Ricketts Glen State Park Falls Trail Service Road Network
Service roads to Pennsylvania's waterfall wonderland
The service road network at Ricketts Glen provides 4WD access to maintenance areas and remote trailheads throughout this 13,050-acre wilderness, famous for its Falls Trail featuring 21 named waterfalls. The main service road branches from Route 487 near the park office and follows old CCC-built tracks through dense hemlock forests, crossing Kitchen Creek multiple times before reaching the upper falls area and connecting to maintenance roads that access Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh.
This is difficult terrain requiring experienced drivers and well-equipped vehicles with skid plates and recovery gear. The rocky creek crossings and steep, muddy sections can be treacherous, especially during spring runoff or after heavy rains. Best accessed April through November, though winter conditions can extend the challenge for experienced drivers. No camping is permitted along these service roads, but nearby state forest lands offer dispersed camping options. The reward is exclusive access to some of Pennsylvania’s most spectacular waterfall country without the crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2460 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Built 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Benton, PA |
| Land manager | Pennsylvania State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | dcnr.pa.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail, or does it need to be built?
A stock truck will struggle here. The trail requires a built 4WD with skid plates at minimum — rocky sections and water crossings will punish low-clearance rigs and unprotected underbellies. Lift, lockers, and all-terrain tires are strongly advised.
When is the trail actually open and drivable?
Best window is April through November. Spring runoff can make water crossings gnarly in April and May, but passable. Winter access is essentially closed — Pennsylvania winters will leave these service roads buried or iced over, and the park doesn't maintain them for public vehicle use off-season.
Do you need a permit or pay a fee to drive the service road network?
Pennsylvania State Parks manages this land — contact DCNR directly before you go, as service road access for non-park vehicles is not publicly permitted in the traditional sense and may require prior authorization. Don't assume open access; get confirmation at dcnr.pa.gov.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The rockiest approach routes to the waterfall drainages are the crux — loose embedded rock, off-camber shelf sections, and creek crossings with no bypass options. Expect to work for every mile; this isn't a cruise, and one wrong line can put you on your rocker panels fast.
There's no cell service — how far is the nearest gas and is there camping inside the park?
Benton, PA is the nearest town but fuel options are thin — top off in Bloomsburg or Dushore before heading in. Ricketts Glen State Park has a developed campground, but dispersed camping on the service road network is not permitted; book a site through the Pennsylvania state parks reservation system in advance.
Trail track
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