Snow stretches across the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen, transforming the forest into a crisp, quiet world where every crunch underfoot signals progress deeper into winter’s domain. This 7.2-mile loop demands respect—elevation gains total roughly 1,000 feet, with occasional icy slopes daring you to maintain steady footing. The frozen waterfalls stand as silent sentinels, their ice-coated cascades daring you to look closer than in warmer months. The trail carves through old-growth hemlocks and hardwoods bowed under snow’s weight, branches shifting as if sharing the secrets of the forest’s cold resilience.

Prepare to meet a trail that’s fiercely itself: slippery rocks and narrow wooden bridges ice over, urging steady, deliberate steps. Your boots should be crampon-ready, trekking poles a second pair of legs stabilizing against the slick, uneven path. Water bottles risk freezing, so choose insulated containers and hydrate before setting out; the cold air disguises thirst until it’s too late. Timing matters—daylight fades early here, and without early starts, the trail’s length and terrain might push you into dusk.

Pacing the trail reveals winter’s layers. Frozen waterfalls don’t just look static, but hum with history and the slow drip of thawing ice. The streams below shake off summer disagreements with gravity, now turned into sheets of glass clinging above. Wildlife is sparse but watchful; an occasional deer pauses to consider your intrusion, the forest listening as you pass.

The Falls Trail in winter isn’t a casual stroll, but a practical adventure that rewards preparation. Dress in layers that breathe and lock in warmth; test your footwear beforehand. Carry extra snacks to sustain energy, and plan for a full day on the trail. There’s a raw beauty here, compelling and unyielding that reminds you winter doesn’t sleep—it performs.

Before heading out, check the park’s snow and ice conditions, as recent weather swings can add risk. Once you’re ready, the Falls Trail offers a winter experience equal parts challenge and wonder, where every step forward is a conversation with a landscape both fragile and fiercely alive.