Pennsylvania Grand Canyon - Tioga County, Pennsylvania

The Pine Creek Gorge, which is also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is located in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, near the town of Wellsboro. It is located in the Tioga State Forest and is approximately surrounded by one hundred sixty five thousand acres of forest land. The canyon is located near Wellsboro, along Route 6, and for forty seven miles it winds its way through forests. The canyon is said to be about one thousand four hundred and fifty feet at one point near Waterville. It is said to be about eight hundred feet at both the Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks. At almost every point there is some very beautiful and amazing views. Just looking at the areas where you are able to look is breathtaking. It was in 1968 that twelve miles of Pine Creek Gorge was designated as a landmark from the National Park Service. As a result the Pine Creek Gorge got national acclaim.

Pine Creek Gorge is considered to be one of the six National Natural Landmarks that has visitors coming to see this breathtaking area. One of the most looked at areas in the Gorge is an amazingly deep and almost straight area of the gorge that is close to one thousand feet down. The Pine Creek was the one that cut this huge gorge in the earth and is thought to have been where huge ice sheets drained. These days there is over one hundred years old hardwood forests that cover the area. By looking at it today, you can imagine what it must have looked like to the early settlers and others who populated the area.

Twelve miles of the Gorge is protected but this Gorge is way over that. It is over forty miles long and very deep. It was in 1996 that a trail was opened up for visitors to go down to the bottom and explore. This trail is over sixty-two miles long and those wishing to hike it are allowed to and ends at Jersey Shore. If you wish to hike the Gorge, you can start at the Leonard Harrison State Park, which will go past some magnificent water falls and some breathtaking areas. This trail heads downwards fast and is about one mile to the floor. The Overlook Trail is the place where you can get some more breathtaking scenes. For your pleasure, there is a visitor center that is seasonal, picnic areas, a gift shop, and a playground.

The Colton Point State Park has the feel of the 1930's and has a sort of rustic charm to it. In this park, you are able to hike up to four miles, which includes the Turkey Path Trail. This trail is very narrow and steep. There is no access for those visitors who wish to cross the Pine Creek to get to the other side. There is, of course, next to the park, more trails that are able to be crossed.

If you wish to camp here, this area is open from April to October. You are to have the options of going native with a tent, or having areas that have electric and are sanitary. You also have the option of camping in groups. Also available is snowmobiling. In the State Forest, there is close to one hundred seventy seven miles of trails for snowmobiling. If you have a registered snowmobile, then you are able use the trails after deer season.

The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is an amazing experience to be able to tour and hike. It has such amazing and spectacular views that is just breathtaking. Once you take a trail to the bottom, you will be amazed by it all. It is a tiring trek down but once you are down, it is an experience that you will not long forget. Once you make your way back up, you will be filled with wonder that you actually made the trek down. I have been there several times and each time I am amazed by the wonders and the life that this area has.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/oldgrowth/pinecreek.aspx

http://www.visittiogapa.com/canyon.html