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Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, PA

Photo: en:User:Msitler, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFree

Ricketts Glen State Park

695 State Route 487 · Benton, PA

Why you should go…

Ricketts Glen spreads over 13,193 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia counties, and its Glens Natural Area is a National Natural Landmark. The Falls Trail System leads you past 22 named waterfalls, the tallest being 94-foot Ganoga Falls, through stands of old-growth forest. Beyond the glens you can swim, fish and boat at Lake Jean, ride horses, picnic and watch wildlife. The stretch of PA 487 from Red Rock up to Lake Jean is a steep grade, so large trailers should come in from Dushore.

  • #state park
  • #waterfalls
  • #hiking
  • #old-growth forest
  • #lake swimming

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Ricketts Glen State Park, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Visit Luzerne County

    Free

    The official tourism office for Luzerne County, PA, offering visitor guides from a restored 1868 rail station.

    23 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau

    Free

    The tourism office for Sullivan and Wyoming Counties in Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains region.

    23 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Knoebels Amusement Resort

    Free

    Family-owned amusement park with free admission, wooden roller coasters and a campground.

    33 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions