Conestoga Falls
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- 17 ft (5.2 m)
- Location
- Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
- Access status
- Official state park trail and parking documented
- The walk
- Distance from the trailhead to this falls not stated; Conestoga Falls is 0.3 mile upstream of Waters Meet
- Ground & access
- Rocky, steep and often wet trail along the gorge with many stone steps. DCNR rates the Falls Trail System most difficult and requires sturdy boots; sneakers, sandals and water shoes are not advised.
Conestoga Falls is on the Ganoga Glen branch of Kitchen Creek inside the Glens Natural Area of Ricketts Glen State Park. It is the third named falls in Ganoga Glen counting upstream from Waters Meet. From Lake Rose Trailhead, follow the Falls Trail down the Ganoga Glen side past the upper falls to Conestoga Falls. Return the same way, or follow DCNR's recommended 3.2-mile clockwise loop: Highland Trail to the Glen Leigh side, down to Waters Meet, then up the Ganoga Glen side to Lake Rose. Because it is low in the glen, it can also be reached from the south: DCNR gives 2.0 miles on the Falls Trail from PA 118 to Waters Meet.
Plan your visit
Lake Rose Trailhead down the Ganoga Glen side of the Falls Trail to Conestoga Falls
DCNR gives 0.4 mile from Lake Rose Trailhead to the first waterfall and 1.2 miles for the Ganoga Glen side of the Falls Trail. Wikipedia places Conestoga Falls 0.3 mile upstream of Waters Meet. DCNR's 3.2-mile loop (Highland Trail, Glen Leigh side and Ganoga Glen side) passes this falls.
Rocky, steep and often wet trail along the gorge with many stone steps. DCNR rates the Falls Trail System most difficult and requires sturdy boots; sneakers, sandals and water shoes are not advised.
Where to start
Lake Rose Trailhead Parking, the closest lot to the Falls Trail System, at 41.329880, -76.291092. DCNR says this small lot fills quickly at peak times. Beach Lot #2 is the alternative start for the Glen Leigh side. The park office is at 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA.
Timing & water
DCNR closes the Falls Trail System in winter except to properly equipped ice climbers and hikers. Plan to be off the trail well before dark.
Before you go
No fee is mentioned.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Mohican FallsOfficial state park trail and trailhead parking documented; steep and slippery39 ft (11.9 m) · Luzerne County, PA0.1 miW
- Tuscarora FallsOfficial Falls Trail from Lake Rose Trailhead; distance to this falls not given41 ft (12.5 m) · Luzerne County, PA0.1 miE
- Delaware FallsOfficial state park trail and parking documented31 ft (9.4 m) · Luzerne County, PA0.1 miNW
- Erie FallsOfficial Falls Trail from Lake Rose Trailhead; distance to this falls not given47 ft (14.3 m) · Luzerne County, PA0.2 miE
- Seneca FallsOfficial state park trail and parking documented12 ft (3.6 m) · Luzerne County, PA0.2 miNW
Ganoga FallsOfficial Falls Trail from Lake Rose Trailhead94 ft (28.6 m) · Luzerne County, PA0.2 miNW- Cayuga FallsOfficial state park trail and parking documented11 ft (3.3 m) · Luzerne County, PA0.3 miNW
- Wyandot FallsOfficial state park trail and parking documented15 ft (4.6 m) · Luzerne County, PA0.3 miE
- B. Reynolds FallsState park trail down the Glen Leigh side of the Falls Trail40 ft (12.2 m) · Luzerne County, PA0.3 miE