Pennsylvania
Ricketts Glen's Falls Trail passes 21 named waterfalls, while Ohiopyle combines river scenery with broad trail options. The Falls Trail is strongest after…
Ricketts Glen's Falls Trail passes 21 named waterfalls, while Ohiopyle combines river scenery with broad trail options. The Falls Trail is strongest after heavy rain—and slipperiest then, too.
Why Pennsylvania's waterfalls reward a little planning
Pennsylvania packs a lot into one state: deep green gorges, river valleys, and trail networks that work for both a first hike and a full day out. Ricketts Glen shows the best of it, with waterfall after waterfall in a single loop, while Ohiopyle adds river scenery and room to roam. The catch is that conditions shape the day. Falls run strongest after rain, yet wet rock gets slick, and popular trailheads fill early on pleasant weekends.
What to do, step by step
- Pick your trail by goal: the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen for waterfalls, or Ohiopyle for river views and easier wandering.
- Check the park's conditions before you leave, especially after heavy rain, when falls are strongest and footing is trickiest.
- Start early, wear shoes with real grip, and bring more water than you think a shaded forest walk needs.
- Take waterfall photos from the trail itself — wet rocks beside the water are where most slips happen.
- Leave no trace: stay on marked paths, pack out every scrap, and give wildlife plenty of space.
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