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Photos by James Montanus, Rochester NY  - Contact me

Day trip to the Pine Creek Gorge, a.k.a, the
Pennsylvania Grand Canyon - 5-5-07

Allison in the radio station

Historic Wellsboro Diner

We needed caloric energy before embarking on our hike!

Historic Wellsboro Diner

Pine Creek Gorge

This is the view from Leonard Harrison State Park looking north.

Pine Creek Gorge

And this is the view looking south from that same point.

Spring flowers

were just starting to bloom

Kayakers

Turkey Path

This is a challenging trail that leads from the State Park down to Pine Creek.

Turkey Path

'Lil Sweetie!

Turkey Path

One of the many scenic waterfalls on the way

Turkey Path

Tiadaghton

There is one very steep and beat-up jeep trail that leads down into the Pine Creek Gorge. We took it and this where we wound up - in a place called Tiadaghton.

Tiadaghton

This name came from the Indians, who called the creek "Tiadaghton". This is the view looking south.

One of the most spectacular natural areas in Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, and was recognized as a National Natural Landmark in 1968. The opportunities for sightseeing are endless. Trail users can view dramatic rock outcrops, waterfalls, wildlife such as eagles, osprey, coyote, deer, wild turkeys, herons, hawks or even a river otter to name just a few. Rare plants, old growth hemlock, native red pine and even the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp foundation can be found along the trail.

Throughout the Pine Creek Gorge, there is an old rail line that has been converted into a mountain bike path. USA Today rated Pine Creek Rail Trail as one of the 10 great places to take a bicycle tour in a recent article. Today, the rail line is a part of Pennsylvania's extensive network of rail trails. The Seneca Indians used the Pine Creek Path as a connection between the Great Shamokin Path (along the Susquehanna River) and the Iroquois settlements along the Genesee River in New York. Then in 1883, the railroading days began. Trains carried timber, coal and eventually passengers north into New York State.

Currently, the trail is approximately 42 miles long extending from Ansonia off of Route 6 in Tioga County to Waterville on Route 44 in Lycoming County. You can experience the beauty and excitement of the trail in many different ways. Local businesses offer a variety of services to enhance your trip such as bike rentals and shuttle service, canoeing or rafting trips, guided horseback riding or a covered wagon ride. You can even bring your own bike, sneakers, hiking boots or horse to travel the trail at your own pace.