Sometimes you take a long hike to see one waterfall, but at Ricketts Glen, you can take one hike and see eighteen waterfalls in one afternoon. Last Saturday, several of my siblings and I took nine of my oldest nieces and nephews hiking at the state park located about two-and-half hours north of here. We hiked 3.2 miles (the main Falls trail at Ricketts Glen). Several of us enjoy photography and took our time taking photos. Here are some of my shots.
After about a mile downhill, you reach a spot where two creeks meet and the trail crosses a bridge, and then we started hiking up the other side.
While waiting on some of the others, I sat on a bench near a fork in the trail. I noticed some other hikers watching this adorable little deer mouse. He seemed super tame, and looked much cuter than mice I’ve seen inside the house. One of the other hikers dropped a potato chip for him.
But that wasn’t the only animal life we got to observe up close. On our way back on the Highland trail, we noticed this tree with unusual white fuzz…
Cordell guessed (correctly) that the white fuzz was actually some kind of aphids. They are called woolly aphids. They were waving back and forth and looked as if they could float away in the slightest breeze.
After the hike, we headed to my sister’s house to join the rest of the clan for a hot dog roast.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these photos! Happy Fall!
Ruth Sellers says
Great photos as always. Looks like a perfect day for the hike in such a beautiful location. I always enjoy reading your posts, Susan. Thanks!
Susan Burkholder says
You’re welcome, Ruth! It was an overcast day, which is nice for photography.
Andrew says
Great photos! The waterfall one is beautiful, and my favorite one might be the leaves that look like stained glass.
Susan Burkholder says
Thanks, Andrew! I really enjoyed taking photos that day.