Pennsylvania State Parks: Rickett's Glen State Park

The 22 waterfalls at Rickett's Glen State Park are just a nugget of what the Northeast PA gem has to offer. While the address implies that this state park in located in Benton, Pa., the park actually encompasses 13,050 acres in three counties: Columbia, Luzerne and Sullivan.

The Waterfalls
The renowned Rickett's Glen waterfalls are featured in many a hiking book. There are 21 waterfalls that can be accessed from the Falls Trail. There are two main types of waterfalls located in the park. One is a bridal veil waterfall, like F. L. Ricketts Falls and the other is a wedding cake waterfall, like Ganoga Falls.

Hiking
There are 26 miles of trails to hike at Rickett's Glen State Park. The trails vary from easy to very steep. Here is a brief look at the trails:

--Falls Trail: 7.2 miles, difficult hiking (Views of 21 waterfalls, but has rocky terrain)
--Beach Trail: 0.8-mile, easy hiking
--Cherry Run Trail: 4.6 miles, moderate hiking (goes through cherry tree groves, 100 year-old railroad remnants)
--Evergreen Trail: 1 mile, easy hiking (See a Hemlock dating back to pre-Columbus)
--Ganoga View Trail: 2.8 miles, moderate hiking (See the Ganoga falls, good for cross-country skiers.)
--Grand View Trail: 1.9-mile, moderate hiking (Goes to highest point on mountain, elevation 2,449 ft, great foliage in spring and fall)
--Highland Trail: 1.2-mile, moderate hiking (Go through a narrow sandstone passageway)
--Mountain Springs Trail: 4 miles, moderate hiking (Goes by Lake Leigh, the forgotten falls, Bowman's Creek and Mountain Springs Lake)
--Old Beaver Dam Road Trail: 1.2-mile, moderate hiking (Close to the entrance)
--Old Bulldozer Road Trail: 2.9 miles, difficult hiking (Elevation changes!)
--The Bear Walk Trail: 1 mile, easy hiking (Accesses other trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and hiking)

Camping
Rickett's Glen offers 120 tent and trailer campsites; some are available year-round. The campground features hot showers, flushable toilets, shaded sites, gravel parking and a sanitary dump station. Also, six campsites are ADA accessible. Also, the park offers 10 modern rental cabins, available year-round. Each cabin is furnished and has a living area, kitchen/dining area, toilet/shower room and two or three bedrooms. One cabin is ADA accessible.

Swimming & Boating
Lake Jean boasts a 600-foot beach front. There are concession stands, picnic grounds, boat rental and more.

Fishing- Lake Jean
Waterfalls aside, Rickett's Glen State Park is also known for its 245-acre Lake Jean. The lake is a fisherman's dream, as it is stocked with warm-water game fish, panfish and trout. Park officials ask the all fisherman follow all Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations. (Fishing is prohibited in the Glens Natural Area.)

Horseback Riding- Bring your own
Folks who own their own horses can bring the four-legged friends along to the park. There is a 9-mile loop incorporating Cherry Run Trail, Fish Commission Road and Mountain Springs Trail. Other sites to see on horseback include old railroad grades, the former ice harvesting lake Mountain Springs Lake and an old concrete dam once used to hold back the now-dry Lake Leigh. Remember, horses cannot be rented at the park.

Winter at Rickett's Glen
In the winter months, Rickett's Glen offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing on Lake Jean, snowmobile trails, ice climbing and winter camping. Additionally, certain trails are closed for the winter but are indeed open for credentialed ice climbers.