Mountain Springs, Ricketts Glen State Park, PA

## Overview Mountain Springs is a natural public drinking spring located within the scenic boundaries of Ricketts Glen State Park in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. Nestled along the road that climbs toward Lake Jean, this roadside spring has long been a refreshing stop for travelers and locals alike. The spring was historically a major supplier of ice during the era before railroads reached this remote corner of northeastern Pennsylvania, when natural ice harvesting was a vital industry for preserving food and cooling homes. Ricketts Glen State Park is renowned for its stunning old-growth forest and its remarkable collection of named waterfalls — 22 in total, with many cascading along the Falls Trail system that covers roughly 7.2 miles through Ganoga Glen, Glen Leigh, and Ricketts Glen. The park spans over 13,000 acres across Sullivan, Luzerne, and Columbia counties, and was once considered for designation as a national park in the 1930s. The area's geological history dates back hundreds of millions of years, with the glens carved by glacial meltwater through layers of resistant sandstone and softer shale, creating the dramatic waterfall-filled gorges the park is famous for. Lake Jean, a beautiful 245-acre lake situated at the mountain's summit, features a small island and offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and lakeside camping. Nearby, a spring-fed pond known locally as Mt. Springs (or Mountain Springs pond) can be found just past Lake Jean along the highway. The water from the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by area residents and visitors, though water quality can vary and has not been independently verified. ## Directions 1. Search for **Ricketts Glen State Park** in northeastern Pennsylvania. The park's main entrance is accessible via **PA Route 118** and **PA Route 487**. 2. Head up the mountain road toward **Lake Jean** (following signs within the park). 3. Watch for the **water spout on the side of the highway** as you ascend the mountain toward Lake Jean — the spring is visible from the road. 4. For the spring-fed **Mt. Springs pond**, continue past Lake Jean. The pond will be on the **right side of the highway**, just beyond the lake. 5. The Mt. Springs area itself is located in the woods a few kilometers farther along a **dirt road** branching off the main highway. *Note: Road conditions on the dirt road may vary seasonally. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended, especially during wet weather.* ## What to Expect The spring features a visible water spout along the roadside, making it easy to spot as you drive up the mountain. The surrounding forest is lush and deeply wooded, characteristic of the Allegheny Plateau's mixed hardwood and hemlock stands. Ricketts Glen's old-growth trees — some over 500 years old and towering more than 100 feet — create a cathedral-like canopy throughout the park. The **best times to visit** are summer and fall. Summer offers warm weather for swimming and paddling at Lake Jean, while autumn transforms the park into a spectacular display of fall foliage, making the waterfall hikes especially photogenic. Be aware that the Falls Trail can be slippery and challenging in wet or icy conditions, and the park recommends caution year-round on the rocky terrain. The surrounding area adds to the charm of a visit. Roadside vegetable stands and yard sales are common along the rural highways in warmer months, and several antique shops in nearby towns offer unique finds — including vintage glass water and wine jugs that make great collectibles. The small towns of Lopez, Red Rock, and Dushore provide basic amenities and a taste of rural Pennsylvania life. Whether you're stopping for a drink from the spring, hiking to the park's famous waterfalls, or paddling across Lake Jean, Mountain Springs and Ricketts Glen State Park offer one of the most rewarding natural destinations in the northeastern United States.