Are there fees or permits required for Shawnee Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Shawnee Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Shawnee Falls.

Live Conditions · 13 ft³/s · About average

Shawnee Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Shawnee Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Shawnee Falls.

Pennsylvania • 30 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Ricketts Glenn State Park SP · OTHS

Photo Credits (5)

User:Ruhrfisch CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Doug Kerr CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

daveynin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Jake Slagle CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

daveynin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

7.2 miles

Trail Type

Loop

About Shawnee Falls

Shawnee Falls is a 30-foot cascade tucked into the scenic Falls Trail System at Ricketts Glenn State Park. As one of 21 named waterfalls along the route, it offers a photogenic drop framed by mossy rock and hemlock — a favorite stop for hikers chasing the park’s famous series of falls. The setting is naturally dramatic yet approachable, making Shawnee Falls a rewarding destination for photographers and day-hikers alike. The falls and its access trail lie within Ricketts Glenn State Park (designation SP), a land unit owned by OTHS and managed by SPR. Shawnee Falls is reached via the Falls Trail System, an approximately 2.4-mile out-and-back route that climbs about 350 feet; the trail is rated moderate and delivers a compact taste of the park’s waterfall-rich scenery without committing to the full falls circuit.

The Setting

Shawnee Falls sits at 1,880 feet within Ricketts Glenn State Park, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the hills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 30 feet.

Height: 30 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Huron Falls (41 ft) lies 0.1 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: F L Ricketts Falls (38 ft, 0.1 mi) and R B Ricketts Falls (36 ft, 0.2 mi).

Huron Falls F L Ricketts Falls R B Ricketts Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The approach to Shawnee Falls follows the Falls Trail System on an approximate 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Expect rocky, often uneven tread with several steep sections and short climbs; the surface is natural and can be slick when wet. Trail conditions require sturdy footwear and attention on rock steps and stream crossings, but the route is well-marked and rewarding — you’re kept close to cascading water and scenic viewpoints throughout the hike.

What to Expect

The falls drop 30 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 Shawnee Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Shawnee Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Shawnee Falls is during spring or early summer when water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a great time to visit for colorful 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, especially after rain or during icy conditions. Wear proper footwear and exercise caution. 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

13.7 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 173 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 30 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,957 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 173 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 118 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Shawnee Falls near Jamison City, Pennsylvania, showing about 173 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,957 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 173 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Shawnee Falls is located within Ricketts Glen State Park. The park is accessible via PA Route 118. Visitors can park at the Lake Rose Trailhead or the Route 118 Trailhead to access the Falls Trail System.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at designated trailheads, including the Lake Rose Trailhead and Route 118 Trailhead. Parking is free but can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,880 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.327858° N, -76.273824° 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 visiting, as the trail can be hazardous in wet or icy conditions.