Are there fees or permits required for Erie Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Erie Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Erie Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Erie Falls.

Live Conditions · 13 ft³/s · About average

Erie Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Erie Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Erie Falls.

Pennsylvania • 47 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Ricketts Glenn State Park SP · OTHS

Photo Credits (5)

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

Shots by VB CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

daveynin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

SounDesign Photography CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Bill Badzo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

7.2 miles

Trail Type

Loop

About Erie Falls

Erie Falls drops about 47 feet into a rocky amphitheater tucked inside Ricketts Glen State Park. As one of the 21 named waterfalls along the park’s Falls Trail, it’s an inviting stop for photographers and hikers alike — the cascade is managed as part of Ricketts Glen State Park by Pennsylvania State Parks (SPR). The scene is classic Northeastern woodland waterfall scenery: a steady curtain of water framed by mossy rock and forest. Reaching Erie Falls is part of a rewarding moderate outing. The Falls Trail approach that serves Erie Falls is an out-and-back route totaling about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; along the way you’ll pass multiple named drops, so plan time to pause and enjoy views. Camping is available within Ricketts Glen State Park for those who want to turn a day hike into an overnight trip.

The Setting

Erie Falls sits at 1,608 feet within Ricketts Glenn State Park, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the hills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 47 feet.

Height: 47 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Tuscarora Falls (47 ft) lies 0.1 miles to the west. Also nearby: Mohican Falls (39 ft, 0.3 mi) and Harrison Wright Falls (27 ft, 0.1 mi).

Tuscarora Falls Mohican Falls Harrison Wright Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Falls Trail to Erie Falls is a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain. Erie Falls itself is about 47 feet high and is one of the 21 named waterfalls along the route. Expect steep, rocky sections and some slippery stretches after rain—uneven footing is common, so sturdy footwear and caution are recommended. Difficulty: moderate; Trail type: out-and-back; Length: 2.4 miles; Elevation gain: ~350 ft; Feature height: 47 ft.

What to Expect

The falls drop 47 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Erie Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Erie Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Erie Falls is in the spring or after heavy rainfall when the water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a popular time due to the vibrant foliage.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery and dangerous, especially after rain or during icy conditions in winter. Hikers should exercise caution and avoid the trail during severe weather. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Strong

13 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

3 5 29 70

Based on 86 years of record

1.75 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.

Muncy Creek near Sonestown, PA

USGS 01552500

13.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 24 sq mi

Altitude: 1,025 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Muncy Creek near Sonestown, PA (22 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

13 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Strong

13 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

13 cfs

6/10

Wed

Strong

15 cfs

10/10

Thu

Roaring

14 cfs

6/10

Fri

Strong

15 cfs

10/10

Sat

Strong

14 cfs

10/10

Sun

Strong

16 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 272 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 47 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,694 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 238 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 142 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Erie Falls near Jamison City, Pennsylvania, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Erie Falls near Jamison City, Pennsylvania, showing about 272 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,694 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 272 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Erie Falls is located within Ricketts Glen State Park. Visitors can access it via the Falls Trail, which begins at the Lake Rose Trailhead or the Route 118 Trailhead. The park is approximately 30 miles north of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Lake Rose Trailhead and Route 118 Trailhead. Both parking areas are free but can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,608 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.321590° N, -76.277647° W

Land Management

Ricketts Glenn State Park SP

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight to complete the trail. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can be hazardous when wet.