Four friends and I met up for a day hike at Ricketts Glen State Park in January to see the icy waterfalls. There are multiple parking lots. We chose the lot off of route 118, which was clearly marked and had a good amount of spots available to park.
It is a short walk to the trailheads from the lot. The entrance to the falls trail was roped off and had closed signs clearly marked. You must have the proper gear to enter this area in the winter, or a park ranger may fine you if they catch you. Be prepared and bring an ice axe, rope, and crampons if you want to hike the falls trail in winter.
Upon entering the trail you will see the river and a few small waterfalls as you walk toward the falls loop, which is about a mile and a half from the start. There are a few icy patches at the beginning of the trail, but it was not that treacherous. However, it was warm the days prior, which may have melted a lot of the ice. At the falls loop section of the trail, be prepared to climb approximately one thousand feet over a couple of miles. You will need your ice equipment on this section of the trail as most of the areas near the multiple falls are covered in slippery ice. Crampons are an absolute must!
The views of the multiple falls are amazing and pictures do not do it justice as usually is the case. You will see the ice formations around the falls and on the steps leading up the trail. The trail is easy to follow but is moderately difficult if you are a novice hiker. The total distance I recorded on the trail was about 7.5 miles once we returned to the parking lot. We took our time and spent about 4 hours on the trail.
We saw what appeared to be guided tours on the trail which groups of people carrying their ice equipment and helmets. We also saw a lot of other hikers and their dogs on the trail.
I highly recommend Ricketts Glen Park if you like to get outdoors and hike moderately difficult terrain. You will not be disappointed in the views of the falls including Ganoga Falls which is 94 feet tall.