Falls Trail - Benton, PA
Falls Trail is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts and their four-legged companions looking to explore the beauty of Benton, Pennsylvania. As one of the most impressive pet-friendly trails in the area, this dog-friendly hiking spot winds through Ricketts Glen State Park and boasts over 20 breathtaking waterfalls along its challenging 7.2-mile loop. Dog owners can enjoy scenic vistas, cooling creek views, and a chance to bond with their pets on a memorable adventure through nature’s best.
While not a traditional fenced dog park, Falls Trail is great for leashed dog walks, with its well-maintained paths, natural rock stairs, and shaded woodland setting making it a unique experience for both novice and experienced hikers. Ample parking, restrooms at the trailhead, and scattered benches provide comfort before and after your hike. Please note, cell reception is limited throughout the trail and dog owners should take standard safety precautions due to the wildlife in Pennsylvania’s woods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Falls Trail and several other trails are accessible from the main parking lots, offering a variety of hiking experiences and terrain for visitors and their pets.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is plenty of parking at trailheads, including lots at the Route 118 and Rose Lake entrances, though they can fill up on busy days.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are located at the trailheads and parking areas, but there are no restrooms once you start on the trail itself.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The trail is mostly covered by tall trees, providing ample shade along the way, though there are no man-made covered shelters along the trail itself.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, several benches can be found along the trail for resting.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? Trails can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons or mid-day, so early arrivals are recommended for a quieter experience.
Reviews
Parking at the Rose Lake Trailhead gives you an easy hike to Falls Trails. Falls Trail is steep with decent ascents and descents but totally worth it. Make sure you have good footwear and possibly trekking poles depending on your comfort level. As usual for Pennsylvania woods, you are in black bear territory so take your normal precautions. If you can, get out eat as the trail gets busy as the day goes on.
Parking at the Rose Lake Trailhead gives you an easy hike to Falls Trails. Falls Trail is steep with decent ascents and descents but totally worth it. Make sure you have good footwear and possibly trekking poles depending on your comfort level. As usual for Pennsylvania woods, you are in black bear territory so take your normal precautions. If you can, get out eat as the trail gets busy as the day goes on.
Started at the Route 118 parking lot which is the southern end of the Falls trail. It ia an easy Trail to the first waterfall, but about 2/3 of the way up the trail splits and we took the moderate one. To make it a short hike we intended to return after viewing Murray Reynolds Falls, 16 ft in height. Impressed with that one we decided to continue to Sheldon Reynolds Falls at 36 ft in height. Certainly more impressed with that one but did not continue onward. Took the easy Trail back. Saw lots of interesting things during the hike.
Started at the Route 118 parking lot which is the southern end of the Falls trail. It ia an easy Trail to the first waterfall, but about 2/3 of the way up the trail splits and we took the moderate one. To make it a short hike we intended to return after viewing Murray Reynolds Falls, 16 ft in height. Impressed with that one we decided to continue to Sheldon Reynolds Falls at 36 ft in height. Certainly more impressed with that one but did not continue onward. Took the easy Trail back. Saw lots of interesting things during the hike.
While not a pro hiker i do love doing long hikes accross different trails in US. This was more difficult then i expected as you climb over 1000 feet in altitude and most of lt are narrow stone stairs which are difficult to use trekking poles on and even harder to decend. Of the 7.2 mile trail the first 1.5 is standard but once you take a left on the loop get ready to have some knee pain by the time you get to the half way point. They should put a temple at the top like in the movies as you will climb for hours (we average about 50mins per mile).
The right side of the loop is easier for sure. Id still recommend taking the left path loop as youll face all the water falls as you climb including Ganoga. There are over 20 waterfalls and they really are impressive! We saw many people on the trail but it’s not crowded and you will enjoy nature at its best.
We also saw a black bear (check video of it) so take precautions to stay safe and make sure to pack light, have water packs and full charge as doing the full trail is a good 5-7hrs atleast.
Plenty of parking, benches and restrooms at start and a few benches on the way to rest + many spots for great pictures.
There are no restrooms once you start the trail and 0 reception the qhole way through.
Stay safe and enjoy!
While not a pro hiker i do love doing long hikes accross different trails in US. This was more difficult then i expected as you climb over 1000 feet in altitude and most of lt are narrow stone stairs which are difficult to use trekking poles on and even harder to decend. Of the 7.2 mile trail the first 1.5 is standard but once you take a left on the loop get ready to have some knee pain by the time you get to the half way point. They should put a temple at the top like in the movies as you will climb for hours (we average about 50mins per mile).
The right side of the loop is easier for sure. Id still recommend taking the left path loop as youll face all the water falls as you climb including Ganoga. There are over 20 waterfalls and they really are impressive! We saw many people on the trail but it’s not crowded and you will enjoy nature at its best.
We also saw a black bear (check video of it) so take precautions to stay safe and make sure to pack light, have water packs and full charge as doing the full trail is a good 5-7hrs atleast.
Plenty of parking, benches and restrooms at start and a few benches on the way to rest + many spots for great pictures.
There are no restrooms once you start the trail and 0 reception the qhole way through.
Stay safe and enjoy!
July 24, 2019 21 Waterfalls along this hike, defiantly reccomend this place for a little weekend getaway!
7/24/2019 The 10th waterfall on the Falls Trail 7.2 Mile Hike, F.L Ricketts Falls, Ricketts Glenn State Park, Benton, Pennsylvania
Mikey and I at the Ozone Falls the 7th Falls of the Falls Trail hike in Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, Pennsylvania
7/24/2019 Passed through the 3rd waterfall, Harrison Wright Falls, Falls Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, Pennsylvania
July 24, 2019 21 Waterfalls along this hike, defiantly reccomend this place for a little weekend getaway!
7/24/2019 The 10th waterfall on the Falls Trail 7.2 Mile Hike, F.L Ricketts Falls, Ricketts Glenn State Park, Benton, Pennsylvania
Mikey and I at the Ozone Falls the 7th Falls of the Falls Trail hike in Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, Pennsylvania
7/24/2019 Passed through the 3rd waterfall, Harrison Wright Falls, Falls Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, Pennsylvania
One of my favorite trails in Pennsylvania. Have been here multiple times in different seasons. Beautiful loop the follows the creek up one side of the gorge and down the other, with tons of waterfalls along the way. Stunning waterfalls at every turn in the trail.
One of my favorite trails in Pennsylvania. Have been here multiple times in different seasons. Beautiful loop the follows the creek up one side of the gorge and down the other, with tons of waterfalls along the way. Stunning waterfalls at every turn in the trail.