The Ultimate Guide to the PA Grand Canyon
The Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Grand, is one of the most scenic spots in the state of Pennsylvania! With stunning vistas and a variety of hiking trails, the PA Grand Canyon is deemed a must-visit for adventure lovers.
About
The Pine Creek Gorge extends for approximately 47-miles through the rugged landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds region. The canyon, carved out by glacial meltwater, reaches depths of more than 1,400 feet and spans more than a mile wide in sections. Due to its outstanding biological and geological resources, 12 miles of the Pine Creek Gorge were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968 by the US Department of the Interior.
Location
The Pine Creek Gorge, commonly referred to as The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is located in the Pennsylvania Wilds region near Wellsboro, PA. The canyon is approximately 4 hours from: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and 5 hours from: New York City and Washington, DC.
Location of the Pine Creek Gorge, credit: dcnr.pa.gov
Things To Do
The PA Grand Canyon is made up of (1) Colton Point State Park on the west rim, (2) Leonard Harrison State Park on the east rim, and (3) the Pine Creek Rail Trail running through the bottom of the gorge. Combined with the surrounding Tioga State Forest, there are endless hiking and biking opportunities for visitors!
Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks, credit: dcnr.pa.gov
↠Colton Point State Park (west rim)
On the west rim of the canyon, Colton Point State Park occupies 368-unspoiled-acres. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, Colton Point State Park offers rugged hiking trails and scenic overlooks of the surrounding landscape.
Hiking Trails
Rim Trail: 1.0-miles roundtrip + 100 feet gain. Rated as easy, the trail links together several scenic overlooks for a worthwhile hike. Out-and-back.
Turkey Path Trail: 3.0-miles roundtrip + 680 feet gain. Rated as difficult, this steep trail descends from the rim at Colton Point State Park to the canyon floor. The trail passes by a series of waterfalls. Out-and-back.
⇨ IMPORTANT: There is no bridge across Pine Creek at the bottom and does not connect to the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Scenic Overlook on Rim Trail, Colton Point State Park
↠ Leonard Harrison State Park (east rim)
Sitting on the east rim, Leonard Harrison State Park encompasses 585-acres of pristine landscape. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, Leonard Harrison State Park offers developed hiking trails and outstanding scenic vistas. Additionally, the park has modern facilities, a visitor center, and a PA Wilds Conservation Shop.
Hiking Trails
Overlook Trail: 1.0-miles roundtrip + 250 feet gain. Rated as moderate, this popular trail passes Otter View and other vistas for a scenic hike. Loop.
Turkey Path Trail: 2.0-miles roundtrip + 700 feet gain. Rated as difficult, this steep trail descends from the rim at Leonard Harrison State Park to the canyon floor, connecting to the Pine Creek Rail Trail. The trail passes by a series of small waterfall cascades. Out-and-back.
Otter View on Overlook Trail, Leonard Harrison State Park
↠ Pine Creek Rail Trail
Running through the bottom of the canyon is the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Extending from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore, PA, the Pine Creek Rail Trail is 62-miles in total length. It is a flat, multi-use trail that is perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Winding along the canyon floor adjacent to Pine Creek, the trail offers spectacular views of the creek and gorge from within. The Pine Creek Rail Trail is so exceptional that it has been voted one of the “10 great places to take a bike tour in the world” by USA Today.
Biking along Pine Creek Rail Trail
There are several access points and parking lots along the trail, including nearby Darling Run and Tiadaghton. Hikers are also able to access The Pine Creek Rail Trail from Leonard Harrison State Park via the Turkey Path Trail.
Click here for a map of the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Other Things To Do Nearby
↠ PA Grand Canyon Lookout Tower
Near Leonard Harrison State Park is the PA Grand Canyon Lookout Tower. Climb the tower for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape above the treeline. Admission is $5 per person at the base of the tower, which is payable only by credit card.
Canyon Overlook Tower
↠ Hills Creek State Park
Nearby Hills Creek State Park surrounds Hills Creek Lake and is a great spot for hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. It’s also a lovely park for picnicking or camping.
Hiking Trails
Lake Side Trail: 3.0-miles + 150 feet gain. Rated as moderate, this trail follows the perimeter of Hills Creek Lake. Loop.
Lake Side Trail, Hills Creek State Park
Seasonality
Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks are open everyday of the year, sunrise to sunset. Please note, trails are subject to seasonal closures due to snow and/or ice, typically December through April. Check out the official DCNR website for updates.
⇨ IMPORTANT: As of 11/23/2022, the Turkey Path Trail at Colton Point State Park and the Overlook Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park are closed for the winter season and will remain closed through 4/14/2023.
Exploring the PA Grand Canyon made me realize how truly undervalued the landscapes, state parks, and forests are in Pennsylvania. Between hiking along the rim, taking in the views from the impressive vistas, and biking through the gorge, the PA Grand Canyon has so much to offer for adventure lovers. I hope this Guide to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon inspires you to visit!
