Tuscarora Falls
Pennsylvania • 47 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 Tuscarora Falls
Tuscarora Falls tumbles 47 feet inside Ricketts Glen State Park, a scenic state park in Pennsylvania. The falls are one of the named cascades along the Falls Trail and make a striking focal point for photographers and waterfall seekers. The site lies on land owned by OTHS and is managed as Ricketts Glen State Park (Designation: SP; Manager: SPR), so expect well-marked access and park rules to protect the gorge and waterways. You can reach Tuscarora Falls via the Falls Trail, a popular route that showcases multiple waterfalls. The setting is rugged and rewarding — the waterfall’s vertical plunge and mossy rock ledges offer classic northeastern forest scenery, especially after rain or spring thaw.
The Setting
Tuscarora Falls sits at 1,709 feet within Ricketts Glenn State Park, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the hills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 47 feet.
Height: 47 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Erie Falls (47 ft) lies 0.1 miles to the east. Also nearby: Mohican Falls (39 ft, 0.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Falls Trail to Tuscarora Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The trail route passes a series of cascades and includes rocky terrain, steep sections, and uneven surfaces; proper footwear and attention on steeper stretches are recommended. The trail is well established within Ricketts Glen State Park (Designation: SP; Manager: SPR) and provides direct access to the 47-foot Tuscarora Falls.
What to Expect
The falls drop 47 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 Tuscarora Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tuscarora Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Tuscarora Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak. 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 proper footwear and exercise caution. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so let someone know your plans before hiking.
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 239 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 47 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,759 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 181 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 136 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,759 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 239 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Tuscarora Falls is located within Ricketts Glen State Park. The Falls Trail can be accessed from the Lake Rose Trailhead or the Route 118 parking area. Follow the Falls Trail to reach Tuscarora Falls, which is approximately midway along the trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Lake Rose Trailhead and the Route 118 parking area. Both parking lots provide access to the Falls Trail.
Elevation
1,709 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.321428° N, -76.279492° 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, bring plenty of water, and carry a trail map. The trail can be slippery, especially after rain, so exercise caution.
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 along the Falls Trail, such as Ganoga Falls and Harrison Wright 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. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Tuscarora Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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