Ricketts Glen State Park
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Ricketts Glen State Park

Experience a lush glaciated ravine home to twenty-two named waterfalls along the Falls Trail.

Arrival airport
IPT
Airport drive
1 h 8 min · estimate
Suggested stay
1–2 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Reliable brakes are essential for the steep Red Rock Mountain descent; check rental condition.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Ricketts Glen State Park

Know before you go

Trailhead Congestion

The Lake Jean and Evergreen lots reach capacity early on autumn weekends. Arrive before 9 AM to ensure access to the Falls Trailhead without long walks from overflow areas.

Deep Glen Blackouts

Cellular reception is non-existent within the ravines and deep glens of Kitchen Creek. Download offline topographic maps and notify others of your itinerary before entering the Falls Trail.

Benton Gateway Services

Fuel up in Benton or Wilkes-Barre, as no stations exist within the state park boundaries. The drive up Red Rock Mountain consumes fuel faster due to the steep incline.

Seasonal Trail Closures

The Falls Trail is often restricted to hikers with ice-climbing gear during winter months. Suggested visits are late spring through peak foliage in October.

Sullivan Highlands Roads

Route 487 features a steep grade (Red Rock Mountain) that can be challenging for large RVs or trailers. Check for local vehicle length warnings during inclement weather.

Check current conditions:PA DCNR Ricketts Glen

2RVs, campervans & cars near IPT

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Airbus A220-300.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to IPT

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at IPT
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at IPT

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at IPT
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at IPT
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at IPT

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at IPT
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Ricketts Glen State Park

  1. 01

    The Lower Cascades

    Suggested: 1 PM from Williamsport

    • Adams Falls

      View a 36-foot drop through a narrow rock crevice located just off Route 118.

    • Kitchen Creek (Lower)

      Walk the lower reaches of the creek to experience the park's unique sandstone geology and riparian forest.

    Allow 70 minutes from Williamsport; rural roads have varying conditions.

    The lower falls provide an easier introduction before tackling the steeper glen loops.

    Pick up your vehicle at IPT →
  2. 02

    The Falls Trail Loop

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Lake Jean

    • Ganoga Falls

      Witness the park's highest cascade at 94 feet while descending the steep stone steps of Ganoga Glen.

    • Waters Meet

      Reach the scenic junction of Ganoga and Leigh Glens, a central point for navigating the 22-waterfall system.

    Walking route only; allow 4–5 hours for the 7.2-mile loop; terrain is slippery.

    Strictly follow the stone steps and wear waterproof boots with significant traction.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Lake Vistas and High Ridges

    Suggested: 9 AM from Benton

    • Lake Jean

      Utilize the beach area for swimming or launch a kayak to see the forest reflections on the water.

    • Grand View Trail

      Hike to the summit of Red Rock Mountain for a panoramic view of the Sullivan Highlands.

    Allow 20 minutes for local park transit; conditions vary.

    Lake Jean water levels can fluctuate; check for seasonal swimming advisories.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Falls Trail and Campground Reservation Notice

Entry to the park for day use is generally open, but state park cabins and Lake Jean campsites frequently book 11 months in advance. The Falls Trail may close seasonally due to ice or hazardous conditions; always verify current trail status with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Glamping options in the surrounding Endless Mountains are privately operated and require separate direct booking.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

IPTRicketts Glen State Park

Williamsport Regional Airport · 1 h 8 min drive

Find flights to IPT

Plan your road trip

From Williamsport Regional Airport

1 h 8 min

about 46 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Ricketts Glen on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Ricketts Glen on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Ricketts Glen

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Ricketts Glen State Park

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Ricketts Glen State Park

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Ricketts Glen State Park

Explore guided activities around Ricketts Glen State Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Ricketts Glen State Park

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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