Harrison Wright Falls
Pennsylvania • 27 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
7.2 miles
Trail Type
Loop
About Harrison Wright Falls
Harrison Wright Falls is a charming 27-foot cascade tucked into the lush gorge of Ricketts Glen State Park. The fall plunges into a moss-lined chasm along Kitchen Creek and is one of the park’s celebrated waterfalls — Ricketts Glen is a National Natural Landmark with old-growth forest and 24 named falls spilling down the Allegheny Front escarpment. The park covers roughly 13,193 acres across Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan counties, making the setting both grand and surprisingly intimate. The falls sit along the park’s Falls Trail, offering a classic Ricketts Glen experience of rock outcrops, verdant hemlocks, and clear creekside pools. Managed as part of Ricketts Glen State Park (designation: SP; manager: SPR), the area rewards hikers with close-up views of cascading water and photogenic ledges — come prepared for slippery rock and bring good footwear for the natural, often wet terrain.
The Setting
Harrison Wright Falls sits at 1,519 feet within Ricketts Glenn State Park, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the hills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 27 feet.
Height: 27 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Erie Falls (47 ft) lies 0.1 miles to the west. Also nearby: B Reynolds Falls (40 ft, 0.2 mi) and Sheldon Reynolds Falls (36 ft, 0.1 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Falls Trail to Harrison Wright Falls (out-and-back) is a roughly 2.4-mile route with about 350 feet of elevation gain, typically rated moderate. The trail surface is natural and rocky with exposed roots and stone steps carved into the gorge; the grade is variable with several steep, stair-like sections and short descents that require sure footing. Expect uneven footing and creekside slick rock rather than paved or groomed tread; the trail’s moderate classification reflects those technical, rocky stretches as well as the rewarding waterfall views.
What to Expect
The falls drop 27 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 Harrison Wright Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Harrison Wright 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 view of frozen waterfalls, though the trail may be hazardous.
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. Wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution near the waterfalls. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.
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 167 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 27 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,515 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 281 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 207 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,515 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 167 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Harrison Wright 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 parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Lake Rose Trailhead and the Route 118 parking area. Both provide access to the Falls Trail.
Elevation
1,519 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.320666° N, -76.275162° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction, and bring plenty of water. Start your hike early to avoid crowds and allow enough time to complete the trail before sunset.
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
Other waterfalls in Ricketts Glen State Park, such as Ganoga Falls and Cayuga Falls. Lake Jean is also nearby for picnicking and kayaking.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species.
Cities near Harrison Wright Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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