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Deluxe Cabin: Cabins 1 & 2

Cozy Cottage immersed in nature, overlooking a serene pond with views of the gazebo and swans.

The Kitchen/ Dining Room area is an open layout with a beautiful chandelier, propane fireplace, real wood dining table, cozy pull out futon with 2 rocker chairs. The kitchen is complete with full size refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, table settings for 6, utensils, pots, pans, toaster oven, and coffee maker.

There are 2 bedrooms that hold queen size beds and each bedroom has a ceiling fan. Bathroom has stand up shower.

Outside the cabin is a covered porch which includes a picnic table, swing, charcoal grill, campfire ring (firewood available on site for $10 per washtub load), and 2 Adirondack chairs, which is perfect for outdoor dining and relaxing.

There is no smoking allowed inside the cabins. No pets, guns or hunting. Thank you for your understanding.

There is a small boat for complimentary use and catch and release fishing is allowed.

Click here to read the rules and regulations for this cottage.

Click for Rates

Efficiency Cabin: Cabins 3, 4, & 5

Cozy Cottage immersed in nature, overlooking a serene pond with views of the gazebo and swans.

The Kitchen / Dining Room area is an open layout with a beautiful chandelier, propane fireplace, real wood dining table, cozy pull out futon with 2 rocker chairs. The kitchenette is complete with full size refrigerator, gas cooktop range, microwave, table settings for 6, utensils, pots, pans, toaster oven, and coffee maker.

There are 2 bedrooms that hold queen size beds and each bedroom has a ceiling fan. Bathroom has stand up shower.

Outside the cabin is a covered porch which includes a picnic table, swing, charcoal grill, campfire ring (firewood available on site for $10 per washtub load), and 2 Adirondack chairs, which is perfect for outdoor dining and relaxing.

There is no smoking allowed inside the cabins. No pets, guns or hunting. Thank you for your understanding.

There is a small boat for complimentary use and catch and release fishing is allowed.

Click here to read the rules and regulations for this cottage.

Important Info for Cottages

6 guests max You will need to bring: Bedding (queen size - sheets, blankets, pillow or sleeping bag) Towels (bath towels, wash cloths) Toiletries- shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste Food Clothing and Outdoor Gear (it gets cold at night) Fishing gear (optional) Bug spray Charcoal for grill Lawn chairs for each person What’s included: Refrigerator Toaster oven Keurig Coffee maker Microwave Stove / Oven (deluxe cabins only) 2 tabletop burner (efficiency cabins only) 6 person table setting: Dinner/ salad plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, spoons, forks, dinner and steak knives Cutting knife with small cuttting board 2 mixing bowls Pots and pans Can opener Wine / bottle opener Tongs Toilet tissue Paper towels Ice tray Dish washing detergent Life jacket X4 (assorted sizes) Firewood available (additional $10 per load, payable with cash on site or prior with reservation) Is there cellular coverage for mobile phones? AT&T has very good coverage. Verizon has decent coverage (able to make and receive calls) T-Mobile has poor coverage Please note: There is no Central Air Conditioning or Central Heat. There is no Internet Service or WIFI.

Sweet Valley Cottages Rules & Regulations

Please review the following rules and regulations before booking your stay. These are in place to ensure that all of our cottage renters experience a safe and enjoyable visit.

Rules & Regulations

Sweet Valley Cottages Liability Waiver

Please review our liability waiver to familiarize yourself with our liability policies. A hard copy of this waiver will be provided for you to sign upon your arrival.

Liability Waiver

“From the moment we entered the property, my family (which includes two teenage daughters) knew that my husband chose the perfect place to stay for our Rickets Glen adventure.
The cabin we stayed in was rustic, tastefully designed, comfortable, private, and had all of the comforts of a home away from home (including well stocked kitchen supplies and good size bathroom!). Our entrance looked out to the pond with the 2 swans swimming around and a gazebo beautifully lit at night. We took advantage of the Adirondack chairs and porch swing, as well as the fire pit and picnic table attached to our cabin. Strolling the property, we got some row boating in as well as playing a pretty competitive bean bag toss! The owners made us feel more than welcome! They gave excellent advice on places to go when the rains came and the best trails to hike on depending on time and weather. We will not only be coming back, but we will be bringing other families as well! There are several cabins on the premises with all of the same amenities. A truly perfect getaway with memories that will last a life time!!!! (And by the way, you can’t beat the price!!!!)”—Francine P; Trip Advisor

“Sweetest place on earth. Cozy cabins. Beautiful kayaking and amazing hiking nearby in Ricketts Glenn State Park.”—MaryBeth C; Facebook

“My husband and I stayed three days and two nights at Sweet Valley cottages and had a great experience! Our cottage was perfect; quaint, clean, and very comfortable with all the amenities we needed for our stay. I would highly recommend Sweet Valley cottages for anyone looking to stay in the Rickets Glen area!”— Bridget R; Facebook

“Second time here cottages are comfortable We brought our adult children and they are having a great time fishing playing corn hole and just hanging out Its just so nice here.” — Linda P; Facebook

“Me, my fiance and son stayed at the cottage this past weekend and we had an awesome time. The place is very clean, cozy and beautiful. We did not want to leave. We are already planning our next getaway.” — Mary T; VRBO

“Cute and quiet getaway. Great for visiting Ricketts Glen and other parks within a half hour. Maintenance was friendly and helpful at check in. They waited until 830pm for us cuz we were running late. We were 2 adults and 3 kids 11,8,6. Cozy little cottages that was enough space for everyone to enjoy. The row boat on the pond was everyone’s favorite part. We could walk around the little trail they have and still keep an eye on the kids who were at the playground. The best part was when we had an early morning issue and needed to contact the owner prior to 7am. They had someone there to help us fix our concern within 2 hours. They allowed us to use two cabins for our troubles the remainder of the weekend, which wasn’t necessary but awesome! We will definitely come back without the kids next year to enjoy the harder hiking trails in the area. A+” — Edward P; VRBO

“This place is a gem! We’ve been coming for over ten years, and its always the prefect getaway. Only an hour’s drive to Knoebels amusement park, a true slice of history, complete with a recreation of a 1930’s era trackless roller coaster! My guitar even sounds better around a sweet valley campfire, and we are often joined by other campers at our sing a longs. P.S., I’m the guy in the fishing picture holding Bubba!”—Gregory N; Facebook

About Us

Away from it all, but close to everything. While Great Grandpa Fred Updyke was farming strawberries on his beautiful farm in Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania in the early 1960’s, he always envisioned others enjoying his beautiful country oasis. Timbering his own trees, he hand-built five charming cottages next to a big, serene pond, perfect for families. Each includes a kitchen, two bedrooms and its own bath. The dog helping him out was Tony, nicknamed “snagged” in the photo. The tranquil country setting of this small private pond named after Great-Great-Grandpa Charles, affords its visitors many relaxing hours of fishing, sunning, hiking, campfires and the purest of country relaxation. In 2001, it was purchased by Fred’s grandson and his wife, Duane and Annette Updyke. They shared many wonderful memories at the cottages, including the wedding of their daughter. In 2019, Raj and Lisa Dalavai acquired the property and are excited to maintain the beauty and tranquility of Sweet Valley Cottages.

Ricketts glen state park

Ricketts Glen State Park - Just 8 Minutes Away! HOW TO ACCESS THE WATERFALLS Twenty-one waterfalls are along the Falls Trail within the Glens Natural Area, while one (Adams) is only a few hundred feet from the Evergreen Parking Lot off PA 118. There are 3 parking areas that provide access to the Falls Trail: Lake Rose Trailhead is at the end of the road across from the campground and provides the closest access (5-10 minutes), but fills up quickly during peak times. Beach Parking Lot #2 is at the end of the main park road. Leave the lot and walk down the trail adjacent to the Cabin Road (first road just outside of the lot), past a park gate, and onto a section of trail to the first intersection where you go right (15-20 minute access). The parking lots on PA 118 are 1.5 miles from the first waterfall upstream on the Falls Trail, but allow a good view of old growth trees. The full loop of the Falls Trail is 7.2 miles if hiking both the upper and lower sections. To see most of the waterfalls, a 3.2-mile loop can be taken by going on Highland Trail and the Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen sides of the trail.

hiking

Trails vary from fairly level to very steep hills. The 26 miles of trails are a prime attraction of the park.

CAUTION: Hikers on the Falls Trail should be in good physical condition, wear sturdy boots, and use caution due to slippery/wet conditions and steep trail sections. The following guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience while at the park.

Always wear sturdy boots. Wearing sneakers, sandals, “water shoes” and “street shoes” can lead to serious accidents in this park. Be prepared. Have proper clothing and equipment (i.e. compass, map, matches, water, food, flashlight, etc.) available in case of an emergency. This is especially important when traveling remote trails or when hiking during non-summer seasons.

Give yourself plenty of time for your hike. The weather changes quickly in the park. Plan to be off the trails well before dark. Let someone know where you are hiking and when you should return.

Remain on the trails. Leaving the trail causes damage to unique natural resources, promotes erosion and can be dangerous. Don’t take short cuts from one trail section to another. Taking short cuts down switchbacks is dangerous and causes trail damage.

boating

Lake Jean is 245 acres. Non-powered boats must have one of the following: state park launching permit or state park mooring permit which are available at most state park offices; or current Pennsylvania boat registration. Motorboats must display a current boat registration.

Boats registered in other states must display a Pennsylvania state park launch permit or mooring permit in addition to their current registration.

Dry mooring and one boat launch are available. A boat rental concession operates during the summer season and offers rowboats, paddle-boats and canoes.

fishing

Anglers will find warm-water game fish and panfish in Lake Jean. Mountain Springs Lake, a 40-acre lake owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, adjoins the eastern end of the park and offers trout and panfish.

All rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission apply to fishing both in the park and at Mountain Springs Lake.

Catch and Release” Fishing is included in your stay. We have a selection of Trout, Large Mouth Bass, Catfish and Bluegills are in the lake. We require LEAD Free fishing only.

According to Pennsylvania Law, “no person 16 years of age or older shall fish in any of the waters of Pennsylvania or in any boundary waters without first procuring a license”.

Please visit FishAndBoat.com/Fish/FishingLicense for further information.

Licenses may be purchased at the following local locations or any Walmart:

PFBC Northeast Region
5566 Main Road
Sweet Valley, PA 18656
(570) 477-5717

The Bait Buddies
671 Prichards Road
Hunlock Creek, PA 18621
(570) 256-7780

swimming

The 600-foot beach is open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day unless otherwise posted. The regular hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A food and refreshment concession and picnic facilities are located nearby.

history

At the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, Robert Bruce Ricketts enlisted as a private in the U. S. Army. Fighting for the Army of the Potomac, Ricketts led Battery F during the Battle of Gettysburg. Ricketts swiftly moved up in the ranks and when the war ended, was discharged a colonel.
Colonel Ricketts at one time owned outright or controlled over 80,000 acres of land in this area. His heirs, through the Central Penn Lumber Company, sold 48,000 acres to the Pennsylvania Game Commission from 1920-24. This left them with over 12,000 acres surrounding the Ganoga Lake, Lake Jean and Glens area.
Although the area was approved as a national park site in the 1930s, World War II brought an end to this plan for development and in 1942 the heirs sold 1,261 acres, the Falls and Glens area, to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a state park.
Additional purchases from Colonel Rickett’s son, William Ricketts, in 1943 and 1949, resulted in a park nucleus of approximately 10,000 acres of former Ricketts holdings. Additional purchases from other individuals have brought the park to its present size. Recreational facilities were first opened in 1944.

Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park with something for everyone – including rollercoasters, kid-friendly rides, swimming, and golf.

65 Hillside Road
Shavertown, PA 18708
(570) 696-2881
Monday – Sunday
8am – 8pm

If you have time we highly recommend The Lands at Hillside Farms, which is a historic, non-profit 501(c)(3) 412-acre educational dairy farm. Their Dairy Store is an amazing experience.

Wilkes-barre offers many venues throughout the city for visitors to eat, play, and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Wyoming Valley.

2542 PA 118
Hunlock Creek, PA 18621
(570) 477-3188

Located just minutes from Sweet Valley Cottages, Pikes Creek Raceway Park offers Bumper-Karts, Miniature Golf, Go-Karts, as well as concessions. Super fun for the family!

900 Bear Creek Blvd
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 675-1312

Enjoy a 500 acre site boasting the Wheelbarrow Run stream. The stream flows through a ravine and displays falls and “tubs”…large potholes gouged out of the underlying bedrock. A great area for hiking along the stream and surrounding forest.

Even in our private sanctuary, convenience is never too far. Check out these local amenities if you’re in need of a supply run!

570-477-2054

2375 PA-118
Hunlock Creek, PA 18621

Open Every Day:
5am – 11pm

570-477-2988

2203 State Route 118
Hunlock Creek, PA 18621

Mon – Sat: 7am – 9pm
Sun: 8am – 6pm

Great sandwiches, quick bites, and pizza

Take-out and sit-down dinner, sports bar, and drinks

5217 Main Road
Sweet Valley, PA 18656
(570) 477-5502
Sun 7am-2pm
Mon – Thurs 7am- 3pm
Friday 7am-8pm
Saturday 7am-3pm

Laundry:
dallas laundromat

570-675-2800

3200 Memorial Highway
Dallas, PA, 18612Open Every Day:
7am – 8pm

Convenience store:
Dollar general

570-793-2176

2417 PA-118
Sweet Valley, PA 18656

Open Every Day:
8am – 10pm

If you prefer to stay on our grounds, there’s lots to do here too!

fishing

Our pond at Sweet Valley Cottages has been stocked for nearly 70 years. We seem to have achieved a great balance of Bass, Trout, and Bluegills, with a few Catfish thrown in for good measure. Since we have converted to “Catch and Release” recreational fishing we are seeing an increase in the size of our fish.

CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY

As Sweet Valley Cottages is private property, fishing at the “cottages” is available only for our staying guests. It can be enjoyed from the shoreline or our shared row boat.

Catch and Release” Fishing is included in your stay. We have a selection of Trout, Large Mouth Bass, Catfish and Bluegills are in the lake. We require LEAD Free fishing only.

According to Pennsylvania Law, “no person 16 years of age or older shall fish in any of the waters of Pennsylvania or in any boundary waters without first procuring a license”.

Please visit FishAndBoat.com/Fish/FishingLicense for further information.

Licenses may be purchased at the following local locations or any Walmart:

PFBC Northeast Region
5566 Main Road, Sweet Valley, PA 18656
(570) 477-5717

The Bait Buddies
671 Prichards Road, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621
(570) 256-7780

playground

on the lake: Boating

Hiking around the pond

camprings

Firewood for sale: $10 per load.

Home – Calendar

Our Cottages

Click for Rates

Deluxe Cabin: Cabins 1 & 2

Click here to read the rules and regulations for this cottage.

Click for Rates

Efficiency Cabin: Cabins 3, 4, & 5

Click here to read the rules and regulations for this cottage.

Important Info for Cottages

Sweet Valley Cottages Rules & Regulations

Sweet Valley Cottages Liability Waiver

Reviews

About Us

Ricketts glen state park

things to do at ricketts glen

hiking

boating

fishing

swimming

history

Other Things to do in the Area

Laundry:
dallas laundromat

Convenience store:
Dollar general

fishing

playground

on the lake: Boating

Hiking around the pond

camprings

Home – Calendar

Our Cottages

Click for Rates

Deluxe Cabin: Cabins 1 & 2

Click here to read the rules and regulations for this cottage.

Click for Rates

Efficiency Cabin: Cabins 3, 4, & 5

Click here to read the rules and regulations for this cottage.

Important Info for Cottages

Sweet Valley Cottages Rules & Regulations

Sweet Valley Cottages Liability Waiver

Reviews

About Us

Ricketts glen state park

things to do at ricketts glen

hiking

boating

fishing

swimming

history

Other Things to do in the Area

Laundry:dallas laundromat

Convenience store:Dollar general

fishing

playground

on the lake: Boating

Hiking around the pond

camprings

Laundry:
dallas laundromat

Convenience store:
Dollar general