Day Hike With 22 Waterfalls

Plentiful waterfalls are scattered all over the world. Some lie at the end of grueling hikes, presented as a welcoming prize; others roar right at the beginning of a trail and require little to no physical effort. No matter the height, location, volume, or trail it rests in, waterfalls are some of nature’s most precious gifts. Commonly, cataract trails will contain one major waterfall, possibly with a few small, surprise ones sprinkled along the path; others flaunt multiple impressive falls. But what if I told you there is a seven mile hike in Pennsylvania that will take you past twenty-two waterfalls?

Nestled in quiet Benton, Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen State Park boasts incredible scenic views, diverse wildlife, and the famous twenty-two waterfall day hike. No matter if you choose to hike the 4-mile loop from Lake Rose all the way around the river or trek the complete 7-mile lollipop hike, you will see a copious amount of waterfalls. Ranging from 11 feet tall to a staggering 94 feet, each one is unique and naturally framed by stunning, contrasting scenery.

The Lake Rose parking lot is the shortest route to access the falls loop, so it will fill up quickly, especially on the weekends. We arrived by 8AM on a Sunday, and there were already dozens of cars in the lot. Luckily, we were able to find moments of peace along the trail. If you wait long enough at each waterfall, the crowds will disperse, and you will find solitude.

As soon as you set foot on the trail, you will immediately be swallowed into the hemlock, pine and oak forest, and the sound of rushing water from the river current and the first few waterfalls will quickly reach your ears. Any boredom that may be lingering will be whisked away while you wind around the steep, bouldered path along the creek. One waterfall will appear almost instantaneously after the other; every turn, every bend produces a new cascade that is quite different than the last. Some are quiet, serene and short while others are loud, tall, and tumultuous. Some have one wide, single stream, while others boast multiple cascades.

The first waterfall you will reach (if you’re coming from Lake Rose parking area) will be Mohawk Falls. At 37 feet, this waterfall is divided into two parts. The first drops off a small cliff while the rest cascades softly over rocks. It definitely makes a wonderful first impression of what’s to come!

Next, you will see Oneida and Cayuga, both smaller falls but equally beautiful.

Next up was the tallest and quite possibly the most dramatic falls on the trail: Ganoga Falls. This 94 foot gem is viewable by veering off the main path and down an arduous, rock-studded decline. You will hear the falls before you see them; the water poured in torrents off of the outcropping and ricocheted off the rocks below.

It is widely known among Pennsylvania residents that their state is not famous for waterfalls that you can view up close. So this park is an extra special treat to locals and tourists alike, as this particular trail is filled with nothing but close waterfalls that you can both see and touch. Ganoga Falls is one of them. Climb across the boulder-dotted river to feel the falls refresh and rejuvenate you from head to toe!

Next, you will pass by Seneca, Delaware, Mohican, Conestoga, and Tuscarora Falls, all with contrasting scenic views to flaunt.

One of our favorites was Erie Falls. Falling at a height of 47 feet, this waterfall sure felt taller from down below. The top can be accessed by some simple rock hopscotch; the base can be accessed if you follow a rugged, rocky descent.

From this point, you will reach a crossroads. Going straight will lead you past Ganoga Glen and downstream toward Kitchen Creek. Three more waterfalls, including Harrison Wright, Sheldon Reynolds, and Murray Reynolds, will greet you on this path. If you chose to go left down the bridge, you will be making your way to Glen Leigh, where eight more waterfalls (Wyandot, B Reynolds, RB Ricketts, Ozone, Huron, Shawnee, FL Ricketts, and Onondaga) lie waiting to be admired, splashed in, and photographed. Whichever route you chose, you will see an abundance of falls. If you wish to see all twenty-two, at the crossroads, head straight down Kitchen Creek half a mile to see the three falls, and make your way back to the bridge to finish the original loop.

While hiking in this glen, you will hug a rock wall along the river. Each of the falls will be directly beside you on the entire trail. While this trail is listed as moderate, take caution as the path is steep, rocky and slippery at times, with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. If rainfall has recently occurred before your visit, text extra care as the rocks will be even more muddy and make for some pretty precarious situations. Despite what might seem like a strenuous trail, dogs are allowed and even kids can handle the rugged conditions. You will quickly see why this falls hike is a Pennsylvania highlight. After all, not many people can say they’ve seen twenty-two waterfalls in one afternoon!

Happy hiking!