Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall at 94 feet, reached via a strenuous 3.2-mile loop at Ricketts Glen with winter closures for ice climbers.
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Ganoga Falls is Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall at 94 feet, the crown jewel of Ricketts Glen State Park’s 22-waterfall system. The hike to reach it via the Highland/Glen Leigh/Ganoga Glen loop measures 3.2 miles and is rated among the park’s most difficult terrain, with steep descents, stream crossings, and boulder-field sections.
The reward is a dramatic cascade plunging through a narrow gorge within a pristine forested setting. Water flow is typically strongest in spring following snowmelt, though the falls run year-round. Dogs on leash are permitted, though they must navigate the same steep terrain as their handlers.
The park enforces a seasonal closure November through April for ice climber access only; general hikers cannot use the Falls Trail during winter months. Plan for mid-spring through October for standard hiking access. Allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours for this loop and bring extra water and snacks.
Late April through October; the falls system is closed to general hikers November through April for ice-climbing use only.
2.5–3.5 hours
Not accessible to those with mobility limitations.
You're seeking an easy walk or have limited time; winter hiking requires winter mountaineering skills and proper equipment.
No fee or permit requirement was published on the managing agency's site when we last checked — confirm current conditions before you go, since these change.
Via a 3.2-mile round-trip trail rated strenuous by the managing agency.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
We track 5 waterfalls in Endless Mountains PA.
There are 2 other waterfalls we track in Luzerne. All Endless Mountains PA waterfalls →
pa.gov
PA DCNR Ricketts Glen hiking page and DCNR 'Recreational Guide for Ricketts Glen State Park' PDF (elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov), checked Sept 2026. DCNR states Ganoga Falls is 94 ft, the tallest of 22 named waterfalls; reached via the 3.2-mi Highland/Glen Leigh/Ganoga Glen loop (part of the 'most difficult hiking' Falls Trail System). No closure found; standard seasonal winter closure (ice hikers/climbers only) applies Nov-Apr. DCNR does not publish trailhead-specific GPS for individual falls (only park-level GPS 41.33517, -76.30153).
Checked September 2026.