The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (Pine Creek Gorge)

A 47-mile gorge carved up to 1,450 feet deep, and one of the finest canyon views in the East.

Quick Facts

• Location: Tioga State Forest, west of Wellsboro, PA

• Length: 47 miles; up to 1,450 feet deep at Waterville

• At the state parks: more than 800 feet deep, about 4,000 feet rim to rim

• Designation: National Natural Landmark, 1968

• Main overlooks: Leonard Harrison State Park on the east rim and Colton Point State Park on the west rim

• Best for: bucket-list views, fall foliage, biking, paddling

About the Gorge

Pine Creek Gorge, better known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is one of the finest deep gorges in the eastern United States. Its forested walls glow in fall, and bald eagles, river otters and black bears live along the creek. It's an easy day trip from our homes — see it listed in our Day Trips guide.

Best Ways to See It

• Leonard Harrison State Park, east rim: the most popular overlooks, near Wellsboro. The steep Turkey Path drops from the rim to Pine Creek.

• Colton Point State Park, west rim: quieter overlooks and CCC-era pavilions.

• Pine Creek Overlook: sweeping views with easy access and no hike required; best at sunrise, sunset and peak foliage.

• Pine Creek Rail Trail: a flat, 60-plus-mile rail trail along the creek, great for biking and walking.

• Paddling: seasonal kayaking, canoeing and rafting on Pine Creek. Conditions depend on water levels.

Outfitter

Pine Creek Outfitters
5142 Route 6, Wellsboro, PA 16901
(570) 724-3003
pinecrk.com

Bike, kayak, canoe and raft rentals, shuttles along Pine Creek, guided trips and local advice. Just a mile from the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

Where to Eat Nearby

• Log Cabin Inn, Wellsboro area

• Old Antlers Inn, Wellsboro

• Perma Stone Inn and Murphy's Pizza, Galeton

See the canyon by day, the Milky Way by night.

The canyon's rim overlooks are covered in detail on our Scenic Overlooks guide.