Adams Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Adams Falls
Adams Falls is a compact, photogenic cascade tucked into old-growth hardwoods in Ricketts Glen State Park, where water tumbles over layered bedrock into a shallow plunge—an easy-to-enjoy highlight for hikers and photographers. The setting offers close, satisfying viewpoints that make it a popular stop on many visitors’ lists. Per Wikipedia, Adams Falls is one of two waterfalls by that name in Pennsylvania; this entry refers specifically to the Adams Falls inside Ricketts Glen State Park. The site and approaches are managed by the state park unit, and the short outing fits well into a half-day visit to the park’s scenic stream corridors. The trail to the falls is approachable for most hikers and rewards minimal effort with classic northeastern woodland scenery and a crowd-pleasing cascade framed by mossy rock and ferns.
The Setting
Adams Falls sits at 1,250 feet within Ricketts Glenn State Park, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the foothills of Pennsylvania.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Sheldon Reynolds Falls (36 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the north. Also nearby: Harrison Wright Falls (27 ft, 1.5 mi) and Murray Reynolds Falls (16 ft, 1.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This route is an out-and-back of approximately 2.4 miles round-trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate in difficulty. The path follows maintained state-park trails and includes a short spur to a designated viewing area near the cascade, making it suitable as a half-day outing or a standalone short hike. The falls and approaches sit within Ricketts Glen State Park (land unit: Ricketts Glen State Park; designation: SP; land owner: OTHS) and are managed by the state park unit (manager: SPR). No USFS trail number or federal trail surface/grade/class data were provided for this state-park route.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Adams Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Adams Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit when the water flow is at its peak. Fall offers stunning foliage, making it another great time to visit.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks around the waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on designated trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the water. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
16 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 85 years of record
1.80 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Muncy Creek near Sonestown, PA (23 km away).
Today
Strong
17 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
16 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
17 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
16 cfs
9/10Sat
Strong
16 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
27 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
29 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Jamison City hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 75 feet of drop through Adams Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,248 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 39 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 50 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,248 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 75 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Adams Falls is located near the southern entrance of Ricketts Glen State Park, off Route 118. The waterfall is a short walk from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking lot near the trailhead for Adams Falls, located off Route 118. Parking is free but may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,250 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.299460° N, -76.274154° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as the area around the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Paper Mill Pines Bed and Breakfast
Cozy 3BR Octagon Cabin-Near Ricketts Glen
CHARMING EXECUTIVE VICTORIAN MANSION w/ FREE PARKING - near Bucknell
Quality Inn New Columbia-Lewisburg
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Ricketts Glen State Park is home to 21 named waterfalls along the Falls Trail, including Ganoga Falls, the tallest in the park. Lake Jean is also nearby for picnicking and boating.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also see wildflowers and ferns along the trail.
Cities near Adams Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Adams Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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