Glen Falls Trail - a trail in the woods with trees and rocks
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Glen Falls Trail

4.7
·72 reviews·Chattanooga, United States

Discover over 20 breathtaking waterfalls on the rugged Glen Falls Trail, a challenging yet rewarding hike through a lush, natural gorge.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temps & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Glen Falls Trail - a trail in the woods with trees and rocks

Glen Falls Trail

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temps & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover over 20 breathtaking waterfalls on the rugged Glen Falls Trail, a challenging yet rewarding hike through a lush, natural gorge.

4.7
(72 reviews)

"This place is so worth it, gotta check it out!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking is Scarce!

Arrive VERY early or consider alternative trailheads. Parking is limited and can be tricky.

🥾 Sturdy Shoes MANDATORY

The trail is wet, muddy, and very rocky. Waterproof hiking boots are a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cascading Waterfalls

Cascading Waterfalls

Along the Falls Trail

Witness over 20 stunning waterfalls, from gentle cascades to powerful plunges, creating a magical, natural spectacle.

Refreshing Dip Spots

Refreshing Dip Spots

Various points along the trail

Find numerous spots to cool off with a refreshing dip or even stand beneath the spray of the falls during warmer months.

Rugged Terrain Adventure

Rugged Terrain Adventure

Falls Trail System

Experience a challenging yet rewarding hike through a rocky, wet, and muddy landscape, perfect for adventurous spirits.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking Pointers

Parking at Glen Falls Trail is notoriously limited and can be sketchy. Arrive early or consider alternative trailheads like Lookout Mountain Conservancy for a less crowded experience. Be mindful of other drivers around blind corners. Reddit

Trail Toughness & Footwear

The Glen Falls Trail is rugged, wet, and muddy, with steep, rocky sections. It's challenging for young children and those with health issues. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential for safety and comfort. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Cooler temps & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, early afternoon
Why
Parking opens up slightly
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall foliage season
Why
Enchanting autumn colors
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍁Chasing the golden glow of fall? Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes Region offers 19 cascading waterfalls set amid the most enchanting fall foliage. 🌟 Experience the true magic of autumn here #FingerLakesFall #fallfoliage 🎥: @Sunetra
@visit
91.1K likes • 1.7M views

🚗 Parking is Scarce!

Arrive VERY early or consider alternative trailheads. Parking is limited and can be tricky. Reddit+1

🥾 Sturdy Shoes MANDATORY

The trail is wet, muddy, and very rocky. Waterproof hiking boots are a must! Reddit+1

If you want a great waterfall hike, look no further than to Watkins Glen State Park in New York. The Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen is 1.5 miles one way and will take you past 19 waterfalls and up over 800 steps. I added the West Rim and Indian Trails plus a climb up Jacob’s Ladder and Couch’s Staircase to get some extra miles in, but the Gorge Trail is easily the highlight of this park. Watkins ...
@kim.hiked.it
68.9K likes • 1.7M views
One of the nicest hikes in Pennsylvania🌿 📍Ricketts Glen State Park is home to 20+ waterfalls along the Falls Trail💧 #getoutthere #summer #hike #pennsylvania #travel #travelinspo #adventure #roadtrip
travel.atallcosts
0 likes • 2.7K views

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

No bathrooms or running water on the trail. Stay hydrated and fueled for the hike. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, but be prepared for the challenging terrain. Instagram

Ricketts Glen State Park, PA – Trail Adventure Update! 🌿🐾 If you are looking for a breathtaking hike filled with waterfalls, forest vibes, and a little challenge, this one is for you! Ricketts Glen has different types of trails, but we did the Falls Trail Loop, starting from Lake Rose trailhead. ⛰️ It is moderately difficult, dog-friendly, and takes about 4–6 hours depending on your pace (and ph...
purplehighways
12.9K likes • 1.3M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking is Scarce!

Arrive VERY early or consider alternative trailheads. Parking is limited and can be tricky. Reddit+1

🥾 Sturdy Shoes MANDATORY

The trail is wet, muddy, and very rocky. Waterproof hiking boots are a must! Reddit+1

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

No bathrooms or running water on the trail. Stay hydrated and fueled for the hike. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, but be prepared for the challenging terrain. Instagram

📱 Cell Service is Spotty

Don't rely on your phone for navigation or communication once you're on the trail. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(72 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Glen Falls Trail, with its numerous waterfalls and refreshing dip spots. However, many note the extremely limited and challenging parking, as well as the rugged, wet, and steep terrain that requires sturdy footwear and can be difficult for young children or those with health concerns.

"Limited parking spots. Nice 15 min trail leading along multiple layers of the waterfall. Good spots to dip in, even one part when you can stand under a little bit of the falls. Really unique and beautiful scenery."

Sarah Barnes

"We had a fabulous time! We were a group of two 60-year-olds, a 32-year-old, and two kids 9 and 4. I say this bc this is challenging for the kids, as it was very rough terrain wet and muddy. We went to the first falls and they did great but we knew we couldn't go any further with them. It was so fun and they did great, we just went slow. If you have health issues you may want to reconsider as parts are very steep."

Cynthia Rotunda

"I guess this should really be a one review platform with Glenn Falls and Glen Falls trailhead however they are two separate locations and I’m trying to get my points. It is important to know that parking is pretty limited and kind of sketchy here. People do fly around the corner and it’s a little difficult to see uphill and downhillespecially when some jack hole parks and blocks your views. But this place is so worth it gotta check it out."

Malcolm Godwin

What People Like

Abundant waterfalls
Refreshing water spots
Beautiful scenery

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Challenging terrain
Wet and muddy conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Glen Falls Trail is typically accessed via specific trailheads. Some visitors recommend the Lookout Mountain Conservancy Trailhead for a less crowded approach. Be aware that parking can be limited and tricky at main access points. Reddit

Specific directions can vary depending on the trailhead you choose. It's best to use GPS and be aware of potential parking challenges. Some online resources and maps may provide detailed trailhead information. Reddit

Public transportation options to trailheads like Glen Falls are generally limited. It's recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange for a ride. TikTok

Parking is very limited. Arrive extremely early, especially on weekends and holidays. Some Redditors suggest exploring alternative trailheads for better parking availability. Reddit+1

Based on user reports, there is often no entrance fee for Ricketts Glen State Park, which includes access to the Falls Trail. However, it's always wise to check the official park website for any updates. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, typically there are no tickets required for entry to Glen Falls Trail or Ricketts Glen State Park. Access is usually free, though parking can be a challenge. Instagram

Glen Falls Trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the Falls Trail system within Ricketts Glen State Park may have seasonal closures, especially in winter. Always check park advisories. Instagram+1

While the trail is beautiful year-round, the Falls Trail can be subject to seasonal closures due to ice and snow. It's best to check park conditions before your visit, especially during colder months. Instagram

The main Falls Trail is considered moderately difficult and can be very challenging for young children or those with mobility issues due to steep, wet, and rocky terrain. InstagramReddit

The full loop of the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail is about 7.2 miles and can take 3-4 hours. A shorter option to see 18 waterfalls is about 3.2 miles. Instagram+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Expect a rugged, wet, and muddy trail with steep, rocky sections, numerous stairs, and slippery surfaces. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential. InstagramReddit

There are typically non-flush toilets at some trailheads like the Glens Lot and running water toilets at the Lake Rose lot in Ricketts Glen State Park, but not directly on all parts of the trail. Instagram

Yes, there are plenty of spots along the trail where you can dip your feet or even swim in the pools beneath the waterfalls, especially during warmer months. InstagramReddit

Cell service is very limited to non-existent on most of the Glen Falls Trail. It's advisable to download maps offline and inform someone of your hiking plans. Instagram

While the entire trail is dotted with waterfalls, highlights include Ganoga Falls and numerous other cascades along the main Falls Trail system. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Every turn offers a new photographic opportunity with the numerous waterfalls. Focus on capturing the scale of the falls and the lush greenery. TikTokInstagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the waterfalls. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on wet rocks and enhance water detail. TikTok

Use a waterproof camera bag or a rain cover for your equipment. Be mindful of spray from the falls, especially when standing close for shots. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon light can provide softer, more dramatic lighting for waterfall photography. Midday sun can be harsh. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the specific park regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Glen Falls Trail can be a challenging adventure for families. While some younger children (around 6 years old) have managed parts of the trail with slow progress and parental assistance, it's very difficult for toddlers or those with limited stamina. InstagramReddit The terrain is rough, wet, and steep, making it a potential hazard for little ones. Consider sticking to the very beginning of the trail or exploring easier, less rugged paths within Ricketts Glen State Park if you have very young children. Reddit

For families with older, more experienced hikers, the shorter loop of the Falls Trail (around 3.2 miles) is more manageable and still offers views of many waterfalls. Ensure everyone has appropriate footwear and plenty of water. The opportunity to dip feet in the water can be a highlight for kids, but always supervise them closely. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Glen Falls Trail is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers as there is typically no entrance fee to Ricketts Glen State Park. Instagram The primary costs will be transportation and any food or supplies you bring. This makes it an accessible natural attraction for those looking to experience stunning scenery without a hefty price tag. TikTok

Be prepared to pack your own food and drinks, as on-site dining options are limited. The main expense might be gas to get there, or if you opt for camping within the park. The sheer natural beauty and the abundance of waterfalls provide immense value for the minimal cost involved. TikTok

👟 Experienced Hikers

For seasoned hikers, the full 7.2-mile loop of the Glen Falls Trail offers a rewarding challenge. The rugged, wet, and steep terrain demands good physical condition and proper gear. InstagramReddit The trail's technical nature, with slippery rocks and uneven surfaces, provides an engaging experience that tests your footing and endurance. Reddit

Consider exploring the various trail connectors and extensions within Ricketts Glen State Park to create a longer, more customized hike. The abundance of waterfalls and the immersive forest environment make it a prime destination for those seeking a substantial outdoor adventure. Don't forget to pack essentials like a first-aid kit and navigation tools, as cell service is unreliable. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Falls Trail

The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park is the main attraction, winding through a gorge and showcasing over 20 stunning waterfalls. The full loop is approximately 7.2 miles, but a shorter 3.2-mile option allows you to see at least 18 waterfalls by focusing on the upper sections. Instagram+1 The trail is known for its challenging terrain: expect it to be wet, muddy, and very rocky, with steep inclines and numerous stairs. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are absolutely essential for safety and comfort. InstagramReddit

Be prepared for limited cell service and no facilities directly on the trail. It's wise to download offline maps and carry plenty of water and snacks. Despite the challenges, the reward is an immersive experience surrounded by the sights and sounds of cascading water, with opportunities to dip your feet or even swim in designated areas. InstagramReddit

Key Takeaways for the Falls Trail:
* Length: 3.2 miles (shorter loop) to 7.2 miles (full loop).
* Difficulty: Moderately difficult, with steep and slippery sections.
* Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are non-negotiable.
* Amenities: Limited; bring your own water and snacks.

The Ricketts Glen Experience

Ricketts Glen State Park, home to the famous Glen Falls Trail (often referred to as Ricketts Glen Falls Trail), offers a truly spectacular natural escape. The park is renowned for its dense forests and the impressive concentration of waterfalls, making it a prime destination for hikers and nature lovers. Instagram+1 The park's beauty is particularly captivating during the fall foliage season, when the vibrant colors enhance the already stunning scenery. TikTok

Beyond the main Falls Trail, the park offers other hiking opportunities and activities. Visitors can enjoy the lake for swimming and picnicking, adding to the overall appeal for a day trip or a longer stay. The park's accessibility and the sheer number of waterfalls make it a unique destination within Pennsylvania. TikTok

Planning Your Visit:
* Best for: Hikers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, families with older children.
* Activities: Hiking, waterfall viewing, swimming, picnicking.
* Seasonal Appeal: Year-round, but fall foliage is exceptional, and summer offers swimming opportunities.

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