In the 1930s, a beautiful forest in northeast Pennsylvania was set to become a national park. Which made sense. The area was special, even to those that purchased the land to timber it.

In a time when forests across the Commonwealth were being clear cut to feed the growing nation of raw materials, this forest received some reprieve. As a result, 300-year-old trees were allowed to continue to grow – providing the forest with mature trees and the viewing public with examples of ancient forests.

These magnificent trees stood 100-feet tall with diameters of almost four feet. But between these arboreal giants hid a collection of natural wonders found nowhere else in Pennsylvania. 

Two creek branches cut through deep gorges creating a series of unbelievable waterfalls. These waterfalls united and flowed through a glen among massive pines, hemlocks and oaks. 

Unfortunately, World War II brought an end to the plan to make it a national park. However, thousands of acres were purchased in the 1940s to preserve this incredible landscape and its otherworldly glens. 

In 1969, the glens became a registered National Natural Landmark and was later made a State Park Natural Area in 1993. We now know this property as Ricketts Glen State Park. 

Ricketts Glen reminds me of a quote I once heard. "And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." That’s how many feel when they visit this special place. That is, if the park isn’t filled with other people trying to do the same thing. 

On this episode, I speak with Scott Wilson. Scott is the manager of the Ricketts Glen State Park. 

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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis