Pennsylvania
Nature|National & State Parks

Ricketts Glen State Park Is One Of Pennsylvania’s Most Popular State Parks

Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania offers extensive hiking trails, including a 7.2-mile trail with 22 waterfalls, and has recently expanded by 143 acres.

Updated Jan 26, 2022

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Let's go on an adventure today, PA! Our state parks offer so much to do that we could probably spend days visiting and not see and do everything. Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most popular and beloved state parks in Pennsylvania, offering some of the very best hiking in the state. With tons of lush land to explore, you can easily spend all day at this perfect PA park!

Sprawled across Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan Counties, the 13,050-acre Ricketts Glen State Park will expand by 143 lush acres, allowing Pennsylvanians and other visitors more room to hike, to fish, and to watch wildlife.

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Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

Already well-known and loved for its epic 22 waterfalls, the state park recently added 143 acres of forestland to its borders, making it even more wondrous to explore.

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Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

In fact, the new forested acreage allows approximately 75 bird species to breed and to thrive. Other animals that live in the area include deer, rabbits, squirrels, and bats.

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Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

Best of all, because of the recent improvement, the public will have access to all 143 acres.

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Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

Already planning your next visit to Ricketts Glen State Park? Carve out plenty of time to hike Falls Trail, a spectacular 7.2-mile trail that will take you to 21 of the park's 22 waterfalls, including...

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Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

The 94-foot Ganoga Falls. (The trail is difficult, so make sure you're physically prepared for the challenge.)

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Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

Don't forget to spend time sunbathing on the beach, watching the wildlife, boating, and fishing. If you don't have time to do it all, reserve cabin or tent camping.

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Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

Ricketts Glen State Park is open all year round from sunrise to sunset.

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Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

Address: 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA, 17814

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Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR

Click here for the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.

What's your favorite part of Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania? Is there another state park in Pennsylvania with epic hiking that you prefer? Join the conversation in the comments below! Have you hiked Fall Trails at Ricketts Glen yet? Click here to read more.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore One Of Pennsylvania’s Cleanest Lakes At Prince Gallitzin State Park

Published Aug 14, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Spending the day at a lake in Pennsylvania is oh-so-easy, especially when we have more than 2,500 from which to choose. Some of the cleanest, clearest lakes in Pennsylvania are tucked in our 124 state parks. Whether you want to spend a day by the water or fall asleep under the starry sky, you'll quickly discover this Pennsylvania state park is bucket list-worthy.

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Stretched across nearly 6,250 acres in Cambria County, Prince Gallitzin State Park beckons outdoor lovers with its full menu of amenities - from hiking to horseback riding.

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Facebook/Prince Gallitzin State Park

But it's the beautiful Glendale Lake that is, arguably, the gem of Prince Gallitzin State Park. Summertime means cooling off in the clean lake before drying off on the sandy shore of Muskrat Beach.

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The massive lake measures 1,635 acres and boasts 26 miles of shoreline. If you're looking for a bit of quiet, you're sure to find it at this Pennsylvania lake.

Don't forget a volleyball when you're packing your beach gear. A sand volleyball court overlooks Glendale Lake.

Slip your kayak, canoe, or boat into the water from one of more than a half dozen boat launches, and spend the day exploring the water. Iceboating is popular in the winter, although you'll need a launching permit.

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You can rent a variety of watercraft at the seasonal marina and boat rental.

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Picnic tables, some of which offer lake views, dot the park, making it easy to have a meal and fuel up for more adventures.

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Facebook/Prince Gallitzin State Park

Even if you prefer to stay on land, you'll have plenty of chances to explore. The park features more than 32 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult.

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Turn that daytrip into a camping adventure by pitching your tent or parking your RV in the campground. With paved sites, the campground offers a full menu of amenities, from a camp store and a swimming beach to boat rentals and playgrounds.

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Find more information on the official website of Prince Gallitzin State Park. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this

state park in Pennsylvania.

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Google/Jonathan Dawson

Have you been to this clean lake in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! While you're at Prince Gallitzin State Park, follow one of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Find a full list of hikes on All Trails.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/waterfall-hikes-bucket-list-pa/

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Nature|National & State Parks

Tiny But Mighty, The Smallest State Park In Pennsylvania Is A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Sand Bridge State Park in Pennsylvania, the smallest state park in the U.S., offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

I love state parks in PA! With so many state parks - 124, to be exact - Pennsylvania truly offers something for everyone. If you're up for a quaint adventure, visit Sand Bridge State Park. It doesn't offer as many amenities as Pennsylvania's larger state parks, but you'll still find plenty to do to at the smallest state park in Pennsylvania.

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Tallying just three cozy acres, Sand Bridge State Park in Mifflinburg earns recognition as the smallest state park in Pennsylvania and in the United States.

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Google/Charles J.

Because this is the smallest state park in Pennsylvania, it only has one hiking trail that travels most of the park.

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Google/Dennis Vasbinder

Follow the picturesque trail that meanders past a small but breathtaking waterfall. It's the perfect backdrop for photos.

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Google/Nelson Miller

Fishing is also popular in Rapid Run. Your chances of catching a fish are pretty good, as it is stocked each year with brown and brook trout. In fact, it is one of the more popular state parks in PA for fishing.

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Bring a picnic along, too. The park has several picnic tables, charcoal grills, and two pavilions that are available for no fee.

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Remember to take out any trash you bring in. Sand Bridge State Park does not have trash or recycling.

It also features basic bathroom facilities.

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Google/Anthony Scharf

The smallest state park in Pennsylvania is popular in all four seasons, so make it a point to visit. You'll discover vibrant foliage in the fall and a...

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Google/Christine Coblentz

Snow-capped landscape in the winter.

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Google/Jessie Aigler

Learn more at the website for Sand Bridge State Park.

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Have you been to Sand Bridge State Park, the smallest state park in Pennsylvania? Tell us about it in the comments!

Do you have everything you need for a hike? Consult our Ultimate Hiking Packing List.

Craving an amazing weekend getaway? Visit this one small town in Pennsylvania.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/small-town-getaways-lititz-pa/

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