F L Ricketts Falls
Pennsylvania • 38 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
7.2 miles
Trail Type
Loop
About F L Ricketts Falls
F L Ricketts Falls is a 38-foot cascade tucked into the heart of Ricketts Glen State Park, a National Natural Landmark famed for its old-growth forest and dramatic series of falls along Kitchen Creek. The falls are part of the park’s celebrated Falls Trail System, which includes 24 named waterfalls as Kitchen Creek drops down the Allegheny Front escarpment from the Allegheny Plateau to the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. Framed by mossy rock and dense hemlock and hardwoods, F L Ricketts offers a classic northeastern waterfall scene that rewards photographers and day-hikers alike. The park spans 13,193 acres across Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan counties and is managed by Pennsylvania State Parks (SPR). The approach to F L Ricketts Falls follows the same route that takes visitors past several other cascades, making it an excellent stop on a moderate loop through some of Pennsylvania’s best preserved forest and waterfall scenery.
The Setting
F L Ricketts Falls sits at 1,988 feet within Ricketts Glenn State Park, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the hills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 38 feet.
Height: 38 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Huron Falls (41 ft) lies 0.2 miles to the south. Also nearby: R B Ricketts Falls (36 ft, 0.4 mi) and Shawnee Falls (30 ft, 0.1 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route to F L Ricketts Falls follows the Falls Trail System as an out-and-back of roughly 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Expect narrow footpaths, rocky terrain and some steep sections and stream crossings as the trail tracks Kitchen Creek; sturdy footwear and attention on slick rock are recommended. The trail is primarily natural surface with uneven grades as it descends and climbs along the creek, delivering close-up views of the 38-foot drop and surrounding old-growth forest along the way.
What to Expect
The falls drop 38 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 F L Ricketts Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at F L Ricketts Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique opportunity to see the falls frozen, though the trail may be more dangerous.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain or during winter when ice may form. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid hiking alone. Cell phone service may be limited in some areas of the park.
Current Water Conditions
13 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Muncy Creek near Sonestown, PA (22 km away).
Today
Strong
13 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Roaring
13 cfs
6/10Wed
Strong
15 cfs
10/10Thu
Roaring
14 cfs
6/10Fri
Strong
15 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
14 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
16 cfs
10/10Best 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 145 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 38 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 2,002 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 114 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 113 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,002 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 145 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer 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
F L Ricketts Falls is located within Ricketts Glen State Park. The Falls Trail System can be accessed from the Lake Rose Trailhead or the Route 118 parking lot. The trail to the falls is well-marked and part of a larger loop that includes multiple waterfalls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Lake Rose Trailhead and the Route 118 parking lot. Both parking areas provide access to the Falls Trail System.
Elevation
1,988 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.329525° N, -76.273824° W
Land Management
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 with good traction, and bring plenty of water and snacks. Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the trail can be hazardous in wet or icy conditions.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in Ricketts Glen State Park, including Ganoga Falls and Harrison Wright Falls. Lake Jean is also nearby and offers opportunities for boating and fishing.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors may also encounter smaller animals like squirrels and chipmunks.
Cities near F L Ricketts Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about F L Ricketts Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.