitudes.
• The waterfalls are the consequence of degradation: Ricketts Glen State Park is famous for its 22 breathtaking cascades, which are the consequence of coastal erosion of the surrounding geological formations. The park’s waterways, fed by both underground and precipitation, have cut deep canyons into the bedrock through time, resulting in stunning waterfalls that draw people from all around.
• The park is in the Governorate of Ridge and Valley: Ricketts Glen State Park is situated in the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachian Mountains, which is distinguished by its straight, continuous mountain ridges and valleys. This area is noted for its complex geology and has a longstanding experience in geological inquiry and exploration.

Weather Conditions

Wind speed Range (mph): 

Rainfall Range (in):

Snowfall Days:

Flora & Fauna

Plants:

• American beech
• Red maple
• Eastern hemlock
• Yellow birch
• Mountain laurel
• Rhododendron
• Jack-in-the-pulpit
• Wild columbine
• Trillium
• Jewelweed
• Indian cucumber root
• Purple-flowering raspberry

Animals:

• Black bear
• White-tailed deer
• Eastern gray squirrel
• Raccoon
• Bobcat
• Fisher
• Red fox
• Coyote
• River otter
• Bald eagle
• Peregrine falcon
• Wild turkey
• Ruffed grouse
• Timber rattlesnake
• Northern water snake
• Eastern hellbender (a type of salamander)

Activities

Ricketts Glen State Park is a lovely natural area in northern Pennsylvania. The park, which spans 13,050 acres of beautiful woodland, falls, and waterways, is a popular tourist destination for hiking, picnicking, fishing, and canoeing. Ricketts Glen State Park offers the following activities:

• Hiking: Around 26 miles of trails wind through the park, leading tourists through forests, creeks, and beautiful waterfalls. The Cliffside Trail, a 7.2-mile circle that passes through 21 cascades, is among the most famous. The path is considered tough, so expect steep hills and rough terrain.

• Waterfalls: Ricketts Glen State Park is famous for its 24 designated waterfalls ranging in height from 9 to 94 feet. These cascades are situated in Kitchen’s Creek and have traditionally been one of the primary draws, offering them a must-see. Here are some waterfalls visitors must see during their vacation.

• Bird Watching: Ricketts Glen State Park is home to over 70 breeding bird species and is part of the Audubon Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail. 

• Pileated Woodpeckers, Brown Creepers, Barred Owls, Bald Eagles, and Thrushes are among the species that may be observed. 
• It is an excellent location for bird-watching in Pennsylvania.

• Swimming: Swimming is available at Ricketts Glen State Park, although not in the waterfalls. The beach at Lake Jean includes 180 meters of shoreline, however, it is only available between late May to mid-September and it has restricted swimming hours from 8 a.m. until sunset. First, check the calendar.

• Fishing: Lake Jean in Ricketts Glen is also open to fishing. It is, however, not permitted in the Glens Natural Area. Still, you may go fishing in Lake Jean.
•  Hot water commercial species such as trout, basses, char, and white fish can be caught here. Panfish can be caught as well. Take attention, however, to the laws and restrictions that the state park is implementing to prevent problems and thoroughly enjoy the game.

• Paddling: Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboards are available in Ricketts Glen. Motorboats are permitted as long as they are properly licensed and registered.
• Do not even skip out on the boat activities at Lake Jean, which spans 245 acres.

• Photography: Ricketts Glen State Park is a one-of-a-kind photography location since it changes hues with the seasons. 

• The oak trees change colors in the fall, whereas blue and white can be seen in the wintertime, and green and blossoms can be seen in the spring. 
• Every season has its unique set of hues that are ideal for photographs, and tourists should make an effort to view them all.

• Stargazing: Choosing a location distant from cities with light pollution is the ideal route to stargaze. 
• If you can’t locate a site with fewer trees, travel to Lake Jean, where you’ll be able to grab a decent spot without tree branches in your way and listen to the peaceful murmur of the breaking waves.

• Birding:
• Rainbow Springs is an excellent birding destination that is included in the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Woodpeckers, dabbling birds, raptors, singers, and owls are among the prevalent species.

• Camping: The park has numerous campsites for tourists to enjoy, each with a different charge and registration method. The following are among the campsites in Ricketts Glen State Park:

1. Lake Jean Campground: 

Amenities

 94 campsites (with electricity, water, and picnic tables).

Dump station, showers, and laundry facility. 

Fess –   $30/night (Including electricity), 

             $20/night (without electricity)

Note: Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation website.

2. Evergreen Lake Campground: 

Amenities –

31 campsites (with electricity, water, and picnic tables). 

Dump station and showers. 

Fess –   $30/night (Including electricity), 

             $20/night (without electricity)

3. Hayfield Campground: 

Amenities –

12 primitive campsite 

Fire ring and picnic table (Excluding Water and electricity)

Fess –   $15/night 

Fooding

Visitors to Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania can choose from a variety of dining alternatives. Below are some of the alternatives, along with their associated costs:

• The Park Concession Stand – Located near the beach, it offers a large range of snacks, lunches, and drinks. 
• Picnic Places – Ricketts Glen State Park provides many picnic spots for guests to enjoy. Guests are permitted to bring their favorite food and utilize the picnic tables and barbecues that are available. The picnicking spots are free to use, however, there is a cost to access the park.
• Camping – Visitors to Ricketts Glen State Park can cook their meals at their campground. Every campsite includes a fire pit and a park bench, and charcoal grills are accessible for use throughout the park. Ricketts Glen State Park charges a fee to camp.
• Nearby Restaurants – The Red Rock Grill and the Ricketts Glen Hotel are two eateries close to Ricketts Glen State Park. The costs at these eateries vary based on the item, however, most are reasonable.

1. Rickett’s Glen Hotel

#1 of 8 Restaurants in Benton

221 State Route 118

2.8 km from Ricketts Glen State Park

2. Trail’s End Restaurant

#2 of 4 Restaurants in Sweet Valley

817 State Route 118

5.5 km from Ricketts Glen State Park

Lodging

Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania has numerous hotel alternatives for guests who want to stay overnight and experience the scenic beauty of the area. The following are the accommodation choices offered in Ricketts Glen State Park, along with their associated fees:

• Camping is available in Ricketts Glen State Park, which has 120 tent and caravan campsites. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at the campgrounds. 

• Renting – $17 to $34/night. 
• Amenities:  showers, and a dump station at the campground.
• Rustic Cabins: The property also provides ten rustic cabins near Lake Jean. 

• Amenities: electricity, a refrigerator, a stove, and a fireplace. 
• Guests must supply their mattresses, cooking cutlery, and tableware. 
• The cottages sleep up to six people 
• Renting-$65/night. 
• Note- From the first Friday in April through the final Saturday in October, the cottages are available.

• Concerning closeness, as well as ratings below listed, are a few of the best recommendations –

1.  Hampton Inn Bloomsburg
2. The Inn at Turkey Hill
3. Comfort Inn & Suites Wilkes Barre – Arena
4.  Quality Inn Arena

Facilities

Some of the amenities and their related costs are as follows:

• Camping: Ricketts Glen State Park offers numerous campsites to guests. Camping rates vary based on the type of campsite people select. The usual charge for The park also provides group camping and horse camping.
• Picnic Areas: The park has many picnic places for tourists. Picnic tables, barbecues, and bathrooms are available on these sites. The picnic sites are free to use, however, if you plan on having a large event, you must rent a pavilion.
• Tourists may go canoeing on Lake Jean, which is situated within the park. Electric-powered boats are permitted on the lake, but fuel boats aren’t. Boating costs $10 per day, and a boat launching is provided for guests to utilize.
• Fishing is permitted on Lake Jean and along Kitchen Creek, which flows through the park. In Pennsylvania, an angling license is necessary, but there’s no extra price to fish in the park.
• Swimming: A coastline on Lake Jean is available to park visitors. The beachfront is free to use, however, there are no monitors on work, so swim at one’s own risk.
• Hiking: Ricketts Glen State Park is well-known for its hiking paths, which vary from simple to rigorous in difficulty. The hiking paths are free to use, but visitors should bring adequate footwear and drink.
• Winter Sports: Visitors to the park may experience cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing during the colder months. The winter sports equipment is free to use, however, visitors must verify with the park office for route maintenance and safety instructions.

Best Time to Visit

• The ideal time to visit Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania is determined by your particular tastes and the activities you choose to participate in. 
• Late spring until early fall is the ideal time to go hiking and view the park’s cascades at their highest flow. 
• If visitors want a more peaceful experience and also don’t dislike the cooler weather, going in the fall or winter is an excellent option. Snow and ice are possible in the winter, although parts of the park’s paths may be blocked or impossible to travel.

Sightseeing

The park is well-known for its beautiful waterfalls, picturesque hiking paths, and diverse animals. Throughout their excursion to Ricketts Glen State Park, tourists may enjoy a range of facilities.

• Waterfalls
• Hiking Trails
• Sunsets at waterfalls

Reservations

To reserve a spot and verify the admission costs, follow these steps:

• Visit State Parks’ official website
• Scroll over “Find a Park” in the top menu bar and select “Fall Creek Falls State Park.”
• Select the “Reservations” tab on the Fall Creek Falls State Park page.
• Choose the kind of accommodation you want to book (cabin, campground, RV site, etc.) and press “Search.”
• To view what’s available for your days, click “Check Availability.”
• After you’ve selected a suitable accommodation, click “Book Now” and continue the on-screen instructions to finish your reservation.
• You may also buy your admission ticket directly during the booking process, or spend when you reach the park.
• Visitors will get an email confirmation with all of the information about their booking after you have finished their reservation and settled for your access pass.

Fess Charges-

• Camping: $15-$40/night (depending on the type of site)
• Cabins: $60-$100/night (depending on the type of cabin)
• Pavilion: $80/day (up to 75 people)

Rules for Pets

• Pets are permitted in approved in some specific areas of the park.

Specific Rule or Restriction

These are some ground rules to follow when exploring Ricketts Glen State Park:

• Hiking trails have been defined to safeguard mineral wealth and avoid accidents. Make no new pathways or cut switchbacks.
• Pets are not permitted on the Falls Trail: Pets are not permitted on the Falls Trail to safeguard the environmental capital and the security of all visitors.
• No hunting or trapping: Circumcision and trapping are prohibited inside the park.
• Rules for fishing: If you intend to go fishing, make sure you adhere to all Pennsylvania fishing restrictions.
• Take out your rubbish: Do not leave litter. Pack out everything you bring in, and dispose of rubbish in designated bins.
• Camping rules: If you intend to camp, be careful to adhere to all Pennsylvania camping regulations.
• Swimming prohibitions apply to the park’s waterfalls and naturalistic bodies of water.
• Respect wildlife by not feeding or harassing it. Keep a safe distance between yourself and wildlife.

Ritika Vaishnav

Greetings Everyone!
I’m Ritika Vaishnav a freelance content writer with a passion for creating educational and engaging content on a wide range of topics. I love to travel and write about it.