We don’t have to go far in Pennsylvania, no matter where we live, to discover beautiful scenery. From the lush green Salt Springs State Park to the enchanting village of Eagles Mere, natural beauty surrounds us everywhere. For one of the most scenic spots in the state, head to Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania.
Stretching across Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan Counties, Ricketts Glen State Park, in Benton, promises something for everyone in its more than 13,000 acres.
Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR
On those hot summer days, spend your afternoon soaking up the sun on the 600-foot sandy beach that leads straight into Lake Jean.
Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR
The nearly 250-acre Lake Jean provides an ideal backdrop for a day of boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. You might also want to catch the sunset behind the water.
Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR
Keep an eye on the sky for an assortment of birds - from bald eagles to warblers - and just be aware that black bears have also been known to explore the park.
Flickr/jankgo
If you enjoy horseback riding, check out Cherry Run Trail, Mountain Springs Trail, and Mountain Springs Road.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Ricketts Glen is also popular for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during the winter.
Flickr/Steve Starer
However, one of the best ways to explore the sprawling state park is by hiking. Ricketts Glen State Park, in fact, boasts 26 miles of trails.
Flickr/Brook Ward
Falls Trail, arguably the most popular trail, is, at 7.2 miles, also the most difficult trail.
Flickr/Jeff Moore
It’s well worth the effort, because it takes you straight to 21 of the park’s waterfalls, including…
Flickr/janko
The 94-foot Ganoga Falls. If you follow Falls Trail, be prepared to deal with a rocky path, which can also become slippery near the waterfalls.
Niemand fur Polyphemus
If you’re not up for Fall Trail, follow The Highland Trail. The loop trail spans just over three miles, and you’ll get a view of…
Flickr/Jeff Moore
Most of the cascading waterfalls. For the easiest trail, set off on the one-mile Evergreen Trail. You’ll meander through an old-growth forest.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Ricketts Glen State Park offers so much to do that you probably can’t pack it all in one day. If that’s the case, consider spending an evening or two camping.
Flickr/Jason
The park offers modern cabins as well as trailer sites. You can also pitch a tent.
Flickr/Jason
Click here for the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.
Flickr/Jason
Have you been to Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania? What’s your favorite thing about the park? Let us know in the comments! For more sensational scenery, relax on a leisurely float along the Delaware River.
Facebook/Ricketts Glen State Park Official DCNR
Flickr/jankgo
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Flickr/Steve Starer
Flickr/Brook Ward
Flickr/Jeff Moore
Flickr/janko
Niemand fur Polyphemus
Flickr/Jason
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Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
