Ricketts Glen State Park Falls Trail Service Road Network

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.