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A Guide to the PA Grand Canyon. |
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About the PA Grand Canyon Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania and the Pine Creek Gorge, the PA Grand Canyon stretches for over 45 miles with depths of nearly 1500 feet. It's dynamic topography creates many scenic wonders, including steep canyon walls and waterfalls. The PA Grand Canyon is part of the Tioga State Forest, beginning just south of Ansonia, PA, near Wellsboro, and continuing south to Waterville. The PA Grand Canyon offers many attractions and activities, along with many lodging options and restaurants. Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and cottages, fine dining restaurants and carry out, in the PA Grand Canyon area of Tioga County, Potter County and Lycoming County, Pa. |
With numerous developed trails, the Grand Canyon of PA is a hikers paradise. ( maps ) Floating, boating, fishing, hiking and biking are all part of the area's available outdoor adventures. The PA Grand Canyon State Park areas display spectacular views of the Pine Creek Gorge. Colton Point on the west rim and Leonard Harrison on the east rim of the canyon are the "Must See" vistas to visit. Camping and picnicking areas are also available here. |
Pine Creek Rail Trail : Bike, Hike & Ski in the PA Grand Canyon Wellsboro: Home of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Get more information (articles) One of the most popular attractions to the PA canyon is the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted railroad bed that travels along Pine Creek at the floor of the canyon. USA Today sites the Pine Creek Rail Trail as one of the "10 great places to take a bike tour" in the world. Because of the gentle grade, the trail offers easy peddling, hence it can be experienced with minimal physical impact and basic biking gear. |
When it's time for some food and shopping, the gaslight lined streets of Wellsboro Pa. and the quaint small town Victorian charm make it a great place to visit.. And your visit to the PA Grand Canyon is not complete without a journey to nearby Corning, NY, or north to the Finger Lakes Wine region... truly an enjoyable outing. |
| Home to Bald Eagles and river otters, white tail deer, black bear and wild turkey, and thousands of acres of State forest land that surround The Pine Creek Gorge. |
| from the
editor:
As a native to the PA Grand Canyon area it has been my privilege to enjoy the wonders of our crowned jewel. Some of my favorite activities include hiking, biking and boating in the Pine Creek Gorge. Like many visitors to the canyon, I enjoy hiking the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park. I often joke with visitors that this hiking trail is one mile down and eight miles back up. But in all seriousness, this is a steep hike on a well developed trail, approximately one mile in each direction. There are steps built in along the hiking trail with several places to stop and rest. Some nice views of the canyon and the Little Four Mile Waterfall can be seen on this hike. The trail leads to the bottom of the canyon to the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Be sure to check trail conditions and weather before starting this or any hike, and be certain to wear proper clothing and footwear. There are picnicking facilities at Leonard Harrison State Park including several covered pavilions. You'll also find a gift shop, vending machines, water and bathrooms. |
This is a great place for family gatherings, a spot at which our family reunites each year. One tip: If you want to avoid crowds, visit Leonard Harrison State Park during the week as opposed to the weekends. More Hiking: The Overlook Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park is a short walk, a loop just slightly more than a half mile, with a wonderful southern view of the PA Grand Canyon from otter view. And of course, The Pine Creek Rail Trail, one of the most popular Pennsylvania attractions, offers miles of easy hiking and biking along Pine Creek and through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. On
the opposite side of the canyon, almost directly across from Leonard
Harrison State Park is Colton Point State Park, the more
rustic of the two parks. Though not as developed, it is a great part of
the canyon area to explore. I enjoy the drive from rt.6 out Forest Road
to Colton Point State Park. This is a scenic winding road that
climbs to the vista views from the park and continues past the park.
Visitors can view Four Mile vista on this tour and can explore many back
roads in the canyon area. |
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