Pine Creek Gorge Reviews

I feel a bit ignorant that I have not been out in this area of my own State before. The sights were magnificent and the overlooks breathtaking. We explored the surrounding area and were amazed at the views from our vantage point.

Do NOT click the directions button! It will take you to Forest City, PA NOT Tioga County where the Canyons are. These directions took us 2 hours out of our way!!!

It might take hour to get from somewhere down inside the canyon (where pine creek flows) to the upper rim of the canyon to one of the scenic overlooks (where the views are great). Just two different views of the same thing.

My wife and I (55+) traveled this Columbus Day weekend to see the fall leaves around the area. We chose the Leonard Harrison State Park based on recommendations from TripAdvisor. We weren't disappointed! Leafs were at 80-90% peak. Unfortunately it was overcast, but we went with it and took a little hike to Otter View. Otter View was spectacular although a little steep. It had great views of Pine Creek to the east. One couple couldn't make it done due to knee replacement surgery. We didn't try Turkey Trail but I heard it was great and has a small waterfall. There is a small gift shop and and little history center with a video worth watching on the history of the area. Water and bathrooms are there as well. The park is very well maintained. If you are a nature watcher and love the see fall colors, then you should really try this. We hope to come back some time, but it was a five hour drive from where we live in Virginia.

To start with, the views from the top of the canyon are stunning!! My boyfriend and I recently spent time hiking from the top of the PA Grand Canyon to the bottom and back again using the Turkey Path. We also spent some time hiking at the bottom along the Pine Creek. In total it was 7 miles and took us a little under 4 hours. What an excellent location for hiking! The hike down the Turkey Path affords awesome views of waterfalls and is primarily shaded. The Pine Creek is a peaceful creek that is home to snakes, beavers and a plethora of birds. We took hiking poles along which helped on the hike back to the top of the mountain. Overall a great day and a highly recommended visit for anyone visiting or living in PA!

We hiked down to Pine Creek Gorge from the last fall. It was really cool, We are planning return around June 2014 to ride to trai
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My family and I enjoyed the pine creek gorge. If you are a hiker or biker this would be exceptional. If you are just looking, go to the Leonard Harrison State Park for the best and easiest views. It was free. Easy to find. Easy parking. AVOID THE PRIVATELY OWNED LOOKOUT TOWER. TOURIST TRAP RIP OFF.

This is an amazing place! The view from the top of the canyon is unbelievable. We weren't brave enough to attempt the turkey path to the bottom of the canyon because it would've taken about 2 hours with the kids. We did take another path which took about 45 minutes. This was easy going down but alittle tougher on the way up. We will definitely be going back and this time we will be prepared to hike all the way to the bottom! We are going to try to go in the fall because I can only imagine how amazing it has to look!

22 October 2011 Went for a bike ride along Pine Creek, renting bicycles at PIne Creek Outfitters. When we arrived the staff was friendly, encouraging, and very helpful. The cost of our adventure included a ride to the starting point, a shuttle back from Blackwell, and a good deal of very helpful information. The Outfitter staff helped adjust the bikes to size, and provided baskets for carrying supplies, cameras, etc. In the 17 miles to Blackwell we encountered a number of scenic spots ideal for picture taking and a porcupine on a tree limb that was a first for the 4 of us. The shuttle driver(s) offered a history of the area. The trail had stops with restrooms and information for progress. Overall a very enjoyable time. The fall foliage added a great deal to the enjoyment. A nice change from the norm and a healthy exercise to boot!

Nice and easy, packed down trail. Peak foiliage is 1st week of October. We missed it by a month but it was cool to see half frozen waterfalls! Take the hike!

My husband and I (who are non-bikers) decided to take the 17-mile bike trek to Blackwell. The staff at PIne Creek were very helpful in getting us started. We started at 10:00 a.m. They drove us to the starting point (because I didn't want to bike on the highway) and picked us up promptly three hours later in Blackwell. The ride is an easy one, if you are accustomed to riding. If you aren't, then (to avoid the excruciating tailbone pain) consider the padded bicycle shorts that I only found out about later from some avid bikers we encountered on the trail. The trail is scenic and shaded in most areas. We encountered some eagles, deer and snakes along our way and there are plenty of places to stop. In Blackwell, there's a little general store that sells sandwiches and pizza, so that you can have lunch or a snack before being picked up for the ride back to the Outfitters. If you have never biked or rarely bike, consider the padded shorts, bring plenty of water and insect repellent with you, and enjoy the ride.

Not really canyon, it's a gorge but filled with beauty and wildlife. Great biking trail created from the train bed at the bottom. Bikes can be rented and trips of varying length with shuttle service back are available. Trail is 60 miles long. Hikers can climb both sides or indulge in numerous other trails of varying lengths.

Words fail to describe this beauty. Miles of mountains surround a river for a almost never ending view of nature. Many different types animals roam freely including eagles and black bears. There are many ways to see the gorge. Two parks are within the gorge; the Colton state park is a park features several viewing areas to look out into the gorge along a deeply wooded trail. This park is deep woods; very little civilization and lots of heavily wooded trails. A campground is within the park and hunting is allowed in certain areas. On the other side of the park is the Leonard Harrison state park. This park features a long paved trail of viewing points without the woods getting in the way. It also has a visitor's center and a gift shop. The turkey trail offers direct access to the Pine Creek rail trail and passes a several waterfalls along the way. Like its sister park, hunting is allowed and there is a campground. Those who wish to see the bottom can use the Pine Creek rail trail, a 62 mile walking/biking trail the cuts through the trail and runs along side the Pine river. Also boating and fishing are allowed in the creek. Truly one of Pennsylvania's hidden gems.

I was visiting a friend in Elmira, NY in October and we had a wonderful time at the Grand Canyon in PA. The park has many scenic overlooks to enjoy. The fall colors were glorious. I bought some nice souveniers at the gift shop. I thought this place was even more magnificent than the better known Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Perfect place to take in the view and go for a hike. Some of the trails are a bit steep for smaller children but overall it was a great place to visit.

The bike trail was very pretty, very leisurely and also very easy! The grade was 1% downhill, so just enough to make you think you were working, but not enough to wear out an old guy. We did 18.3 miles down to Blackwell from Ansonia. The ride gives you a very good feel for the Pennsylvania wilderness; tall trees, very intriguing side canyons, wildlife (saw a bear and a deer), a nice creek and steep sided canyon.

The path is also quite shaded, keeping your ride cool. Path was outstandingly maintained

The manager of our hotel suggested we check out the Pine Creek area for a nice hike. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate, but we will definitely be back to enjoy this place in the future. I was immediately sold on the bike trail that extends a good distance (I believe around 60 miles or so) along the creek. The manager of our hotel highly recommended the creek for kayaking. Pretty scenic bridges can be found all along the trail. The views I'm sure will be spectacular in the fall.

It was my first time at the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, great family spot to hike down to the river and campgrounds for biking, canoeing, kayaking. From campgrounds work way up to get majestic view of mountain ranges and sightings of the American Bald Eagle. The hike up was difficult at first but they have seating areas where you can take in the view and waterfalls or to just catch your breathe.

Our group stayed at the charming Old Wellsboro Inn and visited the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon as a day trip. Even though I imagine the foliage would look it's best in the Fall, our May visit was still filled with spectacular vistas of this glacially-carved canyon. We were fortunate to see a bald eagle soaring from the Leonard Harrison State Park overlook. There were half a dozen turkey vultures riding the thermals too. The park has a welcome center with gift shop, museum and rest rooms. There are 2 hiking trails, the Overlook Trail which is a 0.6 mile loop and the Turkey Path Trail which is challenging but rewarding for views of waterfalls. It's 2 miles roundtrip and descends one mile to the bottom of the Pine Creek Gorge. You can also view the gorge from the west rim by visiting Colton Point State Park. There are opportunities for picnicking & camping at both parks.

We rode the PA Grand Canyon Rail Trail from Darling Run to the Jersey Shore. It was about a 54 mile ride. It's a very easy trail to ride and extremely well taken care of. The trail is mostly packed gravel and very wide and bikes can easily ride side by side if not any other traffic on the trail. We were there the beginning of June when everything was a beautiful lush green color. The views from Darling Run to Slate Run are breathtaking and can't imagine there is many better trails around then this one. The trail ran along the Pine Creek and we stopped to enjoy the beauty often. The trail from Slate Run to Jersey Shore is not as isolated and you see more houses along the way but also ride over several beautiful old railroad bridges. We will definitely ride this trail again and I am sure more then once. It was well worth the four hour drive!

Never realized how beautiful Pennsylvania was till we experienced this area. Founded on the logging industry years ago the results today (reforestation) and the view were breathtaking. Must see.

We were advised by a friendly Visitor Center employee to rent bikes. Best way to see the Canyon. She was right. We rented bikes at Pine River Outfitters near the entrance to the Canyon, and rode 17.2 miles in 3 hours, very gradual (2%) down hill. It was beautiful. We were advised to pick up lunch at Native Bagel and take it with us. We did, and had a lovely picnic at the half-way point. It's a beautiful park, and we are so glad we rode the bikes. Enjoy!

We saw the billboard advertising for it and did a quick google search to see. It was easy enough to get to, a bit of a long windy road but, very pretty. There is a nice parking lot with amenities, and a gift shop...there are multiple overlook areas at various points, and a trail down into the gorge (we did not attempt the trail)
It is a nice stretch your legs/see a view/snap a pic stop if you are traveling...and, there is no fees attached to the stop.....
Nearby, is an observation tower, we saw the sign for this on our way to the gorge...the tower is pretty cool, its 3 bucks a person, credit card only....but its way up there, very cool....it is the first right after leaving the park

I went the when I was just a child but I still have glimpses back to that day. One of the most beautiful set of sights I've ever seen.

My husband and I stayed in a fabulous Airbnb (tranquil studio apt) in the countryside close to Pine Creek Gorge.
We saw a brochure for bike outfitters (Pine Creek outfitters) where you could rent bikes and pedal through the gorge (downhill) for 18 miles and then this company would shuttle van you back.
We got to enjoy the beautiful rails to trails bike path in the gorge as the Autumn leaves were changing and falling. The river was flowing next to the bike path. There were tons of water falls to stop and photograph. And there were even kiosks to stop at to learn things about the area.
Great day!

There are roads that take you right up to the west rim and the east rim of the canyon. You can get some awesome views from the lookout points located along the rims. Plenty of wildlife to see. We recently watched a female bald eagle with her 2 juveniles soaring along the rim. It was a beautiful site! Also saw a peregrine falcon. Plenty of black bears in the area too. So be careful not to leave any food out or disturb a mother with her cubs.

Pine Creek Gorge is a great destination and it is good to approach it from many angles. Getting there by car the best it is to head to Leonard Harrison State Park. Currently the Visitor Center is likely closed (it was, during our visit due to coronavirus precautions) but there is a large parking lot with access to three impressive overlooks, good access for handicapped tourists as well etc. Then is biking and hiking which allows for close ups - including going down to the canyon floor. Many trails start or connect short distance from the parking lot. The lookout tower was not operational during our stay but still there was so much to see!

Many years ago we use to go Whitewater Canoeing with a service that is no longer in business. Since we are familiar with the river, it is a bit easier for us to know where to put in and where to pull out. There are many public launches to start your whitewater trip. The very best way to locate these is get a good map of the Canyon area and park, then talk to people that canoe or raft the area regularly. We usually float down to the Susquehanna River (west branch), starting out near Colton Rd. Pine Creek can be wild during spring thaw season with class 3+ rapids. Most of the summer it is a great run for novices with most rapids being a mellow class 2 but it does depend on the river water levels. This is a great place for rafting without a ton of stress and danger. We always pack our lunch for a picnic at a small park stop, down river named Tiadaghton. This place is interesting in itself (Read the Plaque that explains the who, what, where, when and why about this past village. You will see tons of wildlife. Bald Eagles have been seen at times as well as the occasional timber rattlesnake. It is just a great outdoor activity spot. From hiking, rafting, biking or sight seeing, there is a lot to do for everyone at any skill level. If you are into whitewater, this is the spot for you.

We rode the Pine Creek Trail from Ansonia to Waterville on a crystal clear fall day. (Pine Creek Outfitters picked us up in Waterville and drove us and our bikes back to our car.) The trail was not crowded, is basically flat, and has a easy-to-ride crushed limestone surface. There is some but not much water and no food on the trail until you get to Slate Run, so come prepared. "Comfort stations"--outhouses--are reasonably frequent and have toilet paper. Some also have waterless hand sanitizer. The scenery was beautiful the entire ride. The area from Ansonia to Blackwell had no development--no houses, shops, roads, etc. Just you and the canyon.

When in season, this is by far one of the best places in PA to see the colors in all their glory. Many locations to check out the views but ours by far was the main overlook. It is a decent walk, but if you don't need assistance, well worth it. Make sure the battery on your phone and or camera is charged. You'll need it for all the gorgeous views.

If you want some great picture opportunities, I highly recommend stopping by for a visit. Bring your family, they have an education room, gift shop, and a maple stand to try some tasty maple products. Allow at least 2 hours if you want to walk the waterfall trail. :)

Have visited many times, but had not visited since !993. I took my family for the hike on the Turkey trail and we had a great time. At the bottom, we played in Pine Creek for about an hour. The hike back up was a little more difficult, but it was fine. the view are great. It was a nice break in the day and it was good to get out of the car and move around.

We recently spent 5 days in cabin outside Wellsboro to do some hiking in Grand Canyon of PA area. We took our bikes with us to ride the rails to trails.....the rails to trails system is fantastic! Weather was cool, had few showers but otherwise a nice 5 days. Trails were nice and Wellsboro is neat town to walk and visit local shops.

We ate at the Penn Wells hotel restaurant one evening and the food was excellent; would definitely return and hopefully next year we will go back and check out more trails. Biggest problem is finding cabin for 5-6 people that is located near the rails to trails and Wellsboro.

I biked the Pine Creek Rail Trail this Memorial Day weekend. Beautiful views and lots of history along the way. Started in Wellsboro PA and finished in Jersey Shore PA. A good weekend trip with lots of campsites along the way. Lots of places to hike apparently as well, but we didn't stop to hike. Even just walking along the area is beautiful as well. If you plan to camp at any of the campsites, I believe you need a permit.

The biking is superb on this well maintained trail that follows an abandoned railroad adjacent to the Pine Creek in Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. The Trail's signage is excellent and the aggregate stone surface of the trail is the best unpaved trail that we have ever biked on. The rest facilities were frequent and kept in good condition. Vehicle parking is more than adequate and located at appropriate mileage points. Pennsylvania is to be congratulated for the establishment of ths trail and continued effort to improve it!

We visited the PA Grand Canyon the first weekend in September and had a wonderful time. We came in off Rt 6 at the East Rim of the Canyon by following 660 E. We enjoyed the majestic views of the canyon from above and then followed the Turkey path about 1.5 miles along a steep winding path to the base of the Canyon. As you get lower there are guard rails and wooden bridges and stairs to assist with your trek. We viewed several small waterfalls from the lookouts on the stairs. Many photo ops! At the end of the trail you run into the Rail Trail that was highly trafficked during our visit. The climb up was fairly mild, but did get huffing and puffing a bit. This is a definite stop when in the Wellsboro area and can be completed in about 1.5-2 hours time if you enjoy the scenery.

Pine Creek Gorge is often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. After finally seeing it, I have to say I don't care for that moniker at all. Don't misunderstand as that is not meant as a negative! Pine Creek Gorge is very different from the Grand Canyon in that it truly is a showcase for the geology and natural beauty of the northeast portion of the country. If you enjoy the real outdoors, such as truly rustic areas free of shopping areas, gift shops and kitschy eateries, then you will find plenty to enjoy here. There is a town within 30 minutes drive (Wellsboro) where you can find plenty of more modern amenities if you are more the walk around and take a few pictures type of tourist. Just be forewarned that if you are expecting antique shops and a more guided approach, you may be more satisfied with a tour bus visit to the gorge and visiting the surrounding areas instead.

However, if your tastes runs more towards the rustic outdoors, then the variety of trails with varying degrees of difficulty will be enjoyable. There are plenty of flat well packed stone trails that are negotiable for almost anyone, up to trails that will require significant effort and should not be attempted by those that have any health issues or are not prepared (backpacks, water, first aid, etc). The place is huge and after being here just a couple days, I see we vastly underestimated the amount of time we would have enjoyed being here. There are plenty of options for camping, all the way from modern, "family style" campgrounds to primitive camps (a clearing in the woods which may have an outhouse).

Apparently there are a few Fire Towers situated around the gorge and we located one near our campground and checked it out for some awesome views. A bit of a challenge for those nervous with heights, but certainly worth the effort. We visited in mid-October which worked out perfect for seeing the autumn colors as long as you don't mind the brisk weather. This will definitively be staying on our "let's do that again soon" list.

We took a family walk with three grandkids 4 and under. Nice gentle walk with river viewso and interesting bridges. Watched rafters and cancers in the water, it looked like a lot of fun.

If you like the outdoors this a perfect getaway. We did a day hike on the west rim which was absolutely lovely. We did a scenic and challenging canoe trip on the Upper Pine Creek. The bike trail is wonderful. There's even a scenic overlook on the east rim that is close to the road if you can't hike very far. Don't forget to look for wildlife. Enjoy!

Visited 3 different parks and hiked 3 different trails. Also took a covered wagon tour as well as biked the rail trails. Saw the gorge from all different view points. This may be the Grand Canyon of PA but it is not the Grand Canyon. Nonetheless, the views were spectacular, especially since we were hitting the peak of the Fall season. Aside from the beautiful scenery, there is fascinating history to the Gorge as well.

We saw the fascinating gorge from the top, at Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park; then we were glad we took the opportunity to explore the bottom of the gorge. We rented bikes, and biked about 3 hours round-trip on this easy trail. My husband and I don't get to bike very much; we found riding this trail to be very comfortable; it was wide, and the surface was pretty easy throughout. This is a lovely ride, as you watch the creek wind and turn, with lovely foliage around it. Occasionally, there are even cute little houses, and a foot bridge. It also provided access to the low end of the Turkey Path Trail, where, someone like me, who is afraid of heights, can go up about 5 minutes on the stepped trail, and see beautiful views of a waterfall! This was a great way to see the Pine Creek Gorge at the bottom. The trail actually goes much further than we went, for serious bikers. We took lots of photos. We would definitely do this again!

I thought I had gotten lost on the way to the "canyon" so I had stopped at the Tioga County Visitors Bureau and I am so glad I did. The folks there are really nice and provided maps. It ended up I wasn't lost at all but the information I received from the Visitors Bureau helped me a lot.

If you are looking for hiking trails and to be more in touch with nature go to the west rim at Colton State park accessible off Rte 6.

If you are traveling with people who have mobility issues, small children or cannot negotiate hiking trails go to the East rim at Leonard Harrison State Park which is basically at the end of Rte 660. I was traveling with my parents - both in their 70s and this side worked out very well for us. There are some nature hiking trails that are well marked with what you will see and the distances. For us the best trail had the rock and concrete paths and steps. There were handrails and platforms that provided really nice views of the area, as well as, places to rest if needed. There are nice, clean restrooms, a gift shop, a small display of the local wildlife and a continually running video about the area. There is also a covered picnic area. We enjoyed this park very much and will probably stop here again if we are back in the area.

We were there in Oct, & the color of the leaves were beautiful. You could see for miles. We would have liked to have stayed a lot longer than our Tour bus allowed. There are some trails if you have time. Access is good & many different levels of observation decks. Short history movie beside the gift shop. Natures beauty at its Best.

Drove from PA 287 to PA 414 in Morris. Then down to Blackwell and our destination Cedar Run. Hiked several miles of the old railroad bed but now it is wide, well packed, and good enough for both hikers and bicyclists. It was so beautiful to look "up" at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon instead of looking down. Very peaceful with Pine Creek flowing right beside you.
PS The Cedar Run General Store has great ice cream!!!

The views are lovely, but I wouldn't say they are jaw dropping or exceptional. The gorge at Letchworth State Park in upstate New York is far more impressive!

What a beautiful area and spectacular views. I would recommend stopping here if you are in the are. We only made a quick stop here on our way to NY for a couples trip. We made the short hike to Barbour Rock and got to look down the gorge to the stream below. I would like to come back to the area with my bike and bike the whole gorge trail.

We were two couples who took two days to ride this trail. We started in Wellsborough and finished in Jersey Shore, overnighting at the Cedar Run Inn (see my review submitted for the Cedar Run Inn - fantastic B&B!).

This trail is in the best shape I've ever seen for a crushed rock trail. We never hit even a single bump ... no washouts ... just perfect. The trail was maintained so very well ... thank you PA! Wildlife? We saw plenty of deer, many, many hummingbirds at Cedar Run Inn, two bald eagles, lots of trout fishermen and quite a few orioles. The beauty of this area is well worth our drive (from DC). Lastly, periodic stops for lunch and ice cream added even more happiness. Bathrooms were situated periodically and as nice as they could be (clean, but hold your breath!).

Hiked the turkey trail at Leonard Harrison State park from the top one mile to the bottom. Beautiful water falls along the way spilling into Pine Creek. Flat trail at the bottom following the creek bed is an excellent place for biking, hiking, or taking a covered wagon ride. 259 wooden steps as well as winding incline back up the hill is not for the faint of heart. Beautiful vistas of the canyon from this east rim site. Colton State park offers views from the west rim and hiking trails. Early October when the leaves change would be awesome.

Lovely way to spend a crisp fall day, visiting the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. If you a walker/hiker you will want to take the Turkey Trail for some beautiful views. You can start at Leonard Harrison Park and follow the trail for four and a half miles. Or you can just spend some time just taking in the views from the top. There are actually several parks to view the Pine Creek Gorge from, including Colton Point approximately 10 miles from Harrison and farther south at Waterville.

Spectacular views! Well worth the hike to the bottom of the gorge and back. There is a pretty waterfall along the way, and it's nice to stop at the river & soak your feet. Enjoy!

This place is hyped as the grand canyon of PA. of course, it does not have the barren redness and the grandeur of the Grand canyon but it's a very nice place for a day out. This canyon could be seen from 3 state parks and we went to the Leonard Harrison state park as it has the best views. There is also a small trail which takes you to the otter view - which is different from the main view but also a very nice view. We went there a week before the official fall period. The colors were nice but would have been sensational on a proper fall day. All in all a nice place to go out for a day.

Talk about a beautiful view! I only visited the east rim (Leonard Harrison Park) as we arrived later in the day. Sadly, we did not get to the other side to visit Colton Point State Park. If you are a hiker, bring your best shoes. I had only sandals so I did not do any hiking but you can hike to the bottom of the gorge. Some of my friends did and while very steep, stated it was a nice hike. There is also a visitor center and picnic tables. If you are not hiking or picnicking, your visit will be much shorter than the 2-3 hours I gave it in my review. There was a small food vendor there, but we had just eaten in town so we did not pay much attention to what they offered.

We have biked many trails (C&O Canal, Great Allegheny Passage, Greenbrier River Trail) and the Pine Creek Rail Trail is about as nice as you can get! We stayed and started just North of Jersey Shore and rode to Wellsboro. Gorgeous scenery and wildlife along the trail. The Canyon concept is a little overblown as we really were not sure where it started and ended and we've seen bigger canyons along C&O and Great Allegheny Passage, but it is all beautiful. No trash evident and the trail was in excellent shape, even the day after a heavy rain. Drinking water was a little scarce so I recommend bringing your own and cell service is non-existent. There were frequent signs about the local timber ratlesnake population and we were fortunate enough to see a (very) big one along side the trail. And yeah, spent a little time fishing in Pine Creek...very nice!

Great trails and views! A must see if you're in the area. We like the switchback trail down to the water. There is a nice path for bikes, as well.

Both are great, but I put "Pine Creek Gorge" into google maps and ended up an hour away from my destination. There are some great areas for swimming and kayaking in Pine Creek Gorge. The views are amazing from the PA grand Canyon. If you're trying to get to PA grand canyon, it's actually located in Colton Point State Park.

You definitely need a few days to explore this magnificent wonder! I recommend the helcopter ride! Amazing..the ONLY way to truly see it! BUT make sure you know EXACTLY which side of the Canyon and which airport youre going to! We ended up at the West side and we needed to be on the South! 4 hours out of our way :-/

I haven't been there in so long and I took my family on our trip last week. It was sad how low Pine Creek is since they have been pulling water for the gas drilling. Other than that it was a great time and it brought back many memories and now I have made new memories with them. Always a great place to go!!!

It's such a pleasure to enjoy scenery in the State I live in. This place by far is the best I've visited to date. The view is breathtaking. The spot we went to is off of 44. We got lost at first, had to ask for directions. We were warned that the 6 mile strecth in was gravel road (which was fine). Watch for wildlife, we saw a huge buck and another visitor saw a bear. So take your time driving in you will be certain to something.

The Turkey Path runs about a mile from the rim of Pine Creek Gorge to the bottom. We went very early in the morning and were the only people there. Going down is difficult (we're fit but middle-aged) but coming back up was fun (and quicker). We used walking poles, which were a great help in both directions. At the bottom, we did see a heron, but were concentrating too much on the path to see much else en route!

We will surely be back. Brought up our comfort bikes and our bike trailer for our 1 yr old and did 17 miles no problem. We had the local outfitters take our car to Blackwell and it worked out greAt. We only wish we had sent our car further south so we could have ridden a little extra. Watch out for the rattlesnakes... We saw five along the trail!

Wife & I have been here a few times; ideally one should visit in the fall when the colors come alive. A bit far "out of town", but well worth the trip!

Great trail to bike! Clean, friendly, rest rooms, picnic spots and lots to see. My head was on a swivel looking everywhere. We had Pine Creek Outfitters drive our SUV down the trail 20 miles so it was there waiting for us.

Seen Bald Eagle, Deer and Turkey. The view amazing. Love the area, will be a return visitor for sure. Be prepared for the trails. The trails have different levels off difficulty. Don't forget your camera

My wife and I camped on the trail and spent a weekend riding on the trail. The trail was in excellent condition, and the scenery was terrific. The only couple of drawbacks that I saw for the trail were a) lack of a clear, simple route to travel from the bike trail to the rim of the gorge to get a better view and b) lack of access points. The lack of access points can be a great benefit as it helps the ride to develop a nice rhythm, but my wife and I got hungry on our ride and had to wait until we reached the very northern terminus of the trail to get a bit to eat at a nice little restaurant/market at the end of the trail. Overall though, it was an excellent adventure with a surprisingly flat and wide trail that allowed us to see deer, eagles, snakes, butterflies, herons, and turtles as we biked. I would definitely suggest it as a destination for anyone who likes to get out and enjoy nature.

Stayed overnight in Williamsport. Drove over to Jersey Shore, PA and started the drive north along Pine Creek up to Leonard Harrison State Park. Beautiful vistas and very nice facilities. Took the Turkey Path trail down to the river - well maintained trail - allowed for beautiful, peaceful, enjoyment of nature! The walk back up could be a little more challenging for some but there are a number of nicely spaced benches to rest. Be sure to take a minute to read the brochure and learn the local history - it makes it much more meaningful! Also, if you truly appreciate nature, I would recommend a weekday visit if possible - a lot less people. Recommend packing a light lunch and water bottles, and wear decent shoes.

A very scenic park with a few over looks for stopping and looking down the Pine Creek Gorge a very peaceful and beautiful place to visit

this is a very deep, veryyy long canyon that runs for over 40 miles on the outskirts of Wellsboro, PA. there are a few different lookouts that you can go to and they have pretty good views, obviously you won't be seeing all of the huge canyon, but they provide very good views. when we went today some of the fall leaves were still in color so that was pretty, but we probably missed their peak by just a week or two. there's a campground here as well as a little visitor's center and tiny gift shop in the state park that's located at one of the edges of the canyon. it's a nice place to camp or just to stop by if you have the time. gorgeous canyon and I really want to visit in the summer sometime, too. :)

We had rented of bikes and biked on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. The trail is 57 miles long and consists of hard-packed gravel surface. It used to be where the train came through. Now-a-days, to our delight it is a bike path!

We saw some beautiful views and lovely towns.

On the advice of other trip advisor users we went to the Leonard Harrison state park to view the PA grand canyon and were so glad we did, the views were incredible. We also went along the path on the pine creek trail which was also very beautiful with creeks where we enjoyed playing in the river. We also went into the town of Wellsboro nearby which was lovely and had a drink/pudding in the Wellsboro diner which is well worth going for the experience as is a proper 1950's coach type diner

Great view some trails are easy for kids. But most are not! But had a great time hiking anyway pretty mountains

Imagine floating in clear mountain fed water. See the fish swim by. Take your cooler enjoy a cocktail or beer while you float at a nice easy pace with beautiful mountains all around. We saw a variety of fish, deer and yes The American bald eagles flying above us. I choose this over the dirty ocean where you can't see your feet or the preditors swimming all around you. No brainer relax on pine creek, no worries. Hunting, fishing, canoeing, tubing, kayaking it is all here on pine creek!

really enjoyed it ,although weather less than perfect. Lots of hiking trails,viewing spots,etc. Be sure to picnic at CCC pavillions,and then head West on US 6 to see ruins of Kinzua rail bridge. Perry's Ice Cream to be found every where and is Very Good! Check out flickerwood Winerey in Kane,Pa also Just travel US 6 and take your time

The view at the overlook is spectacular. The Turkey Path trail is a mile long switchback trail down to the river. It does include some wooden stairs. The way down is easy. Going back up is intense. Pace yourself.

The sights and views of this nature beauty is just amazing. I couldn't stop gawking at the wonderful scenes of the Canyon. There are many things to do while visiting. It was a fun way to spend our extended weekend.

A great ride - the 1st 18 miles are through breath taking gorge walls along a stream with wild life abound. The trail is very well maintained - we ride 20 to 40 miles a weekend training for the GAP trail and this is one of the nicest trails we have been on.

The section after the gorge is dotted with very quaint villages that are a serious throw back to a by gone era.

The water refill stations and rest rooms are at well spaced intervals and are well maintained.

My only comment - which is not a negative comment - be ware that once you are in the gorge you are committed to either turn around to get out or get to the end of the gorge - 18 miles later - there is no other way out but the beginning or the end of the gorge - it is too steep - so plan accordingly.

Once you are out of the gorge there are plenty of access points.

What a beautiful place to visit, picnic, hike, white water raft, or just relax...
If you go in the Fall even better...

This was a way stop on our epic motorcycle trip to the Finger Lakes of NY. This was easy to find (Leonard Harrison Park) and provided some excellent vistas! We were able to spend almost an hour just drinking in the beauty. We saw some turkey vultures soaring high above the valley floor and generally felt a connection with nature. The park is very well maintained and well worth the trip.

We live in PA and have never been to the PA Grand Canyon. We decided to take a little time to drive to the area of Wellsboro, PA and explore. We are so happy that we did! Our objective for this trip was to explore what the PA Grand Canyon had to offer and plan a trip in the spring of 2015 with friends.
We enjoyed walking the beautiful trails throughout the mountains and enjoyed the view of the autumn leaves from the overlook areas. Every view was more awesome than the next with the changing leaves and the beautifully crafted landscape.
We spent a few hours in the town of Wellsboro. We walked main street in town and found that it seemed little had changed there for many decades. It was quiet and there were some very nice little shops. We found an afternoon farmer's market in front of the visitor's center and we were able to get many locally grown, raised, and made items including produce, meats, breads, soaps and lotions, eggs and more.
We were wondering what the place must be like (traffic specifically) in the height of the season with a lot of folks camping and enjoying so many outdoor options for fun, but for this trip we found the town, the connecting roads to the park(s) area(s) and attractions easy to find and the roads leading us there were easy to navigate.
It is worth mentioning that reservations for hotels this time of year is recommended. Most are booked in advance so finding a great place to stay during your visit in the Fall may be a challenge unless you plan ahead a little bit.
The options for things to do include biking and horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, camping, train rides, covered wagon tours along with water, plane tours and more. This place fits the budget of almost anyone and almost any size group.
We plan to return to the Canyon again in the Spring for hiking (over 100 miles of trails available) and biking along the Rail Trail (62 mile gently graded, graveled path through the Pine Creek Gorge.
This is a place for folks looking to be outdoors and have fun doing what they love with family and friends or by themselves...and doing it all surrounded by majestic scenery. No need to be fancy here, just plain old fashioned playing outside!

I was taken away by the beauty of this place. The park on the east side (I've forgotten the name) had some great vistas and educational platforms. We didn't come intending to hole, but I'd really like to come back and do some exploring. I bet it is unbelievable in the autumn!

Enjoyed everything about this trip. Hiking trials are great. Some are more challenging then others. Great area for biking also. We did not do this, but many of the trails were traveled by cyclist.

This was a very nice spot to take a few minutes at. There were trails to hike but we did not have the time. Got a nice view from the East Rim. Only complaint - the "smoker signs/ash trays" all along the viewing area. Without the bikers smoking all over the place - it would have been a five star rating, Why do they need to smoke while the general public with families simply wants to take in the canyon views? How about a smoking pavilion for their habit?

We camped in a tent at the top of the canyon. We hiked with little kids up and down the turkey trail and around the otter trail. They had absolutely no problem with the trails (I was huffing and puffing!) Firewood was easy to get, the camp site was fine -- picnic table, fire ring with grill for a wood fire, and a level site for the tent. Bathroom facilities were modern and clean and the kids liked the playground.

We departed the Philly suburbs Friday night, stayed in a great Hilton Garden just of Rt 115 just south of Wilkes-Barre. There was a great Japanese steakhouse right next door which you have to try. The name eludes me now, Sorry! The next day we took off for the PA Grand Canyon. It’s just a quick 125 miles from Wilkes-Barre. Go up Rt 93, following the river, to Rt6. The Grand Canyon has beautiful views from the top where the lookouts are but if you're on a bike, take the trek down and around to the bottom. It's about 100- 120 miles with some really great roads. Definitely stay in Wellsboro. I recommend The Sherwood Motel. As motels go, it's the best. It’s family owned and right in the heart of town. By the way this is a motorcycle friendly town. All the locals were so friendly and gave us honest advice on where to eat and drink after the days ride. After departing Wellsboro and heading home to Philly, go back down the canyon and get on Rt 44 heading to Jim Thorpe. It's was truly a great bike road. A great 2-3 day ride.

Great place. If you lobe a nice walk and to experience nature, it is wonderful. When we were there, the Eagles were soaring.There is much more to do as well, so make a whole day out of it.
Stop by Timeless Destination, Jay the owner is wonderful. The food AMAZING
The Cruz Family

Very friendly, helpful staff for hiking, biking, or rafting. This time we went biking, for the first time, along the base of the PA Grand Canyon on a once railway trail. Highlights were a porcupine, beautiful fall colors and sighting an eagle on our adventure. The trail is well maintained, equipment was is very good condition and the knowledgeable staff made a very enjoyable experience. Spring attraction for me was a group trip rafting (a couple of times) in all different weather with this same outfit, always an enjoyable memorable time.

This beautiful forest boasts trails to hike, bike and water fun too. One of the most astounding places in the state. Waterfalls, vistas, just relaxing places to sit and listen to the bountiful bird populations, view chipmunks, deer, bobcat, and even bear.

Okay, so biking 17 miles from Ansonia to Blackwell thru the PA Grand Canyon with our 8 year old daughter was a bit ambitious. She quit at mile 1, mile 2, then mile 2.5. Finally, we bribed her to finish with promises of ice cream and souveniers and she made it. Our son, age 9, didn't have any problems. Beautiful, well maintained trail. Bald eagle spotted and a baby rattlesnake. Took us about 5 hours or maybe a little more with all our stops and starts and exploring a few of the waterfalls along the way. Miller's General Store in Blackwell has $1 ice cream. Gotta stop there on your way out. The next day we rafted from Ansonia to Blackwell in a raft from Pine Creek Outfitters. Also ambitious with kids as it took us a good 6 or 7 hours to make the trip and we did not stop very often. Water level was perfect at just over 3 feet. Be careful at Otawassa (sp) rapids. That's a tricky one, especially with only one person rowing. Stay left to avoid the rock.

My wife & I rode an off road tandem, starting at the Jersey Shore, PA trailhead. There is ample parking there as well as a restroom building (there are a few other restroom buildings along the trail). There is also a supermarket adjacent to the east side of that parking lot in case you wanted to get some food to take with you. There is a convenience store adjacent to the trail in Waterville where you can get food and ice cream. There is also a town playground in Waterville (good for kids). As another reviewer said, there really is no place to get water along the trail - you do need to bring your own. Being on an old railbed, the grade is minimal, except where it crosses over RT-220. The trail
is only paved for about 1/2 mile leading out from the Jersey Shore trailhead. Beyond that, it is dirt and fine gravel ... much of it is shaded with trees. Bikes with hybrid/commuter tires will be fine.
One more thing. There are numerous gates (intended to keep vehicles out) that you must pass through where you need to make "S" curves around them. Not an issue on a single bike, but a little squirrely on a tandem.
Otherwise, it's a fine trail to go out on for a few hours.

My family and I visited this site in late June this year. First of all, the views are almost breathtaking. Than there is the "Turkey Path." This is not for the faint at heart. It is a one mile long, winding trail down to the canyon floor. The trail is very narrow at some points and slippery. This could be dangerous for some people so be careful. It is more difficult going down than up. That being said, the views are spectacular and it is definitely worth the journey down the trail. Now the trip back up takes some stamina because you have gravity working against you. But as I said before, it still seems easier going up than down...especially since I had my two little ones (10 year old daughter and 8 year old son) in tow. But you should at least try it once. It is well worth it. The round trip up and down the Turkey Path takes approx. 1 1/2 hours. I thought I would never do it again, but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Enjoy.

Pine Creek Gorge, aka the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, is a scenic and multi-use recreational area in a rural section of the state, mainly in Tioga County. The Gorge has overlooks on the east side at Colton Point State Park and the west side at Leonard Harrison State Park. Both are in the northern section of the gorge near the town of Wellsboro. Leonard Harrison SP has what is termed "modern" facilities which consist of a series of decks built into the top of a cliff and provides easy access for most people to view the gorge. The Colton Point side is much older and was built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Thus, it is more rugged but provides excellent views of the gorge as well. The overlook at Leonard Harrison SP attracts buses and is generally more crowded than Colton Point because the walking access is much easier at Leonard Harrison SP. Both are well off of the local main roads. As with most Pennsylvania state parks, admission is free which is a great benefit. From either overlook, you can see several miles down the gorge and get some great photos.

This real highlight of the gorge is the rail-trail that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania built on the floor of the gorge. This trail, known as the Pine Creek Rail Trail, runs over 30 miles from Wellsboro to the town of Jersey Shore just west of Williamsport. It is very well maintained and runs through wilderness areas on the trail. It is perfect for biking or hiking. The trail is hard-packed McAdam and attracts many, many bikers on weekends. It is accessible from many areas with parking provided at key locations and restroom facilities at key points on the trail. Detailed information on the trail is available from the visitors bureaus of Clinton, Lycoming or Tioga Counties including a helpful map. It is very scenic during all times of the year but particularly so in the Fall.

We did not have enough time to hike the trails of this beautiful Oark, but the view alone is well worth the trip. You will be amazed and astounded. We plan to go back during fall foilage time.

We went to the PA Grand Canyon for the first time in 2011. Luckily we didn't take our motorhome. We had not planned to visit, we were in the area for a MX race at Miles Mountain and decided on a side trip. We asked someone in Wellsboro the best way and they directed us to The Leonard Harrison Park scenic overlook. The view was fantastic! But the road was not big enough for an RV.

A well maintained park and the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen in a state park. The view is amazing from the sturdy overlook areas and there are some interesting placards to read. The gift shop has very affordable t-shirts and sweatshirts for all ages.

Breathe taking. Wish we had longer then the day to visit. MAke sure to view from both the East and West rim of the Canyon (Colton point and Harrison). Harrison Lookout probably had the best views. The views are...amazing. Make sure to visit Overlook Tower....a lookout Tower on Mt. Joy on the West Rim. There is a $3 pp charge (cc only) and it is creepy as heck walking up, but it offers the highest panoramic view. We watched the set set from here....glorious.

Our stop in January of 2016 was amazing. While all the trails were closed to hiking they outlook was open and the views were amazing. When we arrived the night before had dropped about 2-3 inches of snow on the ground and my kids had a blast tossing snowballs into the gorge. I can't explain how nice the views were at this time of year. There was no crowd at all and everything was closed including bathrooms.

We definitely plan on making this trip again at a warmer time so we can do more exploring.

In the area of Pine Creek Gorge several times a year and it is always a wonderful place to visit. Nice hiking and biking trails on the rail trail. Take time and enjoy God's wonderful work.

If you like beautiful views, good hiking, biking, & fresh air this place will be a nice place to visit. Spent a few nights in nearby Wellsboro and drove to do some biking and hiking on each side of the gorge. Great trip and a quick drive from Rochester NY. Next year we plan on kayaking down the Creek.

Wife and I spent three days bicycle touring on and around the Pine Creek Trail. The trail itself is well maintained packed gravel surface with plenty of rest stations. Flat and straight so you can't get lost and not super challenging. This also means it can get boring. There is one commercial campground with showers but the state camp grounds are toilets and pump water only. Places to find food are rare especially at the north end, so be prepared. Those wishing more challenge and better views can ride the lightly traveled roads along the rim of the canyon such as West Rim Road. Forewarned these are difficult, "improved dirt" roads. Those with the right bikes and the right skills will be rewarded, however.

All of the online information called this PA's Grand Canyon. While there is a nice gorge it in no way resembled what I saw online. A large natural area comprised of two parks with a large gorge. We hiked to find the waterfall. Very steep and narrow winding path with wet rock and composting leaves. Be prepared and be careful. I believe if we had completed the downward trek we would have gotten a good picture of the waterfall, but we gave up about half way down. About one and half hours north you can see numerous falls at Watkins Glen, Letchworth State Park and Buttermilk Falls with more ease. Do your research. Depending upon the Park you are still committing to hundreds of steps if you want to hike up and take all of the falls head on. Happy hiking.

This has nothing in common with the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Still it is quite beautiful, as we see the nearby river meander amongst the hills. The sunsets here are so awesome! We took a trek through a designated path in the woods as well. We sure enjoyed this!

I most certainly wouldn't call it the Grand Canyon. I think the whole experience could have been better if we planned to go during the autumn so we could see the trees changing colors. There were a lot of local attractions; we went horseback riding, hiking, and on a canyon wagon ride. We stayed in nearby Wellsboro, PA which was a nice, little town. Overall, if you're looking for something to wow you based on the logic that it's the Grand Canyon of the East, then you will be disappointed. If you're simply looking for a nice place to experience nature, then you're in the right state of mind to appreciate this location.

If you enjoy the wilderness, this is a great day trip. Excellent views from the neighboring state parks and many trails to enjoy.

We just got back from three days cycling along the Pine Creek Rail-to-Trail through the Grand Canyon of PA. We saw 4 bald eagles along our travels and lots of beautiful countryside. Day 1 we had Ansonia Outfitters shuttle us with our bikes from Ansonia to Blackwell (about 20 miles by bike) and rode back. Then spent the night at the Cedar Run Inn which is about half way on the 62 mile trail down to Jersey Shore, PA. the trail runs right behind the Inn so day 2 we did 35 miles round trip right out of the parking lot down to Cammal. Thought August might not be the best time to go - but could not have been better. Yes it was hot, but so much of the trail is tree-lined and shaded the heat wasn't a problem. Trails were not crowded at all - saw maybe 10 people on bikes over the two days we rode so it was pretty much ours alone to enjoy. Stopped at the Hotel Manor for lunch one day - very good. Our stay at the Cedar Run Inn was delightful - included dinner and breakfast with the room. Every window in the breakfast room at Cedar Run has hummingbird feeders and the little guys entertain you at every meal!

We visited the PA Grand Canyon right when the leaves were changing their color, it was beautiful to see. The staff at the Visitor Center were very helpful in giving us directions to find the best place to view the Canyon. We also hike a trail that was very user friendly. We were traveling with our 6 year old granddaughter and did not want anything to rigorous. Would encourage everyone to stop and see the Canyon, if traveling in the fall the beautiful ride to and from is worth the trip itself.

If you are passing through Wellsboro, be sure to take the short ride to see Pine Creek Gorge or the Pa Grand Canyon. You will be astounded at how rugged the landscape is and how deep the gorge. This is part of a Pennsylvania State Park so admission is free. You can go to either the west or east sides; the east side has the visitors center; the west side has a campground, trails and a few lookouts. You can also hike or bike the trail alongside Pine Creek. I highly recommend this stop.

Camping trip/ vacation. Stopped by here, Stayed in the State Park, did hiking and some other things. Can only imagine what it would look like in the fall. When hiking down, remember, you have to hike back up too.

The way we went in, we passed a privately owned fire tower that offered view from top. Went back and tried it. It was worth the few bucks.

In early Sept, I visited the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania while travelling US Route 6 in northern Pennsylvania with my husband. This PA state park has, like the big cousin in Arizona, two rims, that are an easy drive from each other.The East rim is located about 15 miles west of the charming town of Wellsboro, in Leonard Harrison State Park, well marked and easy to find. The West rim is in Colton Point State Park. This is mountainous country, with not many roads, so we stopped at Tioga County visitor center for directions, and found the west rim easily.
A beautiful, green canyon with lots of hiking trails, from easy to hard. When we visited, we were dodging the rains of Tropical Storm Lee. That day, there were a few shafts of sunlight, which after rain for several days, made everything magical. We took a carriage ride at the bottom of the canyon, and got a close up view of the bottom, with narration that gave the area life. This was not free.
It is a lovely area, with camping nearby. Helpful for planning a trip here is the county website, which offers information on lodging, restaurants, and other attractions Worth the trip

We were camping at Lyman Run State park and spent a day here. Before visiting we prepped out teenagers by telling them not to expect the Grand Canyon Arizona type rock views that it was a vast valley with trees. The park trails were great. We had a great time exploring! Be aware the phone reception is spotting in this area. At our Lyman Run state park there is zero reception and we had to go a few miles into town to use phones. And parts of the Grand Canyon park we had spotty service.

My husband & I recently traveled to the PA Grand Canyon to view the fall foliage. It was well worth the trip. We hiked the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park down the 1 mile to the bottom of the canyon. It was at times steep & rocky but has several viewing platforms with seating that give you a few minutes to catch your breath. The views of the waterfall are beautiful. If you don't feel like hiking, the viewing area along the rim is very nice as well. You don't get to see the waterfalls but the view of the canyon is lovely.

I visited this state park in October and camped at a primitive campsite overnight with a friend. The parking location is less than half a mile from the primitive campsites, and is well maintained. The campsites too offer good views of the gorge. The place may be hard to find while driving though as the signs along the dirt roads are obliterated.

We did an 18 mile bike ride through the canyon proper with a shuttle service returning us back to Pine Creek Outfitters, through whom we had rented our bikes. Our 8 year old's endurance was tested by this ride, but he prevailed and was quite proud of himself. The bike ride was beautiful and all members of my family enjoyed it. We then hiked the rim of the canyon, from which the view is spectacular. A GREAT couple's or family day. The bike trail is one of the most enjoyable I have ever been on and is an easy ride. I suggest shuttle service if you have people in your party who want to enjoy a longer ride but don't necessarily have the endurance to go through the canyon and back.

We arrived after a very long drive through PA. This was an anniversary trip for my husband and I. We had driven for most of the day before we arrived at the PA Grand Canyon. We were a little disappointed as it wasn't as spectacular as some of the literature had made it out to be. It was beautiful, don't get me wrong. Maybe if we were able to have visited for longer and done more it would have been a different story. But on first view, this attraction fell a bit short.

I visited the Grand Canyon of PA for the first time with my son on June 16, 2012. We did some hiking on the west side and on the east side. There are numerous well placed overlooks. On the west side we walked around the rim trail taking in the views, and then down the turkey path trail to the waterfall. On the east side we walked around the overlook trail. The east is definitely more developed with a visitor center and a gift shop. The trails on the east side are also better marked and easier to follow. All in all it was a great family excursion. For those with small children, I wouldn't recommend walking down the turkey path trail to the bottom of the canyon.

My husband and I went here for his birthday! We wanted to go for awhile and decided to make the drive up from the Harrisburg area.

We arrived when it was SUPER foggy, so decided to first take the Turkey Path down to see the waterfall and walk a bit along the gorge. The hike down is fine but the hike back up was pretty challenging. It did require several stops, but luckily there are benches all along the path! Take your time going down and wear proper footwear!!

Once the fog dissipated and you could see those gorgeous views... holy cow, there isn't anything like it. There's information along the fences to look at the gorge's history. There's a lot of good spots to catch those views, but if you keep going down the stairs, that's when you'll get the best one!

We ended up going there right before fall when colors started to change. There's also bathrooms and a gift shop right near the parking lot.

Because we were driving through Potter County, Pennsylvania (Motto: "God's Country"), we decided to spend a couple hours visiting the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. A few thoughts:

First, it ain't the Grand Canyon in Arizona. That would be like comparing Fourth of July Fireworks to a launch of the Saturn / Apollo Moon Rocket. However, having said that, it was a most enjoyable visit, with various activities available ranging from visiting the canyon lookouts to bird watching to casual hiking to serious hiking.

We were there in the late afternoon on a weekday -- the weather was warm, sunny, and just magnificent. We went to the East Rim which is just south of Wellsboro, PA, and accessed by PA route 660 to Leonard Harrison State Park. There are various overlooks into the canyon, providing wonderful views of the creek (Pine Creek) and the road at the bottom of the canyon. Many folks were bird watching, and others were hiking the "Turkey Trail" to the bottom of the canyon - probably at least a two-hour round trip hike. Other folks were enjoying picnic lunches throughout the area.

I would imagine that kids would get bored quickly unless everyone hiked the Turkey Trail down to the bottom -- be sure and wear decent shoes and take some water with you. Bring your camera and binoculars also.

In summary, a pleasant, late afternoon diversion to see Pennsylvania's State Forests in it's summer-time glory. I also understand that this park attracts lots of folks to see the leaves change in the fall -- I would check the Web to determine peak-viewing days because they change year to year.

We probably won't return, but it was a nice one-time activity.

The grand canyon of Pennsylvania is a must see in the state. the gorge with the stream flowing at the bottom. I was out last night. People camp there.It has the turkey path to walk down. There is statue of a man that used to work in the ccc camps. I started picnicking there with my employer when I was sixteen. The fall foliage is beautiful. The ten year old that I was with said that the school took her there on a field trip in third grade. She told me of the activities that were going on then. I am a retiree.
You can spend as much time as you want on the hiking trails or walking the paths.

Large gorge with views from Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. Often Called the PA Grand Canyon, there are lots of hiking trails in the area.

Took a 3-day fall road trip with 6 year old granddaughter and this was our first big stop. Can't even describe how gorgeous on a lovely stunning fall day after a morning of rain. Also, stopped at the AnimalLand gift shop where the owner is a big-hearted rescuer of cats left abandoned. The parking is hit and miss at the canyon and we didn't hike but still left with the amazing vistas implanted on our eyelids.

I wouldn't go to this area just to see this, its not the grand canyon, but a gorge. Probably most spectacular during foliage season.

"Turkey Trail" is NOT for the birds. My heart was racing after going further & further down the mountain's steep side. Slow and steady should be your pace. Be mindful of your footing & placement. Please wear comfortable clothing & footwear. The waterfall is amazing as is the river at the end! Mother nature at her best. 👍

We had drove from the Alleghany Forest region on our way to the Poconos. We drove along on a few of the scenic roads in the area – Route 59, 321 and Scenic Route 6. It was a very beautiful ride; every rode we took was very scenic with the changing fall colors. We stayed on SR 6 and started towards the Poconos. We saw signs for the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania”. This was in Tioga County, near Wellsboro. We stayed on SR 6 to 660 west and into Leonard Harrison State Park – The East Rim. A very nice park with some amazing views, the trees were showing a variety of colors. We stopped and hiked a mile down the main trail to see a waterfall that was real nice. We hiked back up the hill afterwards and had a picnic lunch at the park. It is a very scenic area with great views and some nice trails to get out and hike and appreciate the area.

We just returned from our trip to Wellsboro and nearby PA Grand Canyon. It is breathtakingly beautiful, especially the East Rim, which houses a gift shop and visitor's center.
Take a mile hike down to the bottom of the gorge and stick your feet in the Pine Creek below. Rest up for the hike back up! Whether you are at the bottom looking up or at the summit looking down, you will realize that you truly are in "God's Country" (Potter County's slogan)!

This place ought to be a National Park. Gorgeous scenery, deep mature forest, isolated and beautiful. Pine Creek is occaisionally wild and rollicking with high water for spring kayaking in the deep gorge. The closest town, Wellsboro is quaint with attractive B&B's, restuarants, shops and good, local taverns. The hiking is first rate with well marked and maintained trails. Why this place isn't better advertised is a mystery. You can spend a day or a week an not hit all the trails and outdoor recreation. This a top-tier place to visit and get lost in.

My husband and I travelled to Muncy, Pa where we stayed. We then drove to the Pa Grand Canyon at Leonard Harrison State Park. Absolutely gorgeous any time of the year. One day we bicycled about 20 miles on the Pine Creek Gorge Trail. We started at a trailhead called Blackwell, I think. The trail is one of the best we have ridden..crushed limestone, but very smooth..almost like riding on pavement.

I drove here for a day trip with my fiancé and my dog. The view is gorgeous and really impressive. It's a really nice place to walk and hike as well. My fiancé and I went to the Colton State Park view but I believe you can also see it from Leonard Harrison State Park. It's a nice place for a day trip if you're in the area for sure!

One thing that bugs me about Pennsylvania. You have fantastic scenery, but there is no place to pull over and take photo's or even admire it. Whether it be covered bridges or
the local folk. This place is the exception, Never knew of this place until the bride noticed it on the map. Looked in some local points of interest books and newpapers and decided it was worth the time to get off the hwy on our way home and have a look. Got some great photo's and wished we had more time to do one of the hikes. It will be even more sensational in a few more weeks when the leaves begin to change. Will be coming back

I have seen pictures online and in Pennsylvania Magazine and thought this would be a great trip for my husband and I. Wow!!!! It was better than I expected. Nature at it's best and great Vistas that does not require a hiking trip. Colton Point was one of them. Harrison another. Took lots of pictures with both our cameras. Be aware that this is mountain country which has Rattlesnakes. However, we did not see any while we viewed the Vistas. We were told that they bask in the sun on protruding ledges below the vistas. Would love to come back for fall foliage! Drive to the Vistas is no Fees. Tower which we did not seek....not sure! There is bathroom facilities and a gift ship at Colton Point Vista.

My GF planned a mystery Birthday Weekend for me centering on the Wellsboro, Pa region and the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. I've heard a lot about this sight over the years, but had never seen it. We lived very near to the Grand Canyon of the East in Letchworth State Park so I wanted to see the other "Grand Canyon".

We went to the East Rim site and I was impressed with the overlook facility. It was offered us a view of 180 degrees of the Canyon. It was truly breathtaking. What a beautiful sight. It was cold on the day of our visit and the leaves were still in full Autumn colors which added to the beauty of the scene. If it had not been so cold the day of our visit we might have ventured on one of the trails to the bottom, but that will have to remain for another visit.

We took a lot of photos and I will relive this trip many times over.

We went to Colton Point State Park on the west rim first and the views are great but to see most of them you need to hike. So if you are into a little hiking this side works. It is very pretty. There are also nice shaded picnic areas so that works for families in order to save money. Now we did not hike down but found the road that ran along the river and drove down it. If you are not into hiking and want to see the view with the least amount of trouble go to Leonard Harrison on the east rim of the canyon . Easy walk to viewing area and there are a few different viewpoints. Leonard Harrison Park has camping and just seems to be better maintained. They also have a gift shop. There is also a lot more privately owned things to do on the road that leads to Harrison including a fire tower, animal park and a few campgrounds.

We decided to drive home along Rt 6 heading west. We stayed 2 nights in Wellsboro so that we could take in the PA Grand Canyon. While it is not the rocky Grand Canyon of Arizonia, it is well worth taking the time to take in the views. Views from the Leonard Harrison State Park ridge and the Colton Point State Park ridge both offer spectaular scenry. You can only imagine how beautiful it will be in the fall. Take a picinic lunch and enjoy the peaceful silence.

This was our fourth trip to bicycle on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, and our first from the northern terminus at Wellsboro Junction. It's a gentle trail with imperceptible rises and falls through woods and fields, finally meeting up with Pine Creek in the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. There are a few roads to cross with only sporadic traffic on back roads. At designated mile markers sturdy concrete, wood, and stone pit toilets appear just when you need one (separate sides for men and women). We rode just beyond the 11-mile marker and on the return trip beat the rainstorm to our car by one minute. Further down the trail (that we've ridden from Waterville north to Blackwoods) are country stores with everything you'd need for a bicycle, lunch, gas for the car, and unique 3-D greeting cards. This is a great rail trail to ride from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro (stay overnight) and back on a weekend, or just to ride short segments round trip like we do. Between March and May, Pine Creek has enough water to raft, canoe, or kayak, and you can combine biking with paddling (and even camp overnight by the river with a permit) for a full outdoor experience. Little Pine State Park east of Waterville is where we camped a few years ago and drove to different sections of the trail to ride a different segment every day. There's even a spring along the trail with a pipe where you can fill a water bottle or several jugs for free. Certain segments even allow horses and where we were this weekend at the northern end has wagon tours (the horse and wagon track runs parallel to the bicycle/walking trail). This is a great day trip or weekend getaway.

The Pine Creek Gorge and the Grand Canyon of PA are one in the same per the PA DoC map. It is bordered on the East rim by Leonard Harrison State Park and easily accessible from Wellsboro, PA and Rte 660. Colton Point is located on the Western rim of Pine Lake Gorge, aka Grand Canyon of PA. It is accessible from Ansonia, PA, Rte 6. Not a 5 minute ride either way.

I can only speak highly of the Harrison side with its ease of transcending down to the vista point. Beautiful view of the Gorge and the Pine Creek located at the bottom. The old railroad bed is visible as it is now a bike & hiking path. Plenty of ways to get to the bottom, not all easy!

The view is breathtaking in the Fall, with the variety of hardwood colors mixed in with the pines. Why go all the way to Vermont for those in NY, PA or Ohio when you have this offering. Prices are respectively low for souveniers or food (mainly quick eats) and drink. Highly recommend this area.

Before you head back home, visit Wellsboro for a small town type walk with the traditional Main Street. The gas lamps are a site to see around dusk or evening. Enjoy seeing the fountain, "Wynken, Blinken & Nod" and other parts of the town. Plenty of places/styles to eat at. Enjoy the time.

Pine creek was such a peaceful getaway! Wanted somewhere to go where there wasn’t a lot of people and just relax! Hit the place! Found a cabin rental through air b&b through slate and starlight retreats! We took nature drives through the mountains, spent time at Tombs Run recreational area(only 6 miles up the road from cammal). Went bike riding on the trail. Kids loved hanging out in the creek, bonfires, played board games and some cornhole!! Just an absolutely fun time!

We biked the rail trail south to Rattlesnake Rock from Darling Run which is a great access point to the trail. Lots of parking and a comfort station.

We did not make it to the gorge, but we did go to little pine state park which was great! Great hiking trails, it was simply beautiful with the fall foliage. The little towns near by have great restaurants if you get a chance swing by curt's smoking ribs or the train stop. You won't be disappointed.

Watch out for the biting flies along the pine creek bike trail. Need to ride 10 mph to keep flies off you.

Up for the weekend on our Harleys, seven of us. What a beautiful place! Never experienced anything quite like it. You just want to sit there and look out over the railing and not talk, taking in all the beauty of the mountains.

It is quite easy to get to great viewpoints. If you are in the area in mid October, the leaf peeping should be great. Probably crowded on weekends. There is a walkway to the canyon floor, but be aware it is a ways down and up again. Some of the view points are handicap friendly.

We did the West Rim overlook, and biked the Pine Creek Trail. Kids loved it (ages 9, 12 & 14). Bike trail is very flat - very easy to travel with kids (got little to no complaining).

We took a day trip to the canyon, hiking trails, water falls just a day of natural beauty to be had awesome views can't wait to go back and see the canyon from Colton Point on the west rim. Leonard Harrison State park was great. They have a snack hut and a souvenir shop.

We camped in Leonard Harrison State Park and rode bikes along the gorge. The path is packed gravel, easy riding. There are pit toilets along the trail and mile markers so you can pace your journey. There are numerous hiking trails along the gorge. If you like nature this is great. There is a tourist train ride (Tioga Central Rail) outside Wellsboro if you're a rail fan. We only visited the area around Wellsboro so have no info on the Gorge/Trail south of Tiadaghton. Great views down into the gorge from both Leonard Harrison and Colton point State Parks.

What an incredible view and experience! We saw the "Canyon" from the observation overlooks at Leonard Harrison State Park. It was gorgeous and relaxing. To top it off, hawks and turkey vultures kept soaring all around us - above, below, at eye level. You could almost reach out and touch them. Well worth your time if you anywhere near the area. If you have the time, there are plenty of trails to explore.

If you put Pine Creek Gorge in your GPS (well, google maps anyway), its not going to take you to the overlooks, its going to take you on the road in the gorge. I was there as a kid, but haven't been for many years. On the plus side my mom who has been coming for 60 years never knew there was a road down in the gorge and we took it up through it. I took her on a drive she's never been on, and she got me to the views of the gorge that she (I) knew. The drive up was amazing, but if I was alone and didn't do research I wouldn't have ever known about the viewing areas at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks (there isn't much signage on route 6 saying such). I just thought you'd put in Pine Creek Gorge and see the pictures that you see everywhere about the PA Grand Canyon.

The views from both state parks were nice. The Leonard Harrison viewing area was much bigger (with restrooms and a visitors center), but I kind of liked the Colton Point one better. Although they are pretty comparable. We got to see some great colors in early October too. Fall colors is the best time to see it (IMO), but the green of summer is nice too.

I have visited the PA Grand Canyon several times and it has never disappointed. The view is absolutely breathtaking especially as the hawks are flying by. You would walk away happy just to have seen the view for yourself but there is added hiking trails to enjoy as well. Feeling the breeze in the summer while looking at the lush greenery through the canyon, admiring the show of colors during the fall, or seeing the snow covered wonderland are all worth the trip. The trail can be a bit slippery during the winter though.

Loved the views, plane rides, and bicycle trails. Great area for winter snowmobile travel. They have great trails and there a little ski resort in the area (Denton) to ski. I recommend this area for winter boredom!!

It's sad to see that Pine Creek is poluted with sewage discharge from Wellsboro & Galeton sewage companies.
There are white scun bubbles floating on the top especially at Rattlesnake Rock.
This needs to be addressed.
Resident

Stopped on our way across the northern tier as my girlfriend had never been to see it. We drove up to the east rim overlook during the mid-morning and it wasn't very crowded. The view was spectacular as you would expect. The restrooms were clean and the exhibits were well maintained. We would have liked to hike a bit but our schedule didn't allow for it but would love to return to walk to the bottom.

I could tell you all day how beautiful this place is and never really explain it. The sights are amazing and the place is spotless,people at the gift shop/information were so nice and helpful. You have to see it for yourself. The views at all the different overlooks are just outstanding. Hiking trails are laid out nicely.

We made it eventually, but typing Pine Creek Gorge into Google Maps or Waze will take you to a creek on the side of a road, which is about an hour away from Leonard Harrison State Park, which is where you actually want to go. It was awesome and impressive. The trails are fairly steep. Gift shop closes around 4:30. There was a food truck that was selling maple themed foods like maple hotdogs, maple milkshakes, maple frappes, etc.