Trail Segments Guide
Complete breakdown of the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail into 5 manageable segments with detailed information for each section
5
Total Miles
5
Trail Segments
2000
Total Elevation Change (ft)
4-6
Hours Total
Detailed Trail Segments
1
Beach Lake to Trail Junction
Gentle forest descent from parking to the main trail junction where you choose your route.
0.8 mi
Distance
15-20 minutes
Time
50ft
Descent
Easy
Highlights:
Old-growth forest canopyEasy warm-up walkTrail junction decision pointRestroom facilities at start+1 more
Segment 1 of 5GPS: 41.3346, -76.2858
2
Glen Leigh Gorge Descent
Steep, rocky descent through Glen Leigh Gorge past 10 spectacular waterfalls.
1.5 mi
Distance
45-75 minutes
Time
950ft
Descent
Very Difficult
Highlights:
10 named waterfalls in 1.5 miles60-foot Ozone Falls - Glen Leigh's crown jewelHistoric stone steps and bridgesDramatic gorge ecosystem+2 more
10 waterfalls in this segment
Segment 2 of 5GPS: 41.3325, -76.2845
3
Bottom Creek Crossing
Creek crossing at the lowest point where Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen meet.
0.2 mi
Distance
10-15 minutes
Time
0ft
Descent
Moderate
Highlights:
Convergence of both creek systemsSturdy bridge crossingRest area with level groundMilestone marker (halfway point)+1 more
Segment 3 of 5GPS: 41.3298, -76.2798
4
Ganoga Glen Ascent
Grueling climb up Ganoga Glen past 11 waterfalls including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls.
1.7 mi
Distance
60-90 minutes
Time
950ft
Ascent
Very Difficult
Highlights:
94-foot Ganoga Falls - Pennsylvania's tallest85-foot Seneca Falls with viewing platform80-foot Silver Thread Falls like a ribbon11 waterfalls total in this gorge+2 more
11 waterfalls in this segment
Segment 4 of 5GPS: 41.3295, -76.2805
5
Trail Junction Back to Beach Lake
Final gentle ascent through forest back to Beach Lake parking area.
0.8 mi
Distance
20-25 minutes
Time
50ft
Ascent
Easy
Highlights:
Gentle conclusion to challenging hikeRecovery time for tired legsForest ecosystem different from gorgesSense of accomplishment+1 more
Segment 5 of 5GPS: 41.3325, -76.2845
Trail Planning Tips
🎯 Recommended Route
- • Start with Beach Lake to Junction (warm-up)
- • Take Glen Leigh descent (easier going down)
- • Cross at bottom and ascend Ganoga Glen
- • Return via Junction to Beach Lake
- • Total loop: Counter-clockwise direction
⏰ Time Management
- • Start early (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds
- • Allow extra time for photography stops
- • Plan 4-6 hours for complete loop
- • Add 1-2 hours if hiking with children
- • Consider seasonal daylight hours