Ganoga Glen Ascent
Grueling climb up Ganoga Glen past 11 waterfalls including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls.
Trail Segment Overview
The Ganoga Glen ascent is arguably the most challenging section of the entire trail, but it rewards your effort with the most spectacular waterfalls in Pennsylvania. The crown jewel is the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, but you'll encounter 10 other impressive cascades along the way. The trail follows ancient stone steps and natural rock formations, requiring both physical endurance and careful footing. This section often determines whether hikers complete the full loop or turn back.
Highlights & Features
✨Trail Highlights
- 94-foot Ganoga Falls - Pennsylvania's tallest
- 85-foot Seneca Falls with viewing platform
- 80-foot Silver Thread Falls like a ribbon
- 11 waterfalls total in this gorge
- Multiple viewing platforms and bridges
- Most photographed section of the trail
📸Best Photo Spots
- Ganoga Falls from multiple viewing platforms
- Seneca Falls wide-angle from below
- Silver Thread Falls framed by hemlocks
- Highland Falls multi-tier cascade
- Looking down the gorge from Ganoga Falls platform
Waterfalls in This Segment
Erie Falls
47ftThe final major waterfall in Glen Leigh Gorge, Erie Falls drops 47 feet in a dramatic finale to the ...
Shawnee Falls
30ftA 30-foot waterfall that flows over a series of rock terraces. Shawnee Falls creates a stepped casca...
Onondaga Falls
15ftA 15-foot waterfall that demonstrates the varied character of Glen Leigh Gorge. Onondaga Falls flows...
Mohawk Falls
39ftThe first waterfall you encounter on the counter-clockwise route, Mohawk Falls offers a spectacular ...
Ganoga Falls
94ftThe crown jewel of Ricketts Glen, Ganoga Falls is a breathtaking 94-foot waterfall that plunges dram...
Seneca Falls
12ftA modest 12-foot waterfall that flows over a series of rock steps. Seneca Falls may be smaller than ...
Delaware Falls
37ftOne of the most photographed waterfalls in the park, Delaware Falls drops 37 feet in a spectacular d...
Mohican Falls
39ftA powerful 39-foot waterfall that creates a thunderous cascade in Ganoga Glen. The force of the wate...
Safety & Navigation
⚠️Safety Warnings
- Most physically demanding section of entire trail
- Steep ascent can cause altitude exhaustion
- Wet rocks near waterfalls extremely slippery
- Multiple stream crossings on unstable rocks
- Rescue access very limited in gorge
🧭Navigation Tips
- Pace yourself - rest at each waterfall
- Use trekking poles on every steep section
- Stay hydrated - ascent is very demanding
- Follow blazes carefully - easy to miss turns
- Turn around periodically for different perspectives
Trail Segment Location
Interactive Trail Map
Click any point for GPS coordinates and details
Quick Legend
Map Legend
Point Types
Trail Difficulty
How to Use This Map
Click any point to get GPS coordinates and elevation data. The trail path shows the recommended 7.2-mile loop starting from Beach Lake Parking.
Start Point GPS
41.3295, -76.2805
End Point GPS
41.3325, -76.2845
Preparation & Gear
🎒Essential Gear
- Hiking boots with aggressive tread
- Trekking poles absolutely essential
- Camera with protective case
- Energy snacks and electrolyte drinks
- Emergency first aid supplies
- Headlamp if starting late
🥾Trail Conditions
Extremely steep with challenging stone steps, rock scrambles, and stream crossings. Most dangerous section when wet.
🌿Seasonal Info
Spring offers maximum waterfall flow but treacherous conditions. Summer has stable footing but crowded trails. Fall provides spectacular colors but slippery leaves.