It was a picture perfect day. Only surpassed by the GAP trail, Pine Creek is the 2nd best rail trails in PA (IMHO). More on that service can be found at the end of this article. From the editor: The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a reason in and of itself to visit Wellsboro. Colorful birds are plentiful in the spring, especially Baltimore orioles and scarlet tanagers. I've ridden some parts of it on the sections around Waterville and south. The best part about biking to the Rattlesnake Rock Access Area is the opportunity to check out Rattlesnake Rock. The Cedar Run Inn (41 31.350'N 77 26.822'W) is just about half way and just off the trail. Those wanting to bike further can continue on the Pine Creek Rail Trail for another 35 miles until it meets the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Jersey Shore, PA. Comment below with your thoughts and suggestions. There were no golf ball sized rocks like one sees on the Katy or the Youghiogheny Trails. My wife and I agreed that we will someday come back to camp at this spot. What is considered the upper half? Easiest 19 miles ever and nice. He looked at me but just stayed where he was. It has recently been found in Pine Creek. I hope they'll go back to the better material to resurface. There is also an old pump for water along the trail from the Jersey Shore trail head at one of the Comfort Stations but I don't remember how far along it is. Thanks for any advice. Bob. This is the first place to get food and bottled water along the trail. We locked or bikes at Turkey Run trail and hoped to hike to the top of the canyon. There was a lot of shade from the trees. They are located less than a mile west of the Ansonia Access Area on Route 6. 0 faves. Most offer ample parking, outhouses, and water pumps. Started at the caboose in Jersey Shore and rode the 11.5 miles (according to my GPS) to Waterville for lunch and a few adult beverages on the patio at the Waterville Tavern. We would hike around the Grand Canyon on our off riding days, with one day taking a day trip to the wine region of New York. The best hiking trail is the Turkey Path Trail. Pine Creek below Rattlesnake Rock is generally considered a Class II river, with fairly frequent rapids of medium difficulty, having . Great place with delicious meal. The surface is made of crushed limestone and is suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes. The condition is so perfect at times it felt more like it was paved. Started just north of Jersey Shore, biked about 7 miles and returned. Cedar Run has a really beautiful store. However, for those looking for a taste of the best scenery in northern PA, you wont want to miss a fantastic day trip biking the Pine Creek Gorge through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The trail is exceptionally well maintained and God has landscaped this trail with beautiful mountains on each side and (this summer) a flowing 'creek' along side. The Cedar Run Inn was charming and would have also been a good option for our overnight stay. We were pleased to see so many people enjoying the trail. If you have never been to the Pine Creek Gorge and traveled on the Pine Creek Trail in Lycoming and Tioga Counties in north central Pennsylvania, then you must add it to your to-do list. This section of the trail is not as shaded so we were glad it was cooler and there were more clouds that day. I kept shaking my rattle so he knew I was taking it easy on him. No snakes or bears. We have found only a few other trails that even come close to matching the overall quality and experience of biking along Pine Creek. Turn left onto Marsh Creek road then a quick left and go past the farm market to a parking area at the head of the trail. Bunch of other people had scene some too that day. Nicely down Heather. On three occasions I had to motion or yell at oncoming riders to keep right. I parked at the Waterville parking lot and rode to Wellsboro and spent the night. There is an old train station near the trail head where visitor excursions are run. Excellent! I saw four; I could see them perched in the sycamore trees catching the early morning sun as they watched the PC for fish. The canyon was beautiful, the scenery lovely and picturesque, and the large rattlesnake in the middle of the trail was definitely more afraid of us. Accompanying me on this trip was my wife and two-year old son. Our recent adventure on the now 62 mile long Pine Creek Rail Trail began in the middle at Slate Run Village. The Ross Run Access was our turn around point after 22.9 miles of biking and we took a break before heading back to Jersey Shore. Starting at the northern-most end, it's about 25 miles to teh village of Blackwell. Cedar Run also has ice cream on weekends. If I can believe the warnings along the trail, the timber rattler is rather docile and will not attack unless provoked. Next time I'll be camping along the trail at one of the campgrounds closest to Cedar Runit will be another 62 miles round trip and I would like to start at sun up for a chance to see some wildlife We spent two days riding the Pine Creek Trail and stayed in Wellsboro at the Canyon Motel, very convenient to the trail and close to downtown so we could take in some sights after biking. I was flattered of course, but I realized he may have had more water, so I slithered away. The hard packed stone is easy to ride. The beauty of the Pine Creek Rail Trail continues as you travel south beyond Tiadaghton Campground. Bring your hiking legs! Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Rail Trail is a 62-mile trail where you ride through the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. This was my first bike ride on this trail. And the sandwiches in Waterville are good too! The Pine Creek Rail Trail continues south from Blackwell 1.8 miles to a nice parking area and a fantastic secret feature attraction, Rattlesnake rock. The Trail follows the Pine Creek almost its entire length. We started at the Pine Creek Outfitters where we left our car and scheduled a Jersey Shore pick-up with them on Tuesday afternoon. Highly recommend this trip to any rails to trails riders. Rescuers have to come from far away and as you know there is no cell coverage In that area. Although the pedaling was easy, there was never a time where we could just coast. I constantly got slowed down by people riding side by side, instead of single file. The DCNR worker told us that we had just passed another snake along the trail and walked us back about 50 feet. We managed to get as far as the Jersey Mills post office and then decided to head back. The trail is exceptionally well maintained and God has landscaped this trail with beautiful mountains on each side and (this summer) a flowing creek along side. It has both drinking water and rest rooms in season. All the vehicles that passed us were very considerate. Go 2.5 miles, and bear right to stay on SR 287. I did spot a large black snake sprawled across the trail and a black bear in the distance in the area of the comfort station just south of Waterville. The only downside of the ride was the cold and wind. The surface of this trail is the very best that I have ever been on, it is crushed limestone and is in great shape from end to end, the night between my round trip we had a number of thunder strom's come though over night and my ride back did not see any standing water. Owner Matthew Schenck. Unfortunately for us, it rained on and off the second day. It was in the canyon itself. It was chilly when we started out - but an hour in we had removed our sweater/sweatshirt and then later we put them back on. I rode from Jersey Shore to Waterville and back, approximately 25 miles round trip. Just finished riding this trail in 3 sections. To stay at a campground in the state forest, like Tiadaghton Campground, contact the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The terrain is very, very flat. There are water pumps along the Pine Creek Trail to refill your water bottles and comfort stations(pit toilets) every few miles, but were very clean. I would definitely do it again, but with Big Apple tires. 6 for 7.7 miles to Ansonia then parallels rt. The park calls them the Fastest Route, the Easiest Route, the Ghost Town Route, and the Most Scenic Route. The first 7 miles to Ansonia are fairly wide open, but the gorge begins forming soon after the trail joins Pine Creek. Stopped at slate run for breakfast at Wolfes store and later for a snack and some gifts at McConnells store in Waterville. You're awesome for doing it! We stopped in Waterville for lunch at the gas station/store/deli. Trail is closed till September 20th 2014 for gas line work mile marker 54 to 58. Be certain to bring along your safety gear including a helmet, also a pump and a bicycle tire patch kit (or two). One of the best trails ever, smooth and well-maintained. Occasionally, some washouts after heavy rain, but it should be manageable on any standard bicycle. I have never encountered so many rude riders on Sunday. The best times to visit this trail are March through September. Small towns along the route cater to trail visitors, and numerous trailheads, comfort stations, campgrounds, and . Help spread the word. The next morning we broke camp and rode to Tiadaghton Campground turning around there to head back to Jersey Shore. Keystone State. Our first stop was at the Rattlesnake Rock Access Area and Comfort Station. I have enjoyed rides departing from each of the access areas along Pine Creek and I recommend them all! ", "I have the advantage of living five miles from this trail so I make frequent trips to the Pine Creek Trail. There is also an inn at Slate Run Village, which is a little farther south than Cedar Run, which will allow you to ride about the same amount of miles each day. If we can do this trail with a toddler, nearly anyone in reasonable shape can complete this amazing journey. and talking. The gloves were a precaution, we never actually used them. We stayed at the Falling Farms B&B just outside of Wellsboro. ", "When the lower section is constructed this summer (2002), the south end of the trail will run to the Town of Jersey Shore in Pennsylvania. Without a doubt, the upper third of the Pine Creek Rail Trail passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Pennsylvania. The trail had many great views of the mountains. Just beyond the swinging bridge, youll enter Leonard Harrison State Park. Did about 12 miles of this trail from north to south from the trailhead in Ansonia. The Pine Creek Rail Trail offers a true destination experience in north-central Pennsylvania. Both are really nice state parks with incredible camping and hiking trails. My wife and I take our bikes everywhere we go and plan most getaways around exploring new rails to trails. I did this on my trusted old Mt Bike with a Town and County tire but as smooth as this trail is you sure could do it on a road bike with no problem. You can check out current pricesor read other user reviews on TripAdvisor. We started out from Jersey shore at 9:00am in about 48 degree temps so it was cool, but by the time we rode a bit we were nicely warmed up. Not many interesting features, such as bridges and tunnels like the GAP trail - more of a bucolic meandering along a river bank. That made our day complete. ", "Rode the trail on Sept 21, 2005 with a SAG from Pine Creek Outfitters in Ansonia. Overall, this trail is great and worth the drive to Jersey Shore for a ride. This trail now connects to the C&O Trail but was not open the year before. Drag your feet. Our second time here. I will be back to do the entire trail with a few friends in the spring! Pine Creek rail Trail Wellsboro Junction to Ansonia 7.7 Ansonia to Darling Run 1.2 Darling Run to Tiadaghton 7.7 Tiadaghton to Blackwell 8.3 Blackwell to Rattlesnake Rock 1.8 Rattlesnake Rock to Cedar Run 2.7 Cedar Run to Hilborn Fields 3.4 Hilborn Fields to Slate Run 2.7 Slate Run to Black Walnut Bottom 1.8 Black Walnut Bottom to Ross Run 2.7 Rattlesnakes are plentiful in the Tiadaghton State Forest, and if you should meet one, please act respectfully. Continued till I hit 50 miles and turned back only to get a flat tire. On the way back, we did discover a bike rental in Blackwell where you could buy Gatorade and snacks but that was it! This was Columbus Day week-end, and the weather was fabulous, contributing to the crowds. Saw a bear. When we come again we'll look into lodging at Slate Run or Cedar Run too. And I would do it again! $88 avg/night. I gave up after about 15 miles. There are apparently a lot of rattlesnakes in this area and it was only a little further along the trail that we saw our one! No services. This is an area that is worth exploring. You may see wildlife while biking the Pine Creek Rail Trail. If you started in Jersey Shore, the entire trip would have a slight uphill grade, making it a bit more challenging and slower going. Public Property Records provide information on land, homes, and commercial properties in Cibolo, including titles, property deeds, mortgages, property tax assessment records, and other documents. Milky blue eyes indicate that this snake is about to shed its skin. For 55 of its 62 miles it hugs Pine Creek, providing great views of dramatic rock outcrops and numerous waterfalls. This 63 mile trail is best described by dividing it into 2 sections. Somebody has got to get out there with an odometer and note the mileages of the various stops and someone has to put up some sort of highway signs telling where to turn off to find the trail access points in the southern towns. Pine Creek Rail Trail discounts - what to see at Lycoming County - check out reviews and 11 photos for Pine Creek Rail Trail - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Pine Creek Rail Trail . Just sayin. Tiadaghton Campground sits on the site ofa community that was once in the canyon. There are many trail parking areas along the way. The trail is used primarily for bicycling, walking, and cross-country skiing. We think there must have been a kill there that the bird did not want to leave. I would rate this as the best bike trail I have experienced. At Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Park, there are incredible views of the gorge. On the way back I saw a nice big black snake crossing the trail. If you want to ride at a good pace it's quite doable for training or leisure. The PA canyon offers vista views from Leonard Harrison State Park on the east rim (via rt. What a beautiful trail. So I had another 5 miles to ride on well traveled roads that are not marked to get you into town. The trail is perfect for those looking to log miles and get exercise. While there are a few short sections with minor uphill grades, the vast majority of the journey is at a slight downhill. There are motels on Rt 6 just west of there. We started after 10 am and, happily, the steep walls and trees along the trail provide a lot of shade, except on a notorious stretch north of Cedar Run that was sunny on the way up and on the way back. Very ,very nice Hampton Inn. From Blackwell southward, most of the tiny towns have a general store or restaurant where basic necessities can be purchased. Trail is in excellent shape. The ride back to Jersey Shore was wonderful. The only con about starting from the southernmost entrance is there are some roads to crossover, so be very careful when doing so. You just have to be on your toes for those who don't pay attention or just don't care about others using the trail. Animals /. This is my favorite rail trail and I love it so much I wrote a guidebook to it. Go 13.3 miles, take the Thomas St. exit, and turn left onto Thomas St. Go 0.2 mile, and turn right onto Railroad St. Go 0.2 mile, and turn left into the parking lot. We had a wonderful dinner and breakfast at the Cedar Run Inn, joining friends who stay there annually for a canoe weekend. Unfortunately we failed to spot any wildlife, but the streams feeding into Pine Creek were quite picturesque. They have the best blueberries we ever tasted!! Along the way, there are several communities with places to stay or to grab a bite to eat. Very well maintained trail, people are friendly and know trail etiquette! The only part of the trail that I did not cover was the southernmost 8 miles. From the trail head at the north, it's about a 4 1/2 mile bike ride along the road into Wellsboro and construction has begun to extend the trail into town - I'm not sure when completion is expected. Some of these can be seen from the rail trail itself, while others require a bit of hiking. As of this date the Pine Creek Trail is tied for first place with The Iron Horse Trail in Washington. I was very fortunate to get the chance to go there by myself in September 2005, thanx to my lovely wife who was willing to watch the kids back home and enable me to do something I always wanted to do, bike camping. Was a nice ride. What a great town with lots of places to eat, we recommend the diner and the steak house. We have encountered horseflies south of the Grand Canyon of PA but only where the trail allows horses on a separate shared trail. We were saddle sore! Once completed the trail will wind along Pine. Best regards. I had one flat and two couples riding by stopped to help. I hope to do other sections of this RT in the future. While there is road access to this point, cars are not allowed to stay here overnight, making the campground only open to those traveling through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. This stream has a beautiful waterfall directly next to the trail thats worth stopping to see. The trail is crushed stone and maintained with excellence and very minimal grade change. The MST then enters Tioga State Forest and descends into the canyon formed by Babb Creek, walking through the town of Blackwell via PA Route 414 and briefly joining the Pine Creek Rail Trail again in Pine Creek . There was sure footing, excellent drainage without any accumulated slop, and adequate room to truely accomodate a multi use purposeWe came at a time of year (end of March-early April) were there was light usewe saw more DCNR workers than recreational trail users. Monday night we ate at the Blackwell Hotel as the closest town is Wellsboro about a 30 minute drive away. Great write up.I always love your work. We rode 118 miles in 2 days. The southern leg of the Pine Creek Rail Trail travels along route 44. Once you get to Blackwell, this portion of the trail is called the Grand Canyon of PA. To experience this trail is worth the drive. We intended to camp overnight, but it rained the whole day. Trail was pretty busy with riders and walkers at the start. I rode the Trail solo 62 mi to Wellsboro Jct. When you explore the Pine Creek Rail Trail, you're following a route that humans have traveled for hundreds of years. ", "My husband and I rode the trail from Ansonia to Blackwell several times, but over the weekend of July 20th we rode from Ansonia to Cammal. Just a great ride for everyone. from Jersey Shore and back to Jersey Shore. When we got to the Jersey Shore our car was waiting for us. I stopped at Waterville and ate my lunch that I had packed along while watching a helicopter drop the geo-boxes for gas exploration. We love riding all of the trails in Western PA There are about 12 other ones besides the GAP trail that are long enough for a full days ride. Even with it being a holiday weekend I didn't find the trail too busy and most riders were friendly and considerate. Youll be able to see the rock shortly before reaching the parking area. For all of its 62 miles the trail is consistent, very rideable and well maintained. I recommend beginning your ride in Jersey Shore, as you'll go mostly up hill to start into Waterville. 62 miles of Pure Enjoyment! Biking on from Darling Run, the mountains quickly climb higher and higher until you are soon deep into the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Greatfor families who are biking or hiking together. . ", "The trail is now open from Jersey Shore on Tt. My wife and I love this trail because of the scenery, wildlife and the trail condition. As it turned out, though, it was a great time for observing the eagles that live along the PCT. I've ridden a lot, but this is amazing. The gates are well marked and very easy to navigate. Trail traffic was minimal during my Friday afternoon ride sometimes going 5-6 or more miles without seeing another soul heading the opposite direction. Its a good trail for families, but remember that bicyclists age 12 and under must wear a helmet. Go 0.1 mile, and turn left onto Butler Road. One level under macadam. Both stores are very friendly to bikers. Wish therewere more like it in this area, especially Bradford County.A nice rest, picnic area is in Tiadaughton.". There are 4 different routes to Death Valley from Las Vegas that travelers can take. The Turkey Path trail there is a great 1.5 mile hike straight up the canyon for great views. take a Hike! To be honest, I have yet to come across a campground in Pennsylvania that is set in such a gorgeous spot. Between 1820 and 1833, trees were floated down to sawmills in Jersey Shore and Williamsport. There you will find a couple restaurant/bars for your dining pleasures and entertainment. The room was very clean and the food was good. I camped at Tiadaghton Campsite both nights. We rode 15 miles out and 30 total. There are streams, springs and puddles that pets like to drink from, but I always bring fresh water and a small bowl. We started at a parking lot North of Cammal and rode to Blackwell and back. One mile south of Water Tank Run is Stone Quarry Run. PineCreek -Ansonia to Wellsboro Junction section of the trail. The lower half of the trail has 3 geocaches (GCPDDM, GC14DDM, GC17DVF) easily accessible from the trail. But we were not wet (no rain) and no breakdowns! The parking lot at Rattlesnake Rock is a popular drop location for canoe and bicycle shuttle services. There is a small, unmarked trail that heads off towards the rock. Saw some beautiful waterfalls but the trail was closed part way up. The trail is approximately 60 miles but can be broken into shorter day trips. The timber rattleris a protected species in Pennsylvania, and found mainly in the central and western mountains of the state. It is very flat, and you can expect to pedal most of the time. It is a jewel well known as a base for visiting fisherman and hunters. We also rode the Old Erie Canal Trail from Dewitt to Rome and back, (a 72 mile round trip) and last year (2009) we rode the Greenway from Genesee Valley Park in Rochester to Cuba, approximately 90 miles on and off the uncompleted trail. There are several gates on the trail to ride around, but the trail itself is so impressive that the gates did not deter from a great scenic ride. The trail goes along Pine Creek through Pennsylvania mountains and cornfields - a very pleasant, scenic experience. That being said, the Darling Run Access Area is the closest access point to downtown Wellsboro. Having been on many trails in the mid-atlantic area, I can say that the Pine Creek Trail is by far the best I have ever been on. (Back in the snake den, Doug is talking. Only road 10 miles round trip. It often follows roads especially in the southern part. The only town/village you pass through is Blackwell. Friday 10-14 we started at the northern end off 287 north of Wellsboro and rode to mile marker 10. I stayed at the Wellsboro Lodge, in an outside room what a dump. Alabama: Cahaba River. Recommendations: Trail slopes gently downhill from north to south (i.e. Skipped the last part into Jersey Shore as I had read it was not interesting. Need to ride 10 mph to keep the flies off you. The trail is beautiful and has terrific views of the stream and mountains. They allowed us to use their paqrking lot and changing room to get out of our wet clothes. Our first overnight trip was on the Erie Canal Trail beginning in Lockport. The 62 miles flowed so smoothly that we reached the end before we knew it. Written 28 July 2022. Share this checklist with other participants' eBird accounts. It was OK, but I would have given my first born for pavement !! Where To Eat. The one restaurant in Cedar Run was closed that day also. While some others commented on discourteous riders, we ran into none. By the time we left Waterville, we were counting down the miles between comfort stations. There were bear tracks on the trail. To assist with the trip, I talked with Pine Creek Outfitters. Be advised that there is no water available in the 17 mile canyon stretch so top off at one of the general stores when you have the chance. The water pump worked and because the sign said the water was not frequently tested, we put it through a Sawyer filter before we used it. The best place to stay before your trip is at a hotel in Wellsboro, PA. During my visit, I was invited to stay at the Canyon Motel. The surface is very hard with cinders the entire length. Based in the state capital of Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. Continue 3.4 miles to Hilborn Fields and then 2.7 miles to Slate Run where there is a general store with supplies, yummy baked goods and fishing gear. The area is so pretty and the leaves were just starting to peak. Conditions: Packed gravel. A designated But I had always wanted to do the entire thing. My wife and I just spent four days on this trail. My First Rattlesnake, Pine Creek Rail Trail, August 2009. See other sections of the Pine Creek Trail. The trail follows right next to the Pine Creek crossing nice bridges back and forth over the creek. Then take a left at the next light onto Railroad Street. Really nice trail. This section is mostly open with plenty of scenery.