Ricketts Glen State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Ricketts Glen State Park is a popular destination in Pennsylvania with plenty of natural beauty and various outdoor activities to offer.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Visitors are drawn to the park to experience the 22 named waterfalls along the Falls Trail, which is a 7.2-mile hike through the park's rugged terrain. The park also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking.
In addition to the waterfalls, visitors can also explore the park's diverse flora and fauna, including rare plant species and a variety of wildlife such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The park is also home to Lake Jean, a 245-acre lake perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Interesting facts about Ricketts Glen State Park include that it was named after Robert Bruce Ricketts, a Civil War officer who later became a prominent businessman in the area. The park was established in 1943, and it was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1969 for its exceptional beauty and scientific value.
The best time to visit Ricketts Glen State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, fall is also a beautiful time to visit when the leaves change color and the waterfalls are surrounded by vibrant foliage.
Overall, Ricketts Glen State Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its stunning waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and various recreational opportunities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this Pennsylvania gem.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Modern Cabins
|
||
Ricketts Glen State Park
|
||
Moon Lake County Park
|
Natural Area Glens
State Game Lands 206
State Game Lands 057
State Game Lands 013
State Game Lands 066