Travel to Tioga, PA- Home of the Pine Creek Gorge
A trip to the Tioga mountains in Summertime is a fun trip for all ages. With so much to do - hiking the PA Grand Canyon, walking or bike riding the 60 miles of rail trails, horseback riding, or tubing down the Pine Creek River, or checking out the quaint, historic town of Wellsboro, there is plenty for everyone to do! Today, we'll let you in on our top activities to try on your next trip.
Biking the Pine Creek Rail Trail
The world-famous Pine Creek Rail Trail in the wilds of Northcentral Pennsylvania stretches for 62 miles and is pure biking heaven. Opened in 1996 and completed 11 years later, the Pine Creek Rail Trail runs on the abandoned and almost perfectly level roadbed of the former New York Central line ending at Lyons, NY—which explains the “L” on mileposts that still stand sentry along the bike-path. It really takes you back-- to hot summer childhood dips in the creek or fun days in simpler times. The cell service is not great in the Canyon, but that's OK. The trail’s terrain includes several waterfalls, marshes, meadows, and fern-filled forest. At the bottom is rapid-riddled waters, great for tubing or splashing around in right next to the path used for biking or walking. You'll notice lots of families enjoying the scenery and spending quality time together, making memories.
In 2001, USA Today ranked the Pine Creek Rail Trail among the 10 greatest biking trips in the world.
Hiking the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (Pine Creek Gorge)
The Canyon is surrounded by public lands, with Leonard Harrison State Park on the eastern rim and Tioga State Forest and Colton Point State Park on the western rim. The eastern rim in Leonard Harrison State Park is the most accessible side of Pine Creek Gorge and closest to the town of Wellsboro. Here, at Leonard Harrison State Park is the scenic lookout point across the expansive canyon. It is absolutely breathtaking as the views from here, it’s possible to see 800 feet down to Pine Creek as it passes through the base of the gorge. From the lookout point is the Turkey Path, the most traveled hiking path to the bottom of the Canyon, which boasts some beautiful waterfalls as you descend the mile-long hike. Don't let the word trail make you think it's easy. It is a challenging hike with switchbacks and stairs, and is pretty challenging. Being in shape before you descend the mile down and mile back up is essential. Nonetheless, it is one of the most beautiful hikes in Pennsylvania!
Book Your Next Vacation Rental in Pennsylvania Wilds, Tioga County!
If the above doesn't make you want to visit the PA Grand Canyon, we don't know what will! Except, maybe a relaxing soak in the hot tub at one of our properties will help. We offer properties in Tioga, Pennsylvania where you get to enjoy the area and have a great nights sleep in one of our homes. We take pride in maintaining excellent spaces where memories will be made for years to come.
Actual photo from Top of the World Wellsboro, located just 3 miles from downtown Wellsboro.