Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park | |
---|---|
Robert Bruce Ricketts | |
Visitors | 500000[4] |
Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
Website | www |
Ricketts Glen State Park is a
in Sullivan County.Ricketts Glen's land was once home to
Plans to make Ricketts Glen a national park in the 1930s were ended by budget issues and the
The park offers hiking, ten cabins, camping (one of the two camping areas is on a peninsula in the lake), horseback riding, and hunting. Lake Jean is used for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. In winter there is
History
Native Americans
Ricketts Glen State Park is in Pennsylvania, where humans have lived since at least 10000 BC. The first settlers in the state were
The park is in the Susquehanna River drainage basin, the earliest recorded inhabitants of which were the Iroquoian-speaking Susquehannocks. They were a matriarchal society that lived in stockaded villages of large longhouses, but their numbers were greatly reduced by disease and warfare with the Five Nations of the Iroquois, and by 1675 they had died out, moved away, or been assimilated into other tribes.[7][8]
After the demise of the Susquehannocks, the lands of the Susquehanna River valley were under the nominal control of the Iroquois, who also lived in longhouses, primarily in what is now the state of New York. The Iroquois had a strong confederacy which gave them power beyond their numbers.[7][9] To fill the void left by the demise of the Susquehannocks, the Iroquois encouraged displaced tribes from the east to settle in the Susquehanna watershed, including the Shawnee and Lenape (or Delaware).[7][8]
The
Early European inhabitants
Ricketts Glen State Park is in five
A hunter named Robinson was the first inhabitant in the area whose name is known; around 1800 he had a cabin on the shores of Long Pond (now called Lake Ganoga), which is less than 0.4 miles (0.6 km) northwest of the park. The first development within the park was the construction of the Susquehanna and Tioga Turnpike, which was built from 1822 to 1827 between the Pennsylvania communities of Berwick in the south and Towanda in the north. The turnpike, which Pennsylvania Route 487 mostly follows through the park, had daily stagecoach service from 1827 to 1851; the northbound stagecoach left Berwick in the morning and stopped for lunch at the Long Pond Tavern on the lake about noon.[16][19][20]
The earliest settlers in what became the park were two squatters who built sawmills to make bed frames from cherry trees they cut for lumber. One squatter, Jesse Dodson, cut trees from around 1830 to 1860 and built a mill and the dam for what became Lake Rose in 1842. Dodson also built a dam south of Mud Pond, near what became Lake Jean; both dams were on the Ganoga Glen branch of Kitchen Creek, and each was used to make a "log splash pond".[21][22] The other squatter, named Sickler, also built a mill and log dam, at what became Lake Leigh on the Glen Leigh branch of Kitchen Creek. Sickler was active from 1838 to about 1860.[19][21]
In 1865, a well was drilled at the Dodson mill site, after a Mr. Hadley fraudulently added oil to
R. Bruce Ricketts
While on a hunting trip on Loyalsock Creek north of the park in 1850, brothers Elijah and Clemuel Ricketts were frustrated at having to spend the night on a hotel's parlor floor. In 1851 or 1853 they bought 5,000 acres (2,000 ha), including what is now Lake Ganoga and some of the park, as their own hunting preserve, and built a stone house on the lake shore by 1852 or 1855.[a] The stone house served as their lodge and as a tavern; it was known as "Ricketts Folly" for its isolated location in the wilderness. Clemuel died in 1858 and Elijah bought his share of the land and house. The Ricketts family was not aware of the glens and their waterfalls until about 1865, when they were discovered by two guests from the stone house who went fishing and wandered down Kitchen Creek.[16][19]
Elijah's son Robert Bruce Ricketts, for whom the park is named, joined the Union Army as a private at the outbreak of the American Civil War and rose through the ranks to become a colonel in the artillery. After the war, R. Bruce Ricketts returned to Pennsylvania and in 1869 began purchasing the land around the lake from his father. By 1873 he controlled or owned 66,000 acres (27,000 ha), and eventually this grew to more than 80,000 acres (32,000 ha), including the glens and waterfalls and most of the park.[3][16][19]
While the stone house had served as a home and inn since its construction, in 1872 R. Bruce Ricketts built a three-story wooden addition north of the house. The addition used lumber from a sawmill Ricketts and his partners operated from 1872 to 1875, about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) southeast of the stone house. The North Mountain House hotel opened in 1873; Ricketts' brother Frank, for whom a park waterfall is named, managed it from then until 1898. Many of the hotel's guests were Ricketts' friends and relations, who arrived after school let out in June and stayed all summer until school resumed in September. In 1876 and 1877, Ricketts ran the first summer school in the United States at his house and hotel; one of the teachers was Joseph Rothrock, later known as the "Father of Forestry" in Pennsylvania.[16][19][25]
The waterfalls and Ganoga Lake were the hotel's biggest attractions. By 1875 Ricketts had named the tallest waterfall Ganoga Falls; he eventually named 22 of the waterfalls. Ricketts gave most of them Native American names, and named others for relatives and friends.
Ricketts' stone house served as the base for the Ozone hiking club of Wilkes-Barre's excursions on the mountain; the club gave its name to Ozone waterfall in the park.[30] In 1879 Ricketts started the North Mountain Fishing Club, for anglers on the lake and creek. Guests of the hotel paid one dollar to fish as a club member. In 1889 Ricketts hired Matt Hirlinger and five other men to build the trails along the branches of Kitchen Creek and its waterfalls. It took them four years to complete the trails and stone steps through the glens.[16][31]
One of the highest spots on North Mountain (and in the park today) was an outlook point where Ricketts built a 40-foot (12 m) wooden observation tower for his guests. After the first tower collapsed, he built a 100-foot (30 m) replacement, and named the site Grand View. From the tower, people could see for 20 miles (32 km).[16][31][32]
Lumber era
For over 20 years, Ricketts was "land poor"; he owed much on the mortgages on his vast land holdings, and there were no good means to transport the estimated 1,400,000,000 board feet (3,300,000 m3) of lumber from most of his land to sawmills. Large-scale lumber operations of that time floated logs on major streams or used logging railroads, but neither was available to Ricketts. His small sawmill near the stone house closed by 1875, and he was only able to sell two major tracts of land in his lifetime. In 1872 he sold 14,000 acres (5,700 ha) north of the park to a group of investors that included himself; this deal seems to have been for shares of stock (not cash), and the deed for the sale was not recorded until 1893. Ricketts sold 13,000 acres (5,300 ha) along Bowman Creek, including the easternmost parts of the park, to Albert Lewis in 1876; Lewis hoped to build a branch line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad along the creek. In the 1870s and 1880s, Ricketts tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully to find partners and investors who would help him cut the lumber on his land and build a rail line to it.[33]
Finally in 1890, Harry Clay Trexler, J.H. Turrell, Ricketts, and partners formed the Trexler and Turrell Lumber Company and leased 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) of Ricketts' land near Ganoga Lake. The company built a sawmill and lumber town named Ricketts on Mehoopany Creek. The town, which was in both Sullivan and Wyoming counties, had 800 inhabitants at its peak and extended into the northernmost section of the park. Rail lines were built to the mills at Ricketts, including the Bowman Creek branch of the Lehigh Valley Railroad which opened in 1883, and also provided passenger service to the hotel on Lake Ganoga.[34][35] According to Petrillo's Ghost Towns of North Mountain: Ricketts, Mountain Springs, Stull: "Ricketts was on the verge of financial disaster for two decades until the Lehigh Valley Railroad was constructed through his lands."[36]
Trexler and Turrell paid Ricketts $50,000 in both 1890 and 1891, and continued to cut his land and pay him for the timber until 1913. By 1911, the main sawmill at Ricketts could cut 125,000 board feet (290 m3) a day and was supported by three locomotives with 62 cars on 22 miles (35 km) of track. Within the park, the area around what became Lake Jean was cut in the 1890s, and Cherry Ridge (east of
Within a decade of the railroad reaching his lands, Ricketts was out of the hotel business. The North Mountain House hotel was threatened by a forest fire in 1900; the subsequent loss of much of the surrounding old-growth forest led to decreased numbers of hotel guests. Changing tastes may have also played a role in the decline in popularity; the hotel had over 150 guests in August 1878, but only about 70 guests in August 1894.[41] The wooden addition was torn down in 1897 or 1903,[b] and "despite profits, Ricketts became disenchanted with the hotel business and closed his hotel in 1903", though the stone house remained the Ricketts family's summer home.[42] Passenger rail service to Ganoga Lake ended when the hotel closed; the fishing club closed that year as well, but was re-formed in 1907.[16] In 1903 another large fire on North Mountain threatened the sawmill in the lumber town of Ricketts.[43]
Not all of Ricketts' plans were financially successful; between 1905 and 1907 he built three dams to generate hydroelectric power within what became the park, forming Lake Leigh at the site of Sickler's mill, Lake Rose at the site of Dodson's mill, and Lake Jean (which incorporated the natural Mud Pond) north of these. Lakes Leigh and Jean were named for Ricketts' daughters, while Rose was a Ricketts family name.[21][b] The Lake Leigh dam was made of concrete and cost $165,000 (approximately equivalent to $5,396,000 in 2023), while the other two dams were log cribs filled with earth and cost a total of $300,000 (approximately equivalent to $9,810,000 in 2023).[24] If the project had been successful, the plan was to rebuild the two log and timber dams in concrete,[44] however, the "dams were poorly constructed and could not be used for hydroelectric purposes".[19][21] After the Panic of 1907, Ricketts wife told him to stop the hydroelectric project before he lost all of their money;[44] this prompted him to say "I used to be land poor, but now I'm dam poor".[45]
Modern era
In 1913, Ricketts opened the glens and their waterfalls to the public, charging $1 for parking. Although this fee was unpopular, it remained in place until the land became a state park.[46] After Ricketts died in 1918,[47] the Pennsylvania Game Commission bought 48,000 acres (19,000 ha) from his heirs, via the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company, between 1920 and 1924. This became most of Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 13, west of the park in Sullivan County.[48] These sales left the Ricketts heirs with over 12,000 acres (4,900 ha) surrounding Ganoga Lake, Lake Jean and the glens area of the park. An area encompassing 22,000 acres (8,900 ha) was approved as a national park site in 1935,[3][49][50] and the National Park Service operated a Civilian Conservation Corps camp at "Ricketts Glynn" (sic).[51][52] The funding to create a National Park at Ricketts Glen was "sidetracked" in 1936 when the money was redirected to the Resettlement Administration for "direct relief".[53] Similar projects at French Creek, Raccoon Creek, Laurel Hill, Blue Knob, and Hickory Run were also defunded (all are now Pennsylvania state parks). The financial difficulties of the Great Depression and World War II brought an end to this plan for development.[3][53]
The state's original plans for the new park included building an inn, an 18-hole golf course and
A 1947 newspaper article estimated that the new park would have 50,000 visitors that year, and detailed the work the state had done since acquiring the land. The Falls Trail through the glens was rebuilt, all the stone steps were replaced, and signs were added. Out of concern for greater safety, footbridges with handrails replaced those made from hewn logs, overhanging rock ledges were removed in places, and the trail was rerouted near some falls. In the southern end of the new park, the state built the Evergreen Trail past Adams Falls,[57] as well as a new parking area for 200 cars and a concession stand, both along Pennsylvania Route 118 (PA 118).[13]
The state made other improvements in the park, including replacing or removing all of Ricketts' dams. At Lake Jean it built an earthen dam in 1949–1950 to replace Ricketts' 1905 timber dam; the new dam increased the size of Lake Jean to 245 acres (99 ha) and its eastern end now included the former Mud Pond. On April 20, 1958, the 1907 concrete dam at Lake Leigh developed a hole, causing
Ricketts Glen State Park was the site of a
On October 12, 1969, the Glens Natural Area and its waterfalls was named a
In September 1999 the remnants of Hurricane Floyd caused massive damage to the park, temporarily closing it and downing thousands of trees. The DCNR hired Carson Helicopters to salvage timber from the downed beech, cherry, maple, and oak trees for $994,000; a crew of 36 workers spent several months cutting the fallen trees into manageable logs, then helicopters flew the logs to the Hayfield area of the park. The salvage operation ran until the fall of 2001, and yielded 3,500,000 board feet (8,300 m3) of lumber. The operation had revenue of almost $7 million, and had the ecological advantage of not requiring heavy logging equipment or new roads in the park.[66][67][68][69]
Some of the money from the helicopter logging operation was used for park improvements, including a new $1.7 million visitor center and park office, which opened in December 2001.[68][69][70] In 2002 the park had "up to a half-million visitors each year".[4] Beginning in 2003 the campsites in the park, by then over 50 years old, were refurbished.[31] In 2004 the park and surrounding Pennsylvania State Game Lands were named an Important Mammal Area,[71][72] and in July the park was featured as a day trip in the Travel section of The New York Times.[73] On June 28, 2006 a 100-year flood caused widespread damage in the park, washing out many of the recently completed improvements to the hiking trails along Kitchen Creek.[31] In 2007 the park was one of the first ten parks to be featured in the Pennsylvania Cable Network's series on the state's park system.[74] Lake Jean was drained starting April 27, 2015 to allow replacement of the 65-year old dam control tower. The repairs were finished October 20, 2015, and the lake was full again by January 3, 2016.[75] The DCNR has named Ricketts Glen one of "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks", citing its old-growth forest and many waterfalls and its status as a National Natural Landmark.[5]
Geology and climate
Ricketts Glen State Park covers two different
The rocks exposed in the park were formed in the Devonian and Carboniferous periods between 370 and 340 million years ago, when the land was part of the coastline of a shallow sea that covered a great portion of what is now North America. The high mountains to the east of the sea gradually eroded, causing a build-up of sediment made up primarily of clay, sand and gravel. Tremendous pressure caused the formation of the sedimentary rocks that are found in the park and in the Kitchen Creek drainage basin: sandstone, shale, siltstone, and conglomerates.[55]
There are four distinct rock formations within Ricketts Glen State Park. The most recent and highest of these is the late
The third of the rock formations within the park is the
Geologists and the official Ricketts Glen State Park web page classify the falls at Ricketts Glen State Park into two types. Wedding-cake falls descend in a series of small steps. Within the park, this type of falls usually flows over thin layers of Huntley Mountain Formation sandstone. In bridal-veil falls, the second type, water falls over a ledge and drops vertically into a plunge pool in the stream bed below. Within the park, this type of falls flows over Catskill Formation rocks or the red shale and sandstone of the Huntley Formation. In the park, the harder caprock which forms the ledge from which the bridal-veil falls drops is gray sandstone. The softer red shale below is eroded away by water, sand and gravel to form the plunge pool.[3][55] Brown's book Pennsylvania waterfalls: a guide for hikers and photographers uses four types to classify waterfalls: falls, cascade, slide, and chute.[81]
About 300 to 250 million years ago, the Allegheny Plateau, Allegheny Front, and Appalachian Mountains all formed in the
The effects of glaciation have made Kitchen Creek within the park "unique compared to all other nearby streams that flow down the Allegheny Front", as it is the only one with an "almost continuous series of waterfalls".
These diversions added about 7 square miles (18 km2) to the Kitchen Creek drainage basin, increasing it by just over 50 percent.[55][83] The result was increased water flow in Kitchen Creek, which has been cutting the falls in the glens since. The gradient or slope of Kitchen Creek was fairly stable for its flow when it had a much smaller drainage basin, as Phillips Creek to the east still does. Kitchen Creek is now too steep for its present amount of water flow, and over time erosion will decrease the creek's slope and make it less steep.[55] There are rocks with glacial striations visible within the park.[31]
According to the United States Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System, Ricketts Glen State Park is at an elevation of 2,198 feet (670 m).[1] The two highest points in the park are Cherry Ridge, made of Mauch Chunk Formation rock, at 2,461 feet (750 m),[56] and the Grand View outcrop of Huntley Mountain Formation sandstone, at 2,444 feet (745 m).[55][84] The highest elevation waterfall in the park is Mohawk Falls in Ganoga Glen at 2,165 feet (660 m);[85] the lowest elevation waterfall is Adams Falls, in Ricketts Glen just south of PA 118, at 1,214 feet (370 m).[86]
Weather
Ricketts Glen State Park is on the Allegheny Plateau, which has a
Climate data for Ricketts Glen State Park | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 33 (1) |
36 (2) |
46 (8) |
59 (15) |
70 (21) |
78 (26) |
82 (28) |
80 (27) |
73 (23) |
62 (17) |
49 (9) |
37 (3) |
59 (15) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 15 (−9) |
17 (−8) |
25 (−4) |
35 (2) |
44 (7) |
53 (12) |
58 (14) |
56 (13) |
49 (9) |
38 (3) |
30 (−1) |
21 (−6) |
37 (3) |
Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.76 (70) |
2.52 (64) |
3.13 (80) |
3.45 (88) |
3.80 (97) |
4.99 (127) |
4.07 (103) |
3.30 (84) |
4.49 (114) |
3.21 (82) |
3.38 (86) |
3.01 (76) |
42.11 (1,071) |
Source: The Weather Channel[89] |
Ecology
It has been estimated that before the arrival of
The forests in and around Ricketts Glen State Park are some of the most extensive in northeastern Pennsylvania, and provide habitat for a wide variety of woodland creatures. The
The streams and lakes of Ricketts are fisheries for many fish species,[3][22] although fishing is prohibited in the glens area.[3] In 2009, 4.15 miles (6.68 km) of Kitchen Creek downstream from Waters Meet and all of Phillips Creek were classified as Class A Wild Trout Waters,[93] defined by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as "streams which support a population of naturally produced trout of sufficient size and abundance to support a long-term and rewarding sport fishery".[94]
Lake Jean is home to brook trout, brown trout, brown bullhead, and yellow bullhead.[95] Acid rain with a pH near 3.0 has altered the ecology of the lakes and region; in Lake Jean low pH has decreased the number and quality of insects and plankton at the base of the food chain. Fish which are acid tolerant are predominant, including fathead minnows, muskellunge, pumpkinseed, walleye, and yellow perch. Predators like chain pickerel and largemouth bass are relatively few in number, and adult fish appear to grow rapidly but breed comparatively poorly.[22] Since 1996, the DCNR has added 11 short tons (10.0 t) of powdered lime to the lake each year to make the pH more neutral.[31]
Glens Natural Area and waterfalls
A registered National Natural Landmark since 1969, the Glens Natural Area is the main scenic attraction in the park and covers 2,845 acres (1,151 ha).[96] Among perhaps 2,000 acres (810 ha) of old-growth forest,[97] two branches of Kitchen Creek cut through the deep gorges of Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh and unite at Waters Meet; then flow through Ricketts Glen. These old trees are commonly up to 100 feet (30 m) tall, with diameters of almost 4 feet (1.2 m). The park has a great variety of trees as it lies at the boundary between the northern and southern types of hardwoods. In 1993, the state designated the Glens Natural Area a State Park Natural Area, which means that it "will be protected and maintained in a natural state".[3] No buildings or latrines are allowed in the natural area, and the bridges in it are built with wood, not steel or concrete.[31]
A series of trails parallels the branches of Kitchen Creek as they course down the Glens. Glen Leigh features eight named waterfalls and is south of the former Lake Leigh. Ganoga Glen is southeast of the former Lake Rose and has ten named falls, including the 94-foot (29 m) Ganoga Falls, the tallest in the park. The DCNR recognizes three named waterfalls in Ricketts Glen just south of Waters Meet, plus Adams Falls 2 miles (3.2 km) farther downstream at PA 118. Adams Falls, the southernmost and one of the most scenic in the park, is about 0.1 miles (160 m) south of PA 118, via an easy stroll along a trail from the parking lot.[3][31][76]
Brown's Pennsylvania waterfalls: a guide for hikers and photographers recognizes these 22 named falls plus two more in the park. One is on Shingle Cabin Brook as it enters Kitchen Creek just south of Waters Meet; the other, Kitchen Creek Falls, is directly below the PA 118 highway bridge, which obscures much of the view. There are also several unnamed falls in the park, such as a good-sized unnamed waterfall on a tributary of the Ganoga Glen branch of Kitchen Creek, or the "forgotten falls" on the South Branch Bowman Creek.[3][31][76]
The Falls Trail includes the trails through the glens, plus the 1.2-mile (1.9 km) Highland Trail, which connects the top ends of Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh to form a 3.2-mile (5.1 km) triangular loop, and passes through the "Midway Crevasse," a crack in Pocono Formation rock. All but two of the named waterfalls are either on the triangular loop or 0.5 miles (0.80 km) south of it. Hiking the entire Glens area on the Falls Trail loop, beginning and ending at PA 118, covers 7.2 miles (11.6 km). A shorter hike involves parking at Lake Rose, near the junction of Ganoga Glen and the Highland Trail.[3]
Mammals
Ricketts Glen State Park was named part of an Important Mammal Area because it "support[s] critical habitat for a wide range of mammals"; Pennsylvania has 64 wild mammal species.
White-tailed deer became locally extinct on Ricketts' land by 1912, mirroring the sharp decline in Pennsylvania's deer population from overhunting and loss of habitat in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.[40][100] The state imported nearly 1,200 white-tailed deer from Michigan between 1906 and 1925 to re-establish the species throughout Pennsylvania, and Ricketts brought deer to the area of the park in 1914. Pennsylvania's deer population rebounded from roughly one thousand in 1905 to roughly one million in 1928.[99][100][101] Deer are now one of the most numerous mammals in the park, and their overbrowsing threatens development of trees and plants there. The deer eat most of the saplings and shrubs before they can reach their full size, which reduces the number of low lying plants many birds use for shelter.[22] The white-tailed deer became the official state animal in 1959.[101] By 2001, deer populations had increased to the point where it was feared that "Pennsylvania is losing its vegetative diversity from deer over-browsing".[22]
Other locally extinct mammals in Pennsylvania include
Important Bird Area
The Pennsylvania
Ricketts Glen State Park provides a breeding habitat for four species of
Ricketts Glen State Park has extensive acreage of "interior forest" that is far from open space; several bird species that are area-sensitive are found within these forests in the park, including the black-throated green warbler, red-eyed vireo, dark-eyed junco and black-capped chickadee. Two species of owl, barred and northern saw-whet, inhabit the deep forests.[22] The hemlock forests of the glens are home to the Louisiana waterthrush, Acadian flycatcher, Blackburnian warbler, blue-headed vireo, magnolia warbler, brown creeper, golden-crowned kinglet and winter wren.[22] Wood thrush are found in the lower elevations of the park and are replaced within the ecosystem by hermit thrush at the higher elevations.[22] The Canada warbler and black-throated blue warbler are on several watchlists, but are common within the park. The Canada warbler inhabits blueberry thickets with white-throated sparrow, while the black-throated blue warbler is found in the forests atop the plateau with the least flycatcher.[22] Common raven are regularly seen soaring over the forests of the park looking for carrion. Canada goose are present in the park and have been classified as a "pest" due to their high numbers and the large amount of fecal waste they leave on the shores of Lake Jean.[22] Ricketts Glen's forests also support populations of Nashville and yellow-rumped warblers, yellow-bellied sapsucker, red-breasted nuthatch, and purple finch.[22]
Recreation
Hunting, fishing and boating
10,144 acres (4,105 ha) of the park are open to hunting and trapping. Common game animals include black bear, gray squirrel, ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and white-tailed deer. The common fur-bearing animals in Ricketts Glen State Park are beaver, bobcat, coyote, mink, muskrat, and raccoon.[3]
Lake Jean is a 245-acre (99 ha) warm-water fishery that is open to fishing,
Cabins, camping, swimming, and picnics
Ricketts Glen State Park has 10 modern cabins that are available to rent on a year-round basis. All cabins are furnished with electric heat, two or three bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and bath. Cabin renters must bring their own household items such as linens and cookware. One cabin is ADA accessible.[3][107] There are 120 campsites at Ricketts Glen State Park. Each campsite has access to washhouses with flush toilets, showers, and laundry tubs. The campsites also have fire rings and picnic tables. There are two camping areas on the shores of Lake Jean, with one of the campgrounds on a peninsula.[108] There is also an organized group tenting area, which can accommodate six groups of up to 40 persons.[3][31]
The 600-foot (180 m) beach on Lake Jean is open from mid-May through mid-September. A concession stand and modern restrooms are at the beach. Lifeguards have not been provided since 2008; visitors swim at their own risk. Picnic areas are at Lake Jean and the PA 118 access area at the Falls Loop Trail trailhead. Charcoal grills are provided for use at the picnic areas.[3][109][110]
Environmental education and trails
Environmental education specialists lead guided tours of parts of the park from March through November. The walks give school groups, scouting organizations, and other visitors a close and informed look at natural wetlands, old-growth forests, waterfalls, flora and fauna, and geologic formations.[3] Other programs are held in the park office, on topics such as safety around wild animals.[111] In summer and fall, park educators lead "Ghost Town Walks" to the ruins of the lumber village of Ricketts and to adjoining State Game Lands.[35]
There are 26 miles (42 km) of hiking trails at Ricketts Glen State Park, and a 12.5-mile (20.1 km) trail loop is open for horseback riding.
Many of the trails in the park are difficult and hikers are urged to use caution, especially on the Falls Trail, which is steep and often wet and slippery. Each year hikers fall in the glens and have to be rescued, which usually takes dozens of volunteers and up to 11 hours because of the remote locations and rugged terrain.[115][116] As of 2008, the former concession stand along PA 118 in the southern end of the park was used for storage of rescue equipment.[117]
- Falls Trail is a 7.2-mile (11.6 km) difficult loop, estimated to take 4 to 5 hours to hike.[118] The January 2009 issue of Backpacker Magazine named the Falls Trail loop the best hike in Pennsylvania, as part of the magazine's Reader's Choice Awards. It has a series of waterfalls, each cascading though rock-strewn clefts, and passes through a stand of old-growth forest.[118][119] The park's website stresses the difficulty of the trail, and The New York Times calls it "difficult and potentially dangerous" near the top of glens.[3][73] The Falls Trail was "rehabilitated" in 2008 to make the "easier to hike".[115] The trail is closed during the winter months to hiking, but it is open to ice climbing. The ice climbers must use an ice axe, crampons, and rope.[115]
- Highland Trail is a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) moderate hiking trail at the top of the Falls Trail loop. It passes through the Midway Crevasse, a narrow gap between two large blocks of Pocono sandstone conglomerate.[112]
- Ganoga View Trail is a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) moderate trail named for Ganoga Falls, the highest waterfall in the park. Ganoga View Trail is an alternative route to Ganoga Falls and less difficult than the Falls Trail.[112]
- Grand View Trail is a moderate 1.9-mile (3.1 km) trail which reaches an elevation of 2,449 feet (746 m), the highest point on Red Rock Mountain (which is part of the Allegheny Front). The area is known for its flora, including blooms of mountain laurel in June and rhododendron in July. A firetower is open during the fire season for further viewing.[112]
- Old Beaver Dam Road Trail is a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) easy loop trail that is accessed from a parking lot on PA 487 or the Lake Rose parking area.[3]
- Beach Trail is an easy 0.8-mile (1.3 km) trail that provides access to the Lake Jean day-use and swimming areas from both camping areas.[112]
- Old Bulldozer Road Trail is a 2.9-mile (4.7 km) difficult trail that ascends a bulldozer road that was built during the construction of Ricketts Glen State Park. The trail begins at the parking lot on PA 118 with a short but steep climb and connects with Mountain Springs Trail.[112]
- The Bear Walk Trail is an easy 1-mile (1.6 km) trail from the cabin area to Lake Rose that serves as an access to the longer hiking, cross-country, and snowmobiling trails of the park.[112]
- Evergreen Trail is a self-guided, 1-mile (1.6 km) ecological trail that passes through a stand of old-growth forest that includes an Eastern Hemlock that pre-dates the 1492 arrival of Christopher Columbus.[112]
- Mountain Springs Trail is a 4-mile (6.4 km) moderate trail that is "off the beaten path".[112] It passes the remains of the Lake Leigh dam, the "forgotten falls" and descends the South Branch of Bowman Creek to Mountain Springs Lake, which is owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.[112]
- Cherry Run Trail is near the Lake Leigh dam access. It is a 4.6-mile (7.4 km) moderate trail that passes through groves of cherry trees on an old logging road.[112]
Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Ricketts Glen State Park:[120]
- Frances Slocum State Park (Luzerne County)
- Nescopeck State Park (Luzerne County)
- Worlds End State Park (Sullivan County)
Map
Notes
- a. ^ According to William Reynolds Ricketts' HABS history of the house,[19] Petrillo's history of the region Ghost Towns of North Mountain,[16] and the house's NRHP nomination form,[42] the Ricketts brothers bought the lake and surrounding land in 1851, began building the stone house that year, and finished it in 1852. The year 1852 is also carved in stone on the front (west side) of the house, which faced the highway (see this photograph). However, according to Tomasak's The Life and Times of Robert Bruce Ricketts, the brothers purchased the lake, tavern, and land on April 13, 1853, for $550, and had the house built from 1854 to 1855.[121]
- b. ^ All sources agree that the North Mountain House hotel closed in 1903, but differ on the date that the wooden addition used for the hotel was torn down. William Reynold's Ricketts' history for the HABS and Petrillo's book both report it was razed in 1897,[16][19] while McDonald's NRHP nomination form and Tomasak's book give the year as 1903.[42][122]
- c. ^ The Ricketts family is descended from Clan Rose of Kilravock Castle near Nairn in the Scottish Highlands.[21] Before he changed the name to Ganoga Lake in 1881, R. Bruce Ricketts called Long Pond "Highland Lake" for a few years.[26]
- d. ^ As recently as March 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature's World Commission on Protected Areas still classified Ricketts Glen State Park as "Category II, National Park".[123]
References
- ^ a b c "Ricketts Glen State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. August 2, 1979. Retrieved December 20, 2007.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8182-0334-3. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w "Ricketts Glen State Park". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
- ^ a b "Land Baron's Best Deal, Col. R. Bruce Ricketts' Business In 1800s Was Land Speculation. Today the Park Named After Him Represents His Legacy". The Times Leader. May 12, 2002. p. 1B. Retrieved August 4, 2010.
- ^ a b "Find a Park: 25 Must-see Parks". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
- ^ a b Kent, Smith, McCann, pp. 4, 7–11, 85–96, 195–201.
- ^ a b c d e Wallace (2005), pp. 4–12, 84–89, 99–105, 145–148, 157–164.
- ^ a b Donehoo, pp. 154–155, 215–219.
- ^ Wallace (1987), pp. 66–72, 130–132.
- ^ Wallace (2005), p. 159.
- ^ Wallace (2005), pp. 136–141.
- ^ Wren, p. 56, Plate No. 7.
- ^ a b c d e Tomasak, pp. 373–374.
- ^ "Luzerne County 3rd class" (PDF). Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Retrieved April 6, 2010.
- ^ "Sullivan County 8th class" (PDF). Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Retrieved April 6, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Petrillo, pp. 40–43.
- ^ "Columbia County 6th class" (PDF). Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Retrieved April 6, 2010.
- ^ Richter, pp. 3–46.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Ricketts, William Reynolds (1936). "William R. Ricketts House, North Mountain Colley, Ganoga Lake, Sullivan County, PA". Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record. Library of Congress. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
- ^ Wilson, Kenneth T. Jr. (Spring 1990). "Sketches from the Susquehanna-Tioga Turnpike". Carver Magazine. 8 (1). Retrieved February 18, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f Petrillo, p. 68.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Gross, Doug (May 2004). "Pennsylvania Important Bird Area #48" (PDF). Pennsylvania Audubon Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 18, 2011. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
- ^ Tomasak, p. 44
- ^ a b "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–2008". Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Archived from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
- ^ "History of the Rothrock State Forest". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on March 2, 2004. Retrieved February 5, 2010.
- ^ a b Bachelder, pp. 186–189.
- ^ Tomasak, p. 85.
- ^ Donehoo, pp. 63–64.
- ^ a b Ricketts Glen State Park (PDF) (Map). 1⅛ inch = ½ mile. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. July 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 16, 2006. Retrieved November 14, 2009. Note:This is a map on one side giving 22 waterfall names and heights (available at the URL cited) and a park guide on the other side.
- ^ Kline, David R. (January 6, 2010). "News From Back Home". Benton News. Benton, Pennsylvania. Retrieved January 30, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Emenheiser, David (Director) (August 7, 2007). PCN Tours Pennsylvania State Parks: Ricketts Glen State Park. Pennsylvania Cable Network. Archived from the original (DVD) on May 8, 2010. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
- ^ Tomasak, pp. 100, 323, 327.
- ^ Petrillo, pp. 43–49.
- ^ Petrillo, pp. 43–49, 68.
- ^ a b Lamey-Welshans, Jessica (October 26, 2008). "Ghost town of Ricketts brought back to life by state park educator". Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Retrieved May 5, 2010.
- ^ Petrillo, p. 3.
- ^ Petrillo, pp. 66, 68.
- ^ Taber, pp. 344–351, 365.
- ^ Petrillo, pp. 25–36.
- ^ a b Petrillo, pp. 1, 53.
- ^ Tomasak, pp. 88, 323, 326, 328–329.
- ^ a b c McDonald, Teresa B. (Ganoga Lake Association) (1980). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Clemuel Ricketts Mansion" (PDF). Retrieved July 28, 2016.
- ^ Tomasak, pp. 328–329.
- ^ a b Tomasak, pp. 351–352.
- ^ Trescott, Paul (May 9, 1954). "Pennsylvania Primps for the Tourist". The New York Times. p. XX15.
- ^ Tomasak, p. 353.
- ^ "Colonel Robert Bruce Ricketts (obituary)". The New York Times. November 14, 1918. p. 13.
- ^ a b Petrillo, p. 69.
- ^ "Federal Park Plans Advance". Reading Eagle. July 14, 1935. p. 8. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
- ^ "Plans Pennsylvania Park: Government is Buying 22,000 Acres Near Wilkes-Barre". The New York Times. May 30, 1935. p. 17.
- ^ "Camp Information for SP-9-PA". Pennsylvania CCC Archive. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved December 20, 2009.
- ^ Paige, Appendix C, Table C-1.
- ^ a b "Ricketts Glen Project Sidetracked". Williamsport Gazette and Bulletin. February 28, 1936. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
- ^ "Rickett's Glen (sic) To Open Sunday: State Forbids Hunting on Tract". Reading Eagle. July 31, 1943. p. 14. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Braun, Duane D.; Inners, Jon D. "Pennsylvania Trail of Geology, Ricketts Glen State Park, Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia Counties, The Rocks, the Glens and the Falls (Park Guide 13)" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 21, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2009.
- ^ a b "Cherry Ridge". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. August 2, 1979. Retrieved July 22, 2010.
- ^ a b "50,000 will see Rickett's Glen Charms". Williamsport Sun. September 4, 1947. p. 12.
- ^ Tomasak, p. 377.
- ^ a b c Bartizek, Ron (November 13, 2005). "A Cold War outpost: Radar installation was part of North American defense system scanning for sneak attacks". Times Leader. p. 1B. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
- ^ Kraft, Randy (March 1, 1987). "Camping Isn't What It Used To Be: Roughing It Getting Smoother For Campers". The Morning Call. p. F1. Retrieved August 4, 2010.
- ^ "Audubon names 73 important bird areas in state". Resource: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. January 7, 1997. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ "Army drops poles into Ricketts Glen". The Resource, Vol. 1 No. 3. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. January 7, 1997. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved December 20, 2009.
- ^ "Winter fun awaits visitors". The Resource, Vol. 2, Issue 1. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. January 1998. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved December 20, 2009.
- ^ "Ricketts Glen practices for rescues on ice". The Resource, Vol. 1 No. 7. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. March 7, 1997. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved December 20, 2009.
- ^ "Ricketts Glen State Park begins project to shore up trail". The Resource, Vol. 2, Issue 8. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. December 1998. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved December 20, 2009.
- ^ "Floyd pays unwelcome visit to state parks". The Resource. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. October 1999. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ "Timbering enters new millenium (sic): Trees fly at Ricketts Glen State Park". The Resource. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. November 2000. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ a b "DCNR rounds out successful year of conservation and recreation". The Resource. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. January 2002. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ a b Tomasak, p. 380.
- ^ "State forest, park HQs ready for upgrades". The Resource. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. November 2001. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ a b "First 44 mammal areas identified across Pa". The Resource. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. March 2004. Archived from the original on April 8, 2004. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
- ^ "Important Mammal Areas Project Overview". Pennsylvania Game Commission. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
- ^ a b c Motyka, John (July 2, 2004). "Waterfalls, Waterfalls Everywhere". The New York Times. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
- ^ "PCN tours state parks in a new regular series set to air this summer". The Resource. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. May 23, 2007. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ Bendick, John (January 22, 2016). "State Park Ranger says 'Lake Jean is back!'". The Luminary. Muncy, Pennsylvania. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
- ^ a b c Brown, pp. 50–52.
- ^ a b "Geologic units in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania". United States Geological Survey. February 11, 2010. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
- ^ a b Van Diver, pp. 31–35, 153–155.
- ^ Berg, T. M. (1981). "Atlas of Preliminary Geologic Quadrangle Maps of Pennsylvania: Red Rock" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 20, 2004. Retrieved June 8, 2009.
- ^ "Map 67: Tabloid Edition Explanation" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 25, 2009. Retrieved December 2, 2009.
- ^ Brown, p. xiv
- ^ Shultz, pp. 372–374, 391, 399, 818.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Watershed Management, Division of Water Use Planning (2001). Pennsylvania Gazetteer of Streams (PDF). Prepared in Cooperation with the United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Grand View". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. August 1, 1989. Retrieved April 4, 2010.
- ^ "Mohawk Falls". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. September 1, 1989. Retrieved April 4, 2010.
- ^ "Adams Falls". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. September 1, 1989. Retrieved April 4, 2010.
- ^ "Climate of Pennsylvania" (PDF). Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania State Climatologist. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 25, 2009. Retrieved April 12, 2008.
- ^ Shaw, p. 129.
- ^ a b "Monthly Averages for Ricketts Glen State Park". The Weather Channel Interactive, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
- ^ "The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum - History". Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Retrieved April 8, 2010.
- ^ a b Davis, Anthony F.; Lundgren, Julie A.; et al. (1995). "A Natural Areas Inventory of Sullivan County" (PDF). Pennsylvania Science Office of The Nature Conservancy. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
- Bloomsburg University. Archived from the originalon October 9, 2010. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
- ^ "Notice: Additions to List of Class A Wild Trout Waters" (PDF). Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. January 30, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 2, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "Class A Wild Trout Waters" (PDF). Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. February 14, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 26, 2009. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
- ^ Frey, Aaron (Spring 2007). "Biologist Reports: Lake Jean, Luzerne County, Spring 2007, Sampling Gear: Trap Nets & Electrofishing". Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
- ^ "Natural Areas". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on February 2, 2004. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
- ^ Davis, Mary Byrd (January 23, 2008). "Old Growth in the East: A Survey. Pennsylvania" (PDF). primalnature.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 17, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
- ^ Audubon Pennsylvania; Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (2004). Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Archived from the original (Searchable database) on June 7, 2014. Retrieved July 29, 2016.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link - ^ a b Ostrander, pp. 13–17.
- ^ a b Rosenberry, Christopher S.; Fleegel, Janine Tardiff; Wallingford, Bret D. (December 2009). Management and Biology of White-Tailed Deer (PDF). Pennsylvania Game Commission. pp. 9–10. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 30, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
- ^ a b "Abbreviated History of Pennsylvania's White-Tailed Deer Management". Pennsylvania Game Commission. Archived from the original on October 20, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
- ^ Whiteford, p. 23.
- ^ Hardisky, Thomas S. (ed.). "Pennsylvania Fisher Reintroduction Project". Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management. Archived from the original on July 27, 2011. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
- ^ "Shedding Light on the Eastern Coyote" (PDF). Pennsylvania Game Commission. Retrieved March 19, 2010.
- ^ a b Goodrich, Laurie J.; Brittingham, Margaret; Bishop, Joseph A.; Barber, Patricia. "Wildlife Habitat in Pennsylvania: Past, Present, and Future" (PDF). Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 11, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
- ^ "A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for Ricketts Glen State Park" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 19, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "Cabins and Yurts". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on January 24, 2004. Retrieved May 6, 2010.
- ^ "Camping at Ricketts Glen State Park" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 16, 2006. Retrieved May 6, 2010.
- ^ a b "Park Spotlight: Ricketts Glen State Park". The Resource. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. June 18, 2008. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
- ^ "Pa. park beaches to open without lifeguards: The move is not based on economics, the state says, but some see a problem". Times Leader. May 31, 2010. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
- ^ Eaton, Alissa (June 9, 2008). "Wilderness educator shares the bear facts about animal attacks". Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Hiking at Ricketts Glen State Park". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved May 1, 2010.
- ^ Young, p. 66.
- Backpacker Magazine. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
- ^ a b c Donlin, Patrick (March 30, 2009). "Hikers at Ricketts Glen urged to use caution". Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
- ^ "Rickets Glen State Park manager earns award". The Resource. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. June 2000. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
- ^ Tomasak, p. 374.
- ^ a b Mitchell, pp. 44–52.
- ^ "Magazine names trail at Ricketts Glen best hike in Pennsylvania". Press Enterprise. January 28, 2009. p. 5.
- ^ "Find a Park by Region (interactive map)". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2011.
- ^ Tomasak, p. 38.
- ^ Tomasak, p. 313.
- ^ "Ricketts Glen State Park". ProtectedPlanet.net. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
Works cited
- OCLC 317328980. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
- Brown, Scott E. (2004). Pennsylvania waterfalls: a guide for hikers and photographers. ISBN 0-8117-3184-7. Retrieved November 17, 2009.
- Donehoo, George P. (1999) [1928]. A History of the Indian Villages and Place Names in Pennsylvania (PDF) (Second Reprint ed.). ISBN 1-889037-11-7. Retrieved July 29, 2016. ISBN refers to a 1999 reprint edition, URL is for the Susquehanna River Basin Commission's web page of Native American Place names, quoting and citing the book
- Kent, Barry C.; Smith III, Ira F.; McCann, Catherine, eds. (1971). Foundations of Pennsylvania Prehistory. Anthropological Series of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Vol. 1. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. OCLC 2696039.
- Mitchell, Jeff (2003). Hiking the Endless Mountains: Exploring the Wilderness of Northeast Pennsylvania. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. ISBN 0-8117-2648-7. Retrieved November 17, 2009.
- Ostrander, Stephen J. (1996). Great Natural Areas in Eastern Pennsylvania. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. ISBN 0-8117-2574-X. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
- Paige, John C. (1985). "Appendix C, Table C-1: Directory of CCC Camps Supervised by the NPS (updated to December 31, 1941).". The Civilian Conservation Corps and the National Park Service, 1933–1942: An Administrative History. National Park Service, Department of the Interior. OCLC 12072830.
- Petrillo, F. Charles (1991). Ghost Towns of North Mountain: Ricketts, Mountain Springs, Stull (PDF). Wyoming Historical & Geological Society. OCLC 25080093. Archived from the original(PDF) on November 27, 2009. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
- Richter, Daniel K. (2002). "Chapter 1. The First Pennsylvanians". In Miller, Randall M.; Pencak, William A. (eds.). Pennsylvania: A History of the Commonwealth. University Park, Pennsylvania: ISBN 0-271-02213-2.
- Ricketts, William Reynolds (1936). "William R. Ricketts House, North Mountain Colley, Ganoga Lake, Sullivan County, PA" (PDF). Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record. Library of Congress. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
- Shaw, Lewis C. (June 1984). Pennsylvania Gazetteer of Streams Part II (Water Resources Bulletin No. 16). Prepared in Cooperation with the United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey (1st ed.). Harrisburg, PA: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Resources. OCLC 17150333.
- Shultz, Charles H., ed. (1999). The Geology of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Geological Society and Pittsburgh Geological Society. pp. 372–374, 391, 399, 818. ISBN 0-8182-0227-0.
- Taber III, Thomas T. (1970). "Chapter 3.3 Ricketts – Trexler and Turrell Lumber Company". Ghost Lumber Towns of Central Pennsylvania: Laquin, Masten, Ricketts, Grays Run. OCLC 1044759.
- Tomasak, Peter (2008). In Command of Time Elapsed: The Life and Times of Robert Bruce Ricketts. Kyttle, Pennsylvania: North Mountain Publishing Company.
- Van Diver, Bradford B. (1990). Roadside Geology of Pennsylvania. Missoula, Montana: Mountain Press Publishing Company. ISBN 0-87842-227-7.
- Wallace, Paul A.W.; revised by William A. Hunter (2005). Indians in Pennsylvania (Second ed.). Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. OCLC 1744740. Retrieved December 21, 2009. (Note: OCLC refers to the 1961 First Edition).
- Wallace, Paul A. W. (1987). Indian Paths of Pennsylvania (Fourth Printing ed.). ISBN 0-89271-090-X. Note: ISBN refers to 1998 impression.
- Whiteford, Richard D. (2006). Wild Pennsylvania: A Celebration of Our State's Natural Beauty. St Paul, Minnesota: Voyageur Press / MBI Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7603-2638-1. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
- Wren, Christopher; Wyoming Historical and Geological Society (1914). A Study of North Appalachian Indian Pottery. Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: E.B. Yordy Co. OCLC 2510750. Retrieved December 6, 2009.
- Young, John (2001). Hike Pennsylvania: An Atlas of Pennsylvania's Greatest Hiking Adventures. Guilford, Connecticut: The Globe Pequot Press. ISBN 0-7627-0924-3.
External links
- "Ricketts Glen State Park official large map" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 19, 2013. (2.55 MB)
- "Ricketts Glen State Park official waterfalls map" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 13, 2015. (266.6 KB)
- "Ricketts Glen State Park official campground map" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 18, 2013. (196.9 KB)
- "Ricketts Glen State Park official cabins map" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 26, 2013. (46.2 KB)