A1 Trails
Rail Trails in Pennsylvania

Pine Creek Trail

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Trail description: The trail winds through the bottom of Pine Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, for 60 miles between Ansonia and Waterville. The West Rim hiking trail runs along the rim of the gorge.
Access fee:
Towns along the trail: Waterville, Blackwell, Ansonia, PA
Web site: DCNR Rail Trails | Tioga County
Trail map: Available at the park
Trail surface: Crushed stone
Designated activities: Bicycling, walking, horseback riding
Facilities on the trail: Restaurants are located near the north end of the trail
Points of interest: Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania is about 800 feet deep at its north end.
Lodging: Several hotels are in the Williamsport/Lewisburg area
Camping: Colton Point State Park has 25 sites, Leonard Harrison SP has 30 sites. Camping is permitted at designated sites along the trail (permit required).
Bike shops: Pine Creek Outfitters offer rentals and shuttle service
Weather forecast: Ansonia
Tourism info: Williamsport-Lycoming County Chamber | Tioga County Tourism
Getting to the trail: Park at the Darling Run Access Area in Ansonia on Route 362, 0.5 mile south of Route 6.
Map of local region: Waterville | Blackwell | Ansonia

Rate this section of trail

Number of ratings: 6
Average rating: 4.50

Trail name: Pine Creek Trail
Times biking the trail: Once
Date of last visit: Sept, 2005
Sections that I biked: Entire trail, both directions(109 mls)
My favourite sections of the trail: Blackwell north to state parks
Best time to go: When the water is high, and/or when the leaves are changing or off the trees. the runoffs are dry in the summer and the sycamore leaves block the mountain views.
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4 stars
What I liked: Very smooth and wide surface. scenery on the trail and views along surrounding roadways. Length, acessability, and plenty of rest rooms. Ice cream and general stores. Wildlife, including almost colliding with a bear.
What I disliked: Too many double gates to zig zag around south of Blackwell (just get going and have to slow down again to navigate around gates). Too many sycamores planted along trail (2-3 ft apart in areas). Nice for shade, some day, but they also block the views,and along with the gates, make the trail look more like a city path instead of a natural wilderness area. I expected to see more of the mountains and wilder areas.
Comments: Don't ride south of Rt 220 tressel into Jersey Shore. There is only a short paved section then the rest is unimproved and sprinkled with glass. Southern most parking area is 2 miles north of Rt 220 on Rt 44 and is on the left after the path crosses 44. Bike north then return south. It's about 25% easier pedaling south. Plenty of hotels in Williamsport or Lewisburg, and both are only a short drive to the southern end. Definitely was worth the trip. Nice views on Rt 44 towards Rt 15.
Submitted by: Bob & Deb
from: Sussex, N.J.
Date submitted: Sept 14, 2005

Trail name: Pine Creek Trail
Times biking the trail: Once
Date of last visit: Sept, 2005
Sections that I biked: Ansonia to Blackwell
My favourite sections of the trail: The first eight miles or so
Best time to go: Was only there once (Labor Day weekend) but in the Fall is must be fantastic!
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: Scenery is magnificent. The trail is VERY well taken care of.
What I disliked: Not much to dislike for me.
Comments: Spend a day and evening in nearby Wellsboro. A quaint, friendly little town with old-fashion gas lights down the main streets, and a number of "folksy" shops, eateries, pubs, etc.
Submitted by: William Karchner
from: Danville, PA
Date submitted: Sept 5, 2005

Trail name: Pine Creek Trail
Times biking the trail: Few
Date of last visit: August, 2003
Sections that I biked: Almost the entire thing, from Waterville up.
My favourite sections of the trail: From Blackwell up.
Best time to go: summer
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 5 stars
What I liked: The surface is nice and the scenery is great. And Weldon Cohick dispenses great information.
What I disliked: all the stops and road blocks just above Waterville
Comments:
Submitted by: DrGHS
from: Washington DC
Date submitted: March 2, 2004

Trail name: Pine Creek Trail
Times biking the trail: Few
Date of last visit: Oct, 2003
Sections that I biked: ansonia to watervile
My favourite sections of the trail: waterville to rattlesanake rock
Best time to go: october
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: It is a delightful place to bike in the fall, the scenery is great, you feel like the rest or the world has been left behind, a great rejuvenator.
What I disliked: the double gates at every minor road crossing or driveway
Comments: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania needs to do more in PR about this wonderfull asset. I have driven 340 miles roundtrip to ride this wonderful rail train three times in the last 7 years. You spent the money lets do the bragging.
Submitted by: John C, Stock
from: Greencastle, Pa.
Date submitted: Nov 1, 2003

Trail name: Pine Creek Trail
Times biking the trail: Several
Date of last visit: ,
Sections that I biked: I have traveled from ansonia to blackwell.
My favourite sections of the trail: The whole thing!
Best time to go: The second week in fall (the leaves are gorgeous)!
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 5 stars
What I liked: It is a beautiful trail full of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Pine creek below it adds to the beauty also and provides a refreshing swim along the way!
What I disliked: Nothing. It's wonderful.
Comments: A good place to stay would be to rent the cabin that begins the grand canyon. It's a very convenient location and has a gorgeous view.
Submitted by: A.G.
from:
Date submitted: March 18, 2003

Trail name: Pine Creek Trail
Times biking the trail: Once
Date of last visit: July, 2002
Sections that I biked: Ansonia to Rattlesnake rock
My favourite sections of the trail: First 4-5 miles from Ansonia the views up from the valley floor are great.
Best time to go: Fall
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4 stars
Likes and dislikes:
Comments: Visit Colton and Leonard Harrison State parks
Submitted by: PD
from:
Date submitted: Sept 9, 2002

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