A Waterfall Lover's Dream, The Falls Trail Hike In Pennsylvania Passes Cascade After Cascade
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 18, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Waterfall lovers know that Pennsylvania’s brimming with gorgeous cascades; some require a hike and others just take a few steps to see. While we’ve got a ton of waterfalls dotting the state, only one destination can really be described as the ultimate paradise for waterfall lovers, and that’s Ricketts Glen State Park, home to the epic Falls Trail hike in Pennsylvania.
For the most epic waterfall hike in Pennsylvania, set off on the 7.2-mile Falls Trail, but make sure you’re up for the challenge first.
Falls Trail leads to all 21 of Ricketts Glen’s waterfalls, but the trek is the most difficult in the park. Just be prepared for rocky terrain, slippery spots, and even a few steep climbs.
The trail is closed to most hikers in the winter due to dangerous conditions. If you’re an ice climber or have the proper equipment, you can go on the trail.
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Don’t worry if the 7.2-mile trail is just a bit too challenging or too long for you. Instead, follow the 1.2-mile Highland Trail. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rates it “more difficult hiking.”
DCNR calls the Falls Trail the "most difficult hiking."
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Lace up a sturdy pair of shoes or boots. Bring plenty of food and water and a compass, and let someone know where you’ll be before you head off on the Falls Trail – just in case, as the park doesn’t have WiFi or cell phone access.
You can find parking in several different parking lots that will get you to the trailhead. The closest is the Lake Rose Trailhead, about a 10-minute walk to Falls Trail. (It gets very busy, however.)
Have you followed the Falls Trail hike in Pennsylvania? Or did you go for the shorter Highland Trail? Either way, share your experience in the comments! If you’re a fan of waterfalls and are up for a super-short road trip, follow the two-hour road waterfalls road trip in Pennsylvania.
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