RICKETTS GLEN S. P.

About Ricketts Glen State Park

Few places in the northeastern United States can match the raw, unhurried grandeur of Ricketts Glen State Park. Tucked into the Appalachian ridges of north-central Pennsylvania, this National Natural Landmark draws visitors into a world of ancient trees, cascading water, and the kind of deep forest quiet that feels increasingly rare. Kitchen Creek winds its way through old-growth hemlocks and hardwoods, dropping over 24 named waterfalls as it descends through the glacially carved glen — a spectacle that earns this park a permanent place on any serious outdoor traveler's list.

The Setting and Landscape

Walking the Falls Trail, you'll find yourself dwarfed by trees that have stood for more than 500 years — towering eastern hemlocks and white pines whose canopies filter the sunlight into soft, cathedral-like columns. The air smells of damp moss and cool stone even in midsummer. Kitchen Creek rushes and tumbles alongside the trail, its waters moving from glassy calm to white froth as it spills over rocky ledges. The terrain is moderate but demands attention: roots cross the path, rocks near the water's edge can be slippery, and the trail rises and falls with the gorge walls. It's manageable for most visitors, but sturdy footwear is genuinely recommended rather than a polite suggestion.

Swimming at Kitchen Creek

The cool, clear waters of Kitchen Creek offer a refreshing contrast to the summer heat, and swimming is permitted in designated areas of the creek — though it's important to note that swimming directly in or around the waterfalls is not allowed. The creek runs cold even in July, fed by shaded forest runoff, and its clarity lets you see right to the rocky bottom. You'll find pools with enough depth for wading and swimming, where the current slows and the water settles into something serene. The experience is less about a sandy swimming hole and more about immersing yourself — literally and figuratively — in one of Pennsylvania's most spectacular natural corridors. Wildlife is abundant here: listen for wood thrushes overhead and watch for salamanders slipping between the stones at the water's edge.

Practical Visit Information

Admission to Ricketts Glen State Park is free, and the site offers toilets and picnic tables for day visitors. Camping is available on-site at Ricketts Glen State Park, making it easy to extend your stay and catch the falls in morning mist or evening golden light. Summer brings the fullest swimming season and lush green canopy, while spring delivers powerful high-water falls and wildflowers carpeting the forest floor. Fall transforms the park into a blaze of color that draws photographers from across the region, and even winter has its rewards — ice formations cling to the rock faces in shapes that seem almost architectural.

Plan Your Visit

Ricketts Glen State Park sits within comfortable driving distance of several regional hubs. The cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre to the southeast offer the full range of lodging, dining, and services for those looking to base themselves in an urban center. The small community of Red Rock sits closer to the park itself, lending the visit a quieter, more rural character. Whether you're making a day trip from the Wyoming Valley or settling in for a long weekend under the hemlocks, this park rewards every level of commitment you're willing to give it.