R B Ricketts Falls
Pennsylvania • 36 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 R B Ricketts Falls
R B Ricketts Falls is a 36-foot cascade tucked into the heart of Ricketts Glen State Park’s celebrated Falls Trail System. Nestled along Kitchen Creek, the falls are one of the park’s named waterfalls within a 13,193-acre Pennsylvania state park and National Natural Landmark renowned for its old-growth forest and dramatic series of drops — 24 named waterfalls flow down the Allegheny Front escarpment here. The setting is quintessential northeastern Pennsylvania wilderness: lush hardwoods, mossy boulders, and constant rushing water. The falls are a favorite stop for hikers and photographers exploring the Falls Trail System, which threads visitors past numerous cascades and scenic overlooks. Managed as part of Ricketts Glen State Park, the route to R B Ricketts Falls rewards moderate effort with close-up views of the falls and the surrounding gorge, making it a memorable day hike for families and experienced walkers alike.
The Setting
R B Ricketts Falls sits at 1,677 feet within Ricketts Glenn State Park, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the hills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 36 feet.
Height: 36 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Huron Falls (41 ft) lies 0.2 miles to the north. Also nearby: B Reynolds Falls (40 ft, 0.1 mi) and Shawnee Falls (30 ft, 0.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
R B Ricketts Falls is reached via the Falls Trail System on an out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles total with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; the hike is typically rated moderate. The trail follows Kitchen Creek as it descends the Allegheny Front escarpment and includes rocky tread, short steep sections, and uneven surfaces — many spots become slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear and care on wet rock are recommended. The waterfall itself drops approximately 36 feet and sits among a string of cascades that define the Falls Trail experience.
What to Expect
The falls drop 36 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 R B Ricketts Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at R B 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 view of frozen waterfalls for experienced hikers.
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 proper footwear and exercise caution. Stay on marked trails to avoid accidents. Cell phone reception may be limited in some areas.
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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 135 feet through R B Ricketts Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 36 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,690 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 154 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 75 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south 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
- 1,690 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 135 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- 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 south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
R B 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 Trailhead. 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 Trailhead. Both parking areas provide access to the Falls Trail System.
Elevation
1,677 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.324312° N, -76.274413° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Be prepared for uneven and slippery terrain. 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
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in Ricketts Glen State Park, Lake Jean, and the park's camping and picnic areas.
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 R B Ricketts Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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