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Reported: May 2015

Pine Creek Rail Trail...

Biking Through Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon

The trail runs on an old Jersey Shore, Pine Creek & Buffalo Railroad roadbed for 62 miles including 47 through Pine Creek Gorge - Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. This is one of the most beautiful trails we've seen. The easy grade (no more than 2%) and crushed stone surface are an easy ride. Many access points, parking and facilities along the trail (along routes 414 and 44), views of the gorge, creek, waterfalls. Hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting are other activities. No wi-fi or cellphone service along the trail through the gorge. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Biking Map...
Pine Creek Trail

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Location: Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore, Lycoming and Tioga Counties, Pennsylvania (See map)
Distance: 62 miles
Surface: Hard-packed gravel

Bike Shops/Rentals:
Pine Creek Outfitters (Wellsboro; rentals, shuttle)

Biking Pine Creek Rail Trail

Wellsboro Junction - northern terminus

Northern terminus is at Wellsboro Junction in Stokesdale, at the Butler Road access. Parking, port-a-pottie.

Darling Run Access

This is a popular area to start from. Use the shuttle service and bike 16 miles to the pick-up up at Blackwell (McCullough Access). Parking, restrooms.

Tiadaghton Campground

State-run campground, free. Parking, restrooms, camping, picnicking, launch. We rode from the campground north to Turkey Path Trail. It's a long, winding road to drive to the campground. At end of the road, turn right past some houses. Then staying to the left, go about 1/4 mile to the campground parking area. Equestrians allowed between Ansonia and Tiadaghton. Turkey Path is a steep climb 1 mile up to the overlook at Leonard Harrison State Park.

Blackwell - McCullough Access

We rode north from McCullough Access to Tiadaghton Campground. The access point has parking, restrooms, a launch and fishing. From the parking area it's a short ride on the road to the trail. Benches and rest areas provided along the trail.

Rattlesnake Rock

Parking, restrooms. It got its name for a reason, watch for rattlesnakes around the large rocks! Popular as a drop-off for paddling and biking shuttle services.

Slate Run

Parking, launch, fishing. The General Store has food, beverage, gas, shopping. Great deli sandwich.

Clark Farm - Utceter Station

Trail parking and a launch. The trail crosses the road here and runs alongside the road for a short distance.

Waterville

Trail parking, no water access.

Jersey Shore - southern terminus

Parking, restrooms, rail exhibit. Shops and restaurants nearby. An extension runs along the railroad track from the trailhead to Main Street.

Pine Creek Gorge - Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon

Pine Creek Gorge is located in Tioga State Forest, 1,450 feet at its deepest point. From the 1800's and into the early 1900's the lumber industry stripped the gorge of trees, resulting in fires, floods and loss of wildlife. The lumber industry ending, in the 1930's the CCC planted over 1 million trees for reforestation. Today, the area is protected as a State Natural Area.

More Information and Resources

More Biking:
Bike-Pennsylvania - More bike trails and information about biking in Pennsylvania

Related Resources:
Potter/Tioga Visitors Bureau - Pine Creek Rail Trail
Pine Creek Valley - Pine Creek Rail Trail