Pine Creek Rail Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
One of the premier rail-trails in the Northeast, the Pine Creek Trail in Pine Creek Gorge offers travelers a spectacular 62-mile journey through the area commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. With numerous trailheads, comfort stations, campgrounds and small towns along the route, the well-maintained trail is ideal for an afternoon excursion or a longer trek.

The Jersey Shore, Pine Creek & Buffalo Railroad began operating here in 1883, carrying timber to sawmills in towns along the floor of the gorge. The railroad also transported coal north to New York State. The last freight train passed through in October 1988.

Relatively flat, with a grade of only 2%, the trail runs from Ansonia south to Jersey Shore, traversing Tioga and Tiadaghton state forest lands. For 55 of its 62 miles it hugs Pine Creek, offering great views of dramatic rock outcrops and numerous waterfalls, and providing access to whitewater rafting and canoeing in the spring. You may be lucky enough to see an eagle, osprey, coyote or even a black bear on the hillside adjacent to the trail. Other wildlife can also be spotted in the gorge, including deer, wild turkeys, herons, hawks, river otters and beavers.

Horseback riding is allowed on portions of the trail. To use the hard-packed dirt path beside the trail between Ansonia and Tiadaghton, equestrians should park at the Ansonia trailhead.

There are many other access points along the route. Several access points with parking are located south of Blackwell along Route 414. The parking lot at Rattlesnake Rock is a popular drop location for canoe and bicycle shuttle services. Another large parking lot is located at the southern end of the trail just north of Waterville. A trail map and detailed maps of the state forests are available at the Bureau of Forestry Offices in Wellsboro and in South Williamsport.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the northern trailhead from US 6, where it meets PA 287 north of Wellsboro, turn left to travel north on PA 287 and then turn left on Patten Road. The trailhead is on the left beyond the ice cream shop.

The reach the southern trailhead from US 220 in Jersey Shore from Lock Haven, take US 220 and exit at Thomas St.; at the top of the hill turn right at the stop sign then head down hill to the first traffic light. Turn right onto Railroad and go 2 blocks; the trailhead, restrooms and parking lot is on your right.

From Williamsport to Jersey Shore, take US 220 and exit at Thomas Street; go up the ramp to the stop sign, turn left, go over the overpass and proceed down hill to first traffic light; turn right onto Railroad Street and go two blocks to the trailhead on your right.

There are numerous other access points along the trail's route.

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Reviews: [4 trail ratings]
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A glorious day on the trail
By chichi3 in October, 2011
This was my first trip on this beautiful trail, but by far NOT my last. What a beautiful trail. 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. We managed to get as far as the Jersey Mills post office and then decided to head back. My friends were a bit less experienced riders and began feeling the ride. On the way out and back we stopped at several lovely locations that afforded us spectacular views. This trail is absolutely worth riding.
Traveled far and wide and haven't found a better rail trail
By tjwagner in August, 2011
I'm fortunate enough to live just a few miles from this gem of a trail, and I enjoy biking it regularly. The trail is very clean, well maintained, and extremely beautiful. I've traveled to many rail trails all over the US, and I still haven't found one better than this.

The trail is maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The northern end is about 3 miles from Wellsboro. From there, it runs generally southward through the Pine Creek Valley (better known locally as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania). The section from Ansonia to Tiadaghton is open to horses. In the winter, the trail is open for cross-country skiing.

The northern end of the trail (Wellsboro Junction to Ansonia) has marshes, fields, and farmhouses. From Ansonia to Blackwell, the trail runs through the deep, forested canyon; other than a few cabins, this area is totally uninhabited. From Blackwell to Jersey Shore, the trail roughly parallels PA Route 414 and PA Route 44. It passes through several small hamlets and has trailheads at regular intervals.

Conditions:
Packed gravel. Occasionally, some washouts after heavy rain, but it should be manageable on any standard bicycle.

Scenery:
Very beautiful views of Pine Creek and the rugged canyon. The 16.5-mile section between Ansonia and Blackwell is the most beautiful part in my opinion. The state has recently erected signs explaining the history of the area and some of the plants and animals there.

Wildlife:
Deer, hawks, geese, and ducks are seen regularly along the trail. Bald eagles live in the area and are a rare treat to see. Bears and rattlesnakes are occasionally seen along the trail but do not seem to bother people.

Access/facilities:
Trailheads are spaced at regular intervals. Most offer ample parking, outhouses, and water pumps. Camping is restricted to limited areas and requires a DCNR permit in advance.

Recommendations:
Trail slopes gently downhill from north to south (i.e. Wellsboro is at the high end / Jersey Shore is at the low end). If you want to do a one-way ride, ride south and get picked up. Pine Creek Outfitters near Wellsboro offers shuttle services.

Bring enough water for the duration of your trip. Although most of the trailheads have pumps, I find the water tastes very metallic (due to the old metal pumps).

There is a small store near the Wellsboro Junction trailhead. South of there, there are no stores or vending machines until you reach Blackwell. From Blackwell southward, most of the tiny towns have a general store or restaurant where basic necessities can be purchased.

Cell phones do not work along most of the trail due to the deep canyon and rural area. Some (but not all) of the trailheads have phones.
Jersey Shore to Waterville and back. June 2011
By meister68 in July, 2011
This was my first bike ride on this trail. The family and I walked a couple miles of the trail up on the north end by Ansonia last year. It is a great trail if you are looking for an easy ride with low traffic, hardly any grade to speak of and wonderful views. I can't wait to explore more of it. I was combining a nice cardio workout and a trail ride into one so I did push pretty good up and back. I stopped at Waterville and ate my lunch that I had packed along while watching a helicopter drop the geo-boxes for gas exploration. That helicopter pilot was border-line crazy the way he/she was flying it. Made for good entertainment while eating. The next time I'll try to bring someone else along to go in the Waterville Inn for a sandwich and a cold one. On the way back I saw a nice big black snake crossing the trail. I had a squirrel playing chicken with me; I think I just touched his tail with my front tire. I've been spreading the word about this awesome trail to friends and coworkers. It is a wonderful trail for a nice leisurely ride. It sure is nice not having to worry about traffic. I only wish I had a trail like this a little closer to home. Maybe some day.
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