History of Ricketts Glen

Colonel Robert Bruce Ricketts enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army at the beginning of the Civil War.  He bravely led Battery F during the Battle of Gettysburg.  Young Ricketts moved up through the ranks and was discharged as a Colonel.  At one time Col. Ricketts owned over 80,000 acres of land.  Through the 20's, 30's, and 40's the family sold land to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a state park.  The 13,050 acre state park which is in Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia Counties first opened in 1944.  Today the Glens Natural Area encompasses two branches of Kitchen Creek where 22 majestic waterfalls flow among ancient trees, many over 300 years old. Fishing, boating, and swimming on Lake Jean provide tranquil rest after a full day of hiking the 7.2 mile Falls Trail.

 

 

Sunshine and Waterfalls

My lovely daughter and I hiked Rickett's Glen today.  This is my favorite spot on the face of the earth.  It is a spiritual experience, not just a hike.  Rickett's was especially lovely today with a good volume of water and lots of changing light effects.  I have painted at least 5 different paintings of Rickett's and will likely paint more in the coming days.

 I want to hike Rickett's every year with my daughter.  We think that we have been doing this for about 6 years.  Rickett's Glen is in north eastern Pennsylvania, about half an hour north of Bloomsburg.  The hike that we enjoy has 24 waterfalls.

It is a special place---- a place to pray and renew.  I thank God that I was able to come here again and experience this with my daughter.

Rickett's Glen Hike 2011