Ricketts Glen State Park

I emphatically enjoy getting outdoors and taking a nice stroll through a wooded area. The coolness of the shade, the sounds of the birds, and the smell of honeysuckle or pine really lift the spirits. Bonus points if there is a babbling brook within earshot. For these reasons, Ricketts Glen State Park has been one of my absolute favorite hikes. Even though it's a bit out of the way for a day trip, I've made a point to visit twice.

My most recent expedition to Ricketts Glen was in June of 2024. We were far enough into the year that the greenery had sprouted, but the temperatures were still quite comfortable and the level of bugs was rather low. Not that I have the hardest time dealing with bugs, but I'd rather not inhale gnats and other critters if it could be avoided.

The route we took on our visit was one of the most beautiful. It's also one that will certainly let you know your exact age and fitness level on the following day. Alas, I did not let my years of work-from-home bod or the knees of a former athlete with a few extra pounds stop me from traversing the varied elevation of these trails.

From the parking area, we made our way down the Ganoga Glen side to where the waters meet, and back up the Glen Leigh side. Unlike my first visit, we waked up to the Beach Lot #2 trailhead to rest for a bit and take a bit of a load off. We then backtracked to cut across the Highland Trail which has some really cool features in the rocks that give you just a taste of feeling like a real explorer.

My friends and family on the opposite side of the country love to tout the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. I don't doubt it, and haven't seen them in person to dispute it. That being said, I would find it hard to dispute the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains just for being shorter. The lush forestry creates an atmosphere second to none all up and down a large portion of the east coast.

If it's within your travel sphere to make it out this way, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend your day for free.