Ricketts Glen
Ricketts Glen State Park (aka Ricketts Glen or Rickets Glen)
Ricketts Glen State Park in the fall.
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. Ricketts Glen State Park is located 30 miles north of Bloomsburg, PA along Route 487. The 13,050 acres is comprised of five townships and three Counties – Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia County.
It is estimated that some of the trees within Ricketts Glen are between 500 and 900 years old. Though the Park is much older, the state of PA opened its first recreational facilities at Ricketts Glen in 1944. The park office and visitor center was opened in 2001.
The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has named Ricketts Glen one of “Twenty Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks”, citing its old-growth forest and many waterfalls and its status as a National Natural Landmark.
Ricketts Glen offers an array of activities for all to enjoy:
The 245-acre Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen State Park offers 2 boat launches, and rentals are available.
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Waterfalls
- Winter Activities
- 24 Waterfalls
- Camping
There are three primary attractions of Ricketts Glen – 26 miles of hiking, Lake Jean, and 22 waterfalls.
Hiking at Ricketts Glen
The 26 miles of hiking trails at Ricketts Glen State Park are a prime attraction of the park.
There are 26 miles of trails at Ricketts Glen, ranging in difficulty from fairly level to very steep hills. The full loop of the Falls Trail is 7.2 miles if hiking both the upper and lower sections.
Waterfalls at Ricketts Glen
Ricketts Glen is home to 24 waterfalls. The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of the waterfalls. Old growth timber and diverse wildlife add to the scenic area.
Fishing and Boating at Ricketts Glen (Lake Jean)
The 245-acre Lake Jean within Ricketts Glen has warm-water game fish, panfish and trout. Lake Jean has two boat launches. A boat rental concession operates during the summer season and offers rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and canoes.
Bird Watching at Ricketts Glen
Ricketts Glen is famous for its exceptional diversity of bird life, from 23 varieties of warblers to bald eagles, which is to why the park has been included in the official Audubon Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail across Pennsylvania. This series of trails connects some of Pennsylvania’s finest birding and wildlife viewing sites, as well as important historical and natural areas.
Hunting at Ricketts Glen
About 10,144 acres of Ricketts Glen are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, grouse, bear, coyote, pheasant and squirrel.
In addition, there are about 83,000 acres of state game lands that lie to the west and north of the Ricketts Glen.
Education at Ricketts Glen
Environmental education specialists lead guided tours of parts of Ricketts Glen from March through November. The walks give school groups, scouting organizations, and other visitors a close and informed look at natural wetlands, old-growth forests, waterfalls, flora and fauna, and geologic formations within Ricketts Glen.
Places to Stay Near Ricketts Glen
- Country Farm Bed & Breakfast
- Fishing Creek Angler Bed & Breakfast
- Mattress and Muffin Bed & Breakfast
- Old Tioga Inn,The
Places to Eat Near Ricketts Glen
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