Oneida Falls
Pennsylvania • 13 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
400 ft
About Oneida Falls
Oneida Falls is a graceful, curtain-style drop about 13 feet high tucked into the heart of Ricketts Glen State Park. Part of the park’s renowned Falls Trail System — a looped network that highlights 21 named waterfalls — Oneida presents a wide, tranquil sheet of water framed by mossy rock and old-growth forest, making it a favorite stop for photographers and day-hikers alike. The falls and surrounding trail lie within Ricketts Glen State Park (designation: SP), on land owned listed as OTHS and managed by SPR. Expect a peaceful, forested gorge experience as you follow the Falls Trail, with other cascades appearing along the route; suitable for moderately experienced hikers who want a rewarding, scenic outing rather than a technical scramble.
The Setting
Oneida Falls sits at 2,129 feet within Ricketts Glenn State Park, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the hills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 13 feet.
Height: 13 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The hike to Oneida Falls follows the Falls Trail System and is typically done as an out-and-back trip of roughly 3.2 miles round trip with about 400 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Difficulty is rated moderate; the route is well-marked but can be rocky and uneven in places, winding through mixed hardwood forest and offering repeated waterfall viewpoints. Oneida itself is a 13-foot-high, curtain-like cascade — a short, photogenic payoff near the trail’s low-to-moderate grades.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 13 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Oneida Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Oneida Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Oneida Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the frozen waterfall, though the trail can be icy and 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 icy conditions. Exercise caution near the edges of the trail and around the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails to avoid accidents.
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 (21 km away).
Today
Strong
13 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
12 cfs
10/10Wed
Roaring
15 cfs
6/10Thu
Strong
14 cfs
10/10Fri
Roaring
15 cfs
6/10Sat
Strong
15 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
16 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly 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 94 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 13 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,103 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 84 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 35 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
- 2,103 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 94 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
Oneida 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. Follow the Falls Trail to reach the waterfall.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Lake Rose Trailhead and the Route 118 parking lot. Both provide access to the Falls Trail System.
Elevation
2,129 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.326747° N, -76.287158° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail may be hazardous during icy or wet conditions.
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With 3.2 miles and 400 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
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 the Falls Trail System, such as Ganoga Falls and Harrison Wright Falls. Lake Jean is also nearby for picnicking and kayaking.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna along the trail.
Cities near Oneida Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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