We finally got to Rickett's Glen State Park last week, saw a few waterfalls, and had a nice time.
We got there Monday morning and had some conflicting information from friends on the best way to approach the trail, but after some time standing in front of the sign and asking a photographer for his advice, we decided to approach the falls from the bottom.
There are 22 named waterfalls in the park, and you can see quite a few of them by hiking in from the top. This is also the steepest and more difficult approach. We decided to start at the bottom, especially after the photographer told us that the trail was like a nice stroll through the woods (and he was right).
We hiked about 2.5 miles in and then got to a steeper part of the trail with 25 or so steps cut into the stone walls but no handholds. That's where we decided to call it good and turn around and hike back.
The waterfalls are lovely and the trail through the woods is very nice, with interesting stumps and textured tree roots.
We stayed the night at our friends' cabin and then fished at a nearby lake the next day.
The photographer that we initially saw at the map told us that the USPS is issuing stamps of waterfalls throughout the US on June 13. There are 12 different ones, including one from Ricketts Glen. These are some of the prettiest stamps I've seen in quite a while.
I'm glad I had started PT as that made this an enjoyable hike. We probably could have gone farther but we were all a little concerned about climbing up steep rocks without handholds. Aside from that it was quite a nice trip!
Wonderful pictures Bonny! So glad you had such a nice time. I don't think you could have asked for better weather! And, I'm with you on the no hand-holds. I would not have ventured further on the trail either. Maybe 50 years ago, but not today - LOL.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it was a good time and that you didn't push it and hurt yourself!
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic pictures, Bonny! But... I am so so glad that you are having improvement already from your PT! That might be the best nugget out of this post! Woo! I have never been to Ricket's Glen, but gosh, it looks amazing... I am going to tell Steve about it tonight! It reminds me the tiniest bit of the Falling Water's area here in western PA.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous place to hike, Bonny! It looks like a great adventure all around -- and I think y'all were wise to avoid the steps-with-no-handrails. (Getting down might have been even worse . . . ) I'm so glad to hear you're already feeling some benefit to the PT. That's really great news! XO
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hike. I am learning to use hiking poles this summer - AARP style 😉
ReplyDeleteSo glad you made it to Rickett's Glen - and we've been having such lovely weather! I did the Falls Trail from the top in late June, when it was hot and humid... and yes, it's very steep. It's such a special park. I NEED those waterfall stamps, and wouldn't it be nice to go to the official release event at Yellowstone National Park?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. That is one place I think Steve and I need to go.
ReplyDeleteI assume that one tree was chewed on by a beaver?
What a pretty area to hike! And yes, I think you were smart to not climb those steps without handrails. I'm glad you had fun and explored somewhere new.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the pictures and your hike. It brought back so many childhood memories as I grew up hiking Rickets Glen SP and the falls trails. It is on our to-do list this fall.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been there for 25 years? maybe a little less. The kids were little and we hiked and came across a snake (eep). I loved the waterfalls though. Looks like you had a great time!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to visit. I'm glad the PT stood you in good stead and the hike was pleasant. Now I'm going to read a little about Rickets Glen.
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