Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park is the easiest waterfall to get to in a state park synonymous with waterfalls.
This roadside attraction is NOT one of the 21 named waterfalls along the famed Falls Trail, but it is one of the most attractive and most-visited sites at Ricketts Glen.
It’s also the ONLY waterfall at Ricketts Glen that can be visited in the winter without the use of special ice-climbing gear.
Follow along as I give you all the information you’ll need to find and enjoy Adams Falls at any time of the year.
Getting There
How to Find Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park
- Navigate to the Route 118 Parking Area at Ricketts Glen State Park
The GPS coordinates for this parking area are 41.300244, -76.270901
If you are visiting in the spring, summer, or fall you may be able to find a parking spot closer to the falls at the Evergreen parking area 200 yards away, on the opposite side of Route 118. If so, skip to step 6.
- Proceed to the far east corner of the Route 118 parking area, past the restrooms and picnic grove, towards the twin bridges over Kitchen Creek.
- Cross the twin bridges over Kitchen Creek.
- Follow the trail to your left, towards Route 118.
The trail to your right is the famed Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen. If visiting in the winter, heed the warnings and DO NOT explore that trail without following the park guidelines!
- Cross Route 118 at the Kitchen Creek sign.
- Follow the indicated Evergreen Trail towards Adams Falls for approximately 75 yards.
- Reach the upper Adams Falls vantage point.
- Descend the wooden staircase behind the upper vantage point to reach the lower vantage point for Adams Falls.
- Arrive at lower vantage point for Adams Falls.
Adams Falls FAQs
Park brochures list it at 36 feet tall, but this is spread out over 3 tiers which are not all visible at once.
Kitchen Creek.
Over 25,000 years old.
Adam Kale.
The Evergreen lot is the closest parking area, but if that lot is full, or if it is closed for the winter, then the Route 118 lot is just a few hundred yards away, on the opposite side of Route 118.
Yes – both the Evergreen lot and Route 118 lot have restrooms.
There is an abundance of moss and fern in the summer, and typically there is less water than at other times of the year.
There is usually an abundance of snow and ice around Adams Falls in the winter, so use caution and don’t get too close to the edge of the vantage points.
There is no fee for visiting Adams Falls.
Yes – both Sullivan Falls (pictured below) and Big Run Falls are located minutes from Adams Falls.
Both are conveniently located within 1/4 mile of each other along Sullivan Falls Road (a “no winter maintenance road”).
Final Thoughts
Many people consider Adams Falls to be the most photogenic waterfall at Ricketts Glen State Park.
When you couple that with the fact the it’s also the easiest waterfall to reach at Ricketts Glen, you’ll understand why it’s so popular.
Crowded or not, it’s a great place to start or end your trip to Ricketts Glen.
Of course at some point you WILL want to tackle the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania’s most famous waterfall hike.
21 named waterfalls along a 3.9 mile loop hike that I lay out for you in detail in my write-up HERE.
Still not convinced you need to explore Adams Falls?
Then check out this video!
Nearby Attractions
Looking for even more nearby waterfalls?
Then check out my guide to the best 25 waterfalls in neighboring Sullivan County!
