By Shane Kiefer
@benny.elliot ricketts glen state park
Finding the Perfect Trail Five Fantastic Hikes for 2020
up in wonder at the power of nature as they feel the cool misty breeze coming off the falling water. For those looking to spend the better part of their day exploring the waterfalls and the Glens Natural Area, plan to hike the full 7.2 mile loop. If you’d rather have some time to spend along the beach at nearby Lake Jean, you can plan to hike the shorter 3.2 mile loop and still see 18 of the 21 waterfalls. If you go: Start from the Lake Rose parking lot and travel down the Ganoga Glen side of the trail to Waters Meet. Then, you can either complete the full 7.2 miles by continuing south toward Route 118, or just head back up the Glen Leigh Side and use the Highland Trail to connect your hike back to Lake Rose. And remember to bring your camera – this is one of the most scenic hikes you’ll find on the entire East Coast! Plan for: 2-3 hours if doing the 3.2 mile loop, 4-5 hours if doing the full 7.2 miles. IMPORTANT: Bring sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for some steep trail sections. Hikers on the Falls Trail should be in good physical condition and should exercise caution due to the slippery/wet conditions often found on the trail.
Escaping on a trail is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors during the summer and fall seasons. The Columbia & Montour Counties' region is known far and wide for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, kayaking, tubing, fishing, boating, hunting, and more. For the trail lovers out there, this article explores five of my favorite area hikes in the peaceful Central Pennsylvania region.
@nick3black8
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Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park Trail Length: 7.2 miles (full loop)
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the standout gems of Pennsylvania, and the popular Falls Trail Loop in the park is one that simply can’t be ignored if you’re planning to do any hiking this summer. The trail winds through the Glens Natural Area via a series of steep rock staircases and packed dirt paths. The Glens Natural Area is a National Natural Landmark (designated in 1968) whose highlight is the series of 21 free-flowing waterfalls that cascade down through the glen along the trail. The most spectacular is Ganoga Falls, at 94 feet. Hikers can stand near the base of Ganoga Falls and gaze
@artvbal ricketts glen state park
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