Autumn at Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania is a breathtaking experience, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of colors that transforms the landscape into a photographer’s paradise. With its stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife, the park offers an array of opportunities to capture the essence of fall. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a nature enthusiast looking to document the season’s beauty, understanding the best times for photography, ideal locations, and essential techniques will enhance your experience. This article will guide you through the enchanting autumn photography opportunities at Ricketts Glen, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Overview of Ricketts Glen State Park
History and Significance
Ricketts Glen State Park, established in 1942, is a gem nestled in northeastern Pennsylvania, steeped in a rich history of natural beauty. Originally a forestland and privately owned park, it was transformed into a recreational area by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Today, it stands as a testament to conservation, offering visitors a window into both history and nature, with over 13,000 acres of lush forests, serene lakes and the famed Glens Natural Area, which boasts 21 stunning waterfalls. Or 22. maybe 24, depending what your source is. For me, though, there are 21 named on the trail map. So we’ll go with 21.
Geographical Features
With its rugged terrain and rich biodiversity, Ricketts Glen is a playground for nature lovers and photographers alike. The park’s unique geological features include steep ravines, cliffs and the famous glens that house a variety of cascading waterfalls. The varying elevations create an ever changing landscape, making it an incredibly picturesque spot for anyone with a camera. Let’s be honest, who isn’t looking for that perfect shot?
Best Times for Autumn Photography
Peak Foliage Dates
If you want to capture the fiery orange, deep reds and golden yellows of autumn, mark your calendars! The peak foliage at Ricketts Glen typically occurs between late September and mid October. However, weather can be as unpredictable as your friend who always shows up late, so it’s best to keep an eye on forecasts as you plan your visit. Or use a website like Explore Fall. We’ve visited in mid October and got the tail end of colours, as well as early November where we saw gorgeous colours.
Weather Considerations
While the crisp air and dramatic skies of autumn provide a perfect backdrop, it’s wise to check the weather. Overcast days can enhance colours and provide a natural softbox to soften the light, while bright sunlight might wash them out or cause hot spots on the waterfalls. Dress appropriately. The hiking can be moderate to tough, which will keep you warm. But standing around waiting for light in the same conditions can be chilly. You wouldn’t want to miss that epic photo op because you’re shivering too much to hold your camera steady!
Iconic Waterfalls and Scenic Trails
Highlighting the Waterfalls
Ricketts Glen is a waterfall wonderland, boasting 21named waterfalls. Among these is Ganoga Falls, spilling 94 feet of breathtaking beauty and often steals the show. Each waterfall has its own character and together they create a stunning tapestry of sound and sight. Autumn adds a layer of vibrancy, as the colourful leaves reflect off the cascading waters, making you question if you’ve walked into a painting.
Popular Hiking Trails
To experience the park’s beauty, the Falls Trail is an absolute must. This 7.2-mile full loop takes you right past the major waterfalls, ensuring you get those classic shots. A shorter portion of the loop, featuring 18 waterfalls, is just 3.2 miles. For those who prefer something a bit more leisurely, the Highland Trail offers breathtaking views without the steep climbs, but sadly no waterfalls. Our recommendation is to do the shorter loop. Be aware that there is quite an elevation change on the shorter loop. Something in the region of 860 feet down. Plus that 860 feet back up, on stone staircases.
Tips for Capturing Fall Foliage
Choosing the Right Time of Day
Golden hour, the sweet spot just after sunrise or just before sunset, is your best friend when it comes to photographing fall foliage. The warm light creates a magical ambiance and intensifies the rich colors of autumn leaves. Plan your hikes accordingly, and don’t forget your coffee; you’ll want to be wide awake when those magical moments unfold!
Framing and Composition Tips
To ensure your photos stand out, composition is key when it comes to landscape photography. Use the rule of thirds to guide your framing, placing points of interest off-center for a more dynamic look. Leading lines, such as winding roads or rivers, can draw the viewer’s eye into the frame. Know your camera. Understand metering modes, ISO, aperture and shutter speed to gives your image a good exposure. Know how to get sharp photos. If you’re on a tripod think about bracketing exposures for hdr to gather all of the dynamic range information on your sensor. If taking a photo handheld then read up on the reciprocal rule.
Experiment
And don’t shy away from experimenting. Try shooting during different times of day to capture varied lighting. Changing orientation between portrait vs landscape allows for perfect framing of differing compositions. Remember, it’s not just about what you’re photographing, it’s how you photograph it to create dramatic landscape photographs!
Wildlife Photography Opportunities
Common Species to Photograph
Ricketts Glen State Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly in the autumn when many creatures are busy preparing for winter. Look out for white-tailed deer gracefully navigating the vibrant foliage, as well as foxes and raccoons sneaking through the underbrush. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting migratory species such as warblers and raptors soaring overhead. And let’s not forget the ubiquitous squirrels, who are often too busy hoarding acorns to care about your photography skills!
Best Locations for Wildlife Shots
To capture stunning wildlife photos, head to the park’s less-trafficked trails where critters feel safe to roam. The area around Lake Jean is a particular favourite, with plenty of spots to quietly observe animals without scaring them away. The meandering paths of the Glens Natural Area also offer ample opportunities.
Equipment Recommendations for Autumn Shoots
Camera Gear Essentials
For those autumn shots bursting with colour, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will be your best friend. A versatile zoom lens (18-200mm) can help you frame everything from breathtaking landscapes to close ups of wildlife without breaking a sweat. Don’t forget a sturdy tripod to keep things steady while you capture those dreamy fall scenes. And yes, the magic of autumn often calls for extra batteries. Lots of them.
Accessories for Fall Photography
In addition to your standard gear, a circular polarizer filter can work wonders for reducing glare and enhancing the rich colours of autumn time leaves. A lens hood is also a smart accessory to prevent unwanted lens flare from the sun peeking through the trees. Although, if you’re prepared, take that opportunity for photographing a sun star!
Post-Processing Techniques for Fall Images
Paid Or Free Software
After capturing those stunning fall colours, it’s time to bring them to life in post-processing. By all means, pay for the photo editing software of your choice. MrsFaceless and I use a mix of paid and free software from an old version of Photoshop to Topaz DeNoise, Photomatix, Darktable and Gimp. The majority of our editing is now done in Darktable.
Creating a Fall Mood
To evoke that cozy, autumn feel, consider adding a gentle vignette around your images to draw the viewer’s eyes inward. Warm up your colour tones a bit to give your photos that golden hour glow, even if you shot them at noon. Adding a touch of grain can create a nostalgic vibe, perfect for those crisp fall days. Play around and find what best captures the essence of your Ricketts Glen experience Your goal is to make everyone feel like they’re right there with you!
Other Seasonal Attractions in Ricketts Glen State Park
Winter Activities
Once the leaves have fallen, Ricketts Glen State Park transforms yet again. For a winter wonderland, head there after a snowstorm. Yes, it is possible to do winter photography at some of these waterfalls, but the Falls Trail is only open to properly equipped ice climbers and hikers. No joke. It can be slippery on the trails in summer. Imagine negotiating steps with several inches of thick ice next to a drop! The frozen waterfalls are a sight to behold, perfect for those who appreciate a good icy overlook. Just remember to dress in layers. You don’t want to miss out on the beauty of winter because you’re busy turning into a human popsicle!
Spring and Summer Highlights
As the seasons turn, Ricketts Glen bursts back to life in spring, with wildflowers popping up and streams flowing with renewed vigour. The vibrant colours are a photographer’s paradise! Summer offers opportunities for hiking, swimming in Lake Jean and picnicking under the shade of leafy trees. And yes, the park’s famed waterfalls are even more spectacular during these seasons when nature is at its most energetic. Whether you’re armed with a camera or just enjoying the great outdoors, there’s magic in every season!
Conclusion
In conclusion, autumn photography at Ricketts Glen State Park is a rewarding adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the season. By planning your visit around peak foliage times, utilizing the tips and techniques shared in this article and exploring the park’s captivating landscapes, you’ll be well-equipped to capture memorable images. Whether you’re looking to create lasting memories or stunning artwork, Ricketts Glen offers an unforgettable backdrop for your photography pursuits.
More Reading And Viewing
As mentioned, we’ve been to Ricketts Glen State Park a few times now. Each time it is different – but in a good way! Here’s a video of my previous visit and links to Ricketts Glen blog entries.
ARTICLE: Ricketts’ Glen: Glen Leigh Side
ARTICLE: Ricketts Glen: Photographing A Few Of The Majestic 21 Waterfalls