One of the most beautiful spots in America is in Red Rock, Pennsylvania – the middle of nowhere, really and about two and a half hours equidistant from New York City, Philadelphia and Harrisburg. It’s called Rickett’s Glen State Park, and it’s home to one of the most fabulous hikes I’ve ever taken, the Falls Trail.
This 7.2 mile hike through old timber forest ,
takes you alongside Kitchen Creek
as it splits and makes its 1,000 foot descent down the Allegheney Front.
Along the way, you’ll cross over wooden footbridges,
and climb and descend rock steps
that take you alongside over 20 waterfalls,
the highest of which, Ganoga Falls, is 94 feet tall.
Wear sturdy shoes and a carry a good walking stick, pack a lunch and, if it’s warm and you are brave enough to confront the chilly waters, wear a bathing suit under your hiking shorts.
Take your time – this is too pretty a hike to rush (We took about 4 and a half hours, including stops for lunch and two swims) . Please be careful, especially when walking downhill. But don’t let the climbing dissuade you – the first, last and mid-portions are flat
and there are plenty of places to rest.
If you’re in halfway decent shape you’ll be fine, if not a bit sore the day afterwards. Well worth it, I say. We’ll be back again when the leaves change. I can’t wait to see this place in the fall.
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More on Ricketts Glen from around the web
- Ricketts Glen State Park – Info on trails, camping, directions, etc
- Ricketts Glen Falls – All 24, each described in detail
- The Daily Kos has discovered this hidden gem.
- terntec.com has great pics, a trail map and lots of practical info
- Wildej GPS’d his Falls TrailHike with pics
- Velley Girl Views visits Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen – another fave spot
- Behind the Clicks has some amazing photos of the falls
- So does Wendy Schaeffer
You are so right: it truly is one of the most beautiful places on earth. By far the most amazing hike I’ve ever taken in my life!
Beautiful!
The pictures are so beautiful and enticing. Since I made it around the lake, maybe I could do the 7 1/2 miles? If Lucy could do it, so might I. We’re almost the same age.