Exploring Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park

Snow and ice covering the Kitchen Creek gorge around Adams Falls.
Snow and ice covering the Kitchen Creek gorge around Adams Falls.

If you’re looking for information about Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park, you’re in the right place!

The Upper and Middle tiers of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.
The Upper and Middle tiers of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

Adams Falls is the easiest waterfall to reach at Ricketts Glen, located just a few feet off of Route 118.

Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania
Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

This roadside waterfall is NOT one of the 21 named waterfalls along the famed Falls Trail.

Falls Trail sign near Onondoga Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.
Falls Trail sign at Ricketts Glen State Park.

It is, however, one of the most attractive and most-visited sites at Ricketts Glen.

A view of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park from the neighboring hillside showing parts of all three tiers.
A view of Adams Falls from the neighboring hillside showing parts of all three tiers.

Getting There

How to Find Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park

  1. 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.A map to Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

  2. 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.

    The restrooms at the Route 118 parking area at Ricketts Glen State Park.

  3. Cross the twin bridges over Kitchen Creek.

    The twin bridges over Kitchen Creek near Route 118 at Ricketts Glen State Park.

  4. 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!Falls Trail winter closure sign at Ricketts Glen State Park.

  5. Cross Route 118 at the Kitchen Creek sign.

    The Kitchen Creek road sign along Route 118 as it passes through Ricketts Glen State Park.

  6. Follow the indicated Evergreen Trail towards Adams Falls for approximately 75 yards.

    Evergreen Trail sign at Ricketts Glen State Park.

  7. Reach the upper Adams Falls vantage point.

    A view of Adams Falls from the upper vantage point.

  8. Descend the wooden staircase behind the upper vantage point to reach the lower vantage point.

    Stairway along the trail to Adams Falls.

  9. Arrive at lower vantage point.

    A winter day at Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen.


Adams Falls FAQs


How tall is Adams Falls?

Park brochures list it at 36 feet tall, but this is spread out over 3 tiers which are not all visible at once.The multiple tiers of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen.

What body of water is Adams Falls on?

Kitchen Creek.
The bottom tier of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

How old are the falls?

Over 25,000 years old.
Information about the age and geology of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

Who is Adams Falls named after?

Adam Kale.
Adams Falls informational sign at Ricketts Glen State Park.

Where is the best place to park to visit Adams Falls?

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.
Sign at the Evergreen parking area.

Are there restrooms available near the falls?

Yes – both the Evergreen lot and Route 118 lot have restrooms.Restrooms at the Evergreen Trail parking lot.

What do the falls look like in the summer?

There is an abundance of moss and fern in the summer, and typically there is less water than at other times of the year.Moss and fern surrounding Adams Falls.

What do the falls look like in the winter?

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.
Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

What is the plunge pool below Adams Falls called?

Leavenworth Pool.
The lower tier of Adams Falls and Leavenworth Pool below that.

How deep is Leavenworth Pool?

8-10 feet deep.
An illustration of how Leavenworth Pool at Ricketts Glen State Park was formed.

Are there any other roadside waterfalls nearby?

Yes – both Sullivan Falls (pictured below) and Big Run Falls are located minutes from Adams Falls along Sullivan Falls Road (a “no winter maintenance road”).Fall foliage surrounding Sullivan Falls on State Game Lands 13.

Still not convinced you need to explore Adams Falls?

Then check out this video!


Nearby Attractions

Exploring the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park is your detailed guide to the most famous waterfall hike in Pennsylvania!

Harrison Wright Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania.
Harrison Wright Falls.

Maple Spring Falls is a 15 foot-tall, off-trail waterfall at Ricketts Glen State Park.

Maple Spring Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.
Maple Spring Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

The abandoned Lake Leigh Dam at Ricketts Glen State Park is a towering remnant of an ill-fated hydroelectric project that thankfully failed!

Exploring the Abandoned Lake Leigh Dam at Ricketts Glen State Park.
The abandoned Lake Leigh Dam at Ricketts Glen State Park.

28 Must-See Waterfalls in Sullivan County PA is your guide to what is often referred to as the “Waterfall Wonderland” of Pennsylvania!

A photographer takes in the scene at Big Falls on State Game Lands 13 in Sullivan County, PA.
A photographer takes in the scene at Big Falls in Sullivan County, PA.

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide provides detailed directions to HUNDREDS of waterfalls from all across PA!

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfall Guide created by Rusty Glessner
The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide by Rusty Glessner.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.