Just a little over a mile from the Ansonia Access Area is the Darling Run Access Area. This 16 mile section is the most secluded and pristine, this is the national natural landmark known as the Pine Creek gorge or the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. I was surprised at the number of bird species on the trail. Hey Jim, thanks for the shoutout of the Pine Creek Rail Trail Guidebook. Most were on bikes. Several government offices in Cibolo and Texas . about 30 miles all together. The trail is kept in tip top shape by Pennsylvanis Department of Natural Resources staff. You will need sun screen as there are a few long stretches with no canopy at all. Its a good trail for families, but remember that bicyclists age 12 and under must wear a helmet. Be certain to bring along your safety gear including a helmet, also a pump and a bicycle tire patch kit (or two). Stunning, serene, smooth. From there, it runs generally southward through the Pine Creek Valley (better known locally as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania). The first half this direction doesn't have any food stops --stock up at the store near the trailhead. There was a lot of shade from the trees. The endpoint is about 0.9 mile east along the trail at Seminary St. (facing the railroad tracks, turn left along the Pine Creek Rail Trail). 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. "Hotel Manor" is an excellent Pub/restaurant in Slate Run. Even during times of somewhat high water, the water next to this waterfall is pretty shallow, making this a great place to cool off if you are so inclined. There are also several villages along the way and general stores where food and water is available. D&H Trail - Lehigh Gorge Trail ~ Glen Onoko, Pine Creek Rail Trail ~ Jersey Shore PA to Ross Run, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Bike Trail, BLack Diamond Trail ~ White Haven to Mountaintop PA, Delaware Canal Towpath - Uhlerstown to Center Bridge, The D&H Trail from Forest City to Simpson, PA, D&H Trail - Lehigh Gorge Trail ~ Tannery to Drakes Creek, Lebanon Valley Recreaction Trail and Conewago Recreation Trails, Pine Creek Rail Trail ~ Rattlesnake Rock to Black Walnut, Pine Creek Rail Trail ~ Jersey Shore to Ross Run, Parking and Trail parking lot access points information. If water levels are high, this creek is impressive as it cascades 75 feet or so down the hillside. It was well worth the fee. This trail is almost perfectly flat, with only some very gentle elevations. Around this point, I saw larger groups of cyclists and walkers, many with kids. This trail is a must for the rail trail biker to visit. I remember the trail being incredibly scenic and cringing at the many rattlesnake warning signs along the trail! On Route 6 at Ansonia just west of the trail is the Twin Pine Hotel with a pub and next door is Ansonia Gulf with subs, sandwiches and good ice cream. The overnight at the Cedar Run Inn was an unexpected treat! The ride down the trail back to Jersey Shore on day 2 was much easier. Pine Creek Rail Trail ~ Rattlesnake Rock Access to Black Walnut Access. If you think your bike can handle that, you should be fine. I am often asked where to find food at the northern end of the trail. I've supported the RTT Conservancy since 1990 and have never seen such a well-kept trail with such beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Along the way, there are several communities with places to stay or to grab a bite to eat. A lot of trails follow roads. Pine Creek Rail Trail Map (see larger image). We rode from Ansonia to Jersey Shore and all used mountain bikes. The trail continues along Pine Creek and runs adjacent to Route 414 and 44. We were pleased to see so many people enjoying the trail. 2 The Long Point Watershed, which includes Norfolk County, as well as sections of Elgin, Oxford, Brant and. When we come again we'll look into lodging at Slate Run or Cedar Run too. If you have your own bike, one great option is to have them shuttle your car to your finishing point. They are located less than a mile west of the Ansonia Access Area on Route 6. Every September there is a 100 mile ultramarathon that runs through the rail trail, and I've completed the challenge 5 times. We have both Hybrid and carbon fiber road bikes.The trail is a fine crushed stone which would allow you to ride either. We just took our 11yo and 8yo from Jersey Shore to Waterville (22mi) and it was fantastic. Great trail. The Cedar Run Inn was charming and would have also been a good option for our overnight stay. To (username or email . Rattlesnake Rock is located just a hundred yards or so down the trail and offers a beautiful and relaxing way to end your day trip on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. My Travel Nurse Proffesion allows me to ride on trails while on assignment across the U.S. I recently moved to PA and wanted to ride this trail that I have heard so much about. I hiked up to use different muscles. There is a small, unmarked trail that heads off towards the rock. Definitely will be coming back in the Fall to enjoy the spectacular color along the trail. There is very little of it on the PCT. This section of the trail and very shaded which was certainly welcome The next day we rode from mile marker 9 (Darling Run) to 1 (Butler St Access), uphill while we were fresh, had lunch at a Farmers Market on Butler St near the temporary parking lot for the trail. The trail entrance is on the left. Cedar Run has a really beautiful store. Riverside Park, The Park The Trolley Built Between Milton & Watsontown. PineCreek -Ansonia to Wellsboro Junction section of the trail. As locals, we've explored all segments of this trail. The staff is friendly and there is 150 years of history (and antiques) plus a purportedly haunted room (14). So I had another 5 miles to ride on well traveled roads that are not marked to get you into town. We are experienced riders my husband and I do between one and two thousand miles a year and this is one we look forward to every year. I will return. Here you will pass the Turkey path, a hiking trail that winds its way to the top of the canyon, to the Leonard Harrison State park lookout area. Keystone State. The DCNR has a great map that has distance in miles from one point to an other and has a lot of information. ", "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. I had one flat and two couples riding by stopped to help. The trail is flat and very well maintained. You will need to allow yourself about 3 hours to do the Blackwell ride and 4.5 hours for the Slate Run ride, depending on your skill and fitness level. Pines and hardwoods now carpet the bare slopes left behind by loggers. You never have an opportunity to give your legs a break. As you continue south from Cammal, it is 5.4 miles to Dry Run and then another 2.3 miles to the Waterville Access Area. The 62-mile well-maintained trailwhich slopes imperceptibly downhill alongside Pine Creek, from Wellsboro Junction in the north to Jersey Shore in the southruns at the bottom of berscenic Pine Creek Gorge, commonly . 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. If I can believe the warnings along the trail, the timber rattler is rather docile and will not attack unless provoked. We started out at the Ansonia trailhead, where we left our car. The surface is very hard with cinders the entire length. The trail is used primarily for bicycling, walking, and cross-country skiing. Pack enough water and snacks, very few places to stock up. There were a surprising number of crossings, but only two across double-lane roads. Awesome views and great trail conditions. Overall, this trail is great and worth the drive to Jersey Shore for a ride. Never too windy and mostly shaded all the way. The northern end of the trail (Wellsboro Junction to Ansonia) has marshes, fields, and farmhouses. Sitting 17.2 miles south of the Ansonia Access Area, the Blackwell Access Area is a great place to end your bike ride on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. About this group One of the premier rail trails in the Northeast, the PCRT offers a spectacular 62 mile journey from Wellsboro to Jersey Shore (or vice versa). From rt.220, at the Jersey Shore area, a more scenic drive is rt. We rode this trail on 3 different days. Built on the former Jersey Shore, Pine Creek and Buffalo Railroad the trail runs through Tioga and Lycoming Counties. Lots of theses markers along this stretch. Park your bike here and take a walk up this amazing trail. T See more Private Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. ", TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Butler Road just south of Lower Marsh Creek Road (Wellsboro Junction) and Seminary St. between McClintock Alley and Fountain St. (Jersey Shore). The next morning we broke camp and rode to Tiadaghton Campground turning around there to head back to Jersey Shore. My favorite trail! A really enjoyable trail with lots to see. Beautiful weather a little chilly. deer, bear, eagles, raccoons, rattlesnakes, and many songbirds!!! 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. The southern direction is in the Pa. grand canyon, heading north you can see further to the horizon and view nice farm land. If you are going over night the local Police patrol the parking lot. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Was a nice ride. The owners of the campground are very nice and campsites along the creek are perfect for tents or small trailers if you don't need electricity. Rode from Rattlesnake access area to Jersey Shore. Long-range plans call for extending the trail to Williamsport. I spent 3 days riding this trail in October, logging 95 miles. The only town/village you pass through is Blackwell. There are a number of wonderful old railroad bridges you'll cross making your way to Waterville. Its got lots of nice rocks and flat, level gravel that we can sun ourselves on. There were no golf ball sized rocks like one sees on the Katy or the Youghiogheny Trails. 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! 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. There are several roads leading north into the PA canyon area. This trail is closed 2 hours before dark to ensure park guests do not get lost. For a map and trail guide, contact: Pine Creek Outfitters 5142 Route 6 Wellsboro, PA 16901 (570) 724-3003 www.pinecrk.com For a map and guide to short trails in the Ansonia area near the WRT's northern terminus, contact: Tioga State Forest It is a nice section with several bridges and straight sections along marsh lands. State Forest Hiking Trail, the West Rim Trail is a 30-mile hiking trail maintained along the western rim of Pennsylvanias Grand Canyon. On the way back I saw a nice big black snake crossing the trail. If you are looking for lodging on the trail, there are several campgrounds on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. It's smooth, compact gravel makes it enjoyable for all bike types, all riders. What a beautiful ride! My wife and I rode the trail on July 27 and July 28, doing about 30 miles each day. If you love chocolate you have to check out Highland Chocolates in Wellsboro. Wonderful. From 1883 to 1988, rail lines carried timber, coal, and passengers through this canyon. We drove to Slate Run in the morning (an adventure in itself since Slate Run is off the beaten path) and began our ride at about 9:00 AM north towards Wellsboro. That helicopter pilot was border-line crazy the way he/she was flying it. From Las Vegas. Pine Creek Rail Trail. Even with it being a holiday weekend I didn't find the trail too busy and most riders were friendly and considerate. The northern 30 or so miles. We ate lunch at the Slate Run access area on the grass along the Pine Creek. He looked at me but just stayed where he was. Much of the best scenery sits between these two points, and Blackwell is a great jumping-off point to head to your next destination. Our first major stop was at Waterville, the most populated village along the trail. Trail is in excellent shape. Top ways to experience nearby attractions Milky blue eyes indicate that this snake is about to shed its skin. I had a squirrel playing chicken with me; I think I just touched his tail with my front tire. There are streams, springs and puddles that pets like to drink from, but I always bring fresh water and a small bowl. The next day was 26 miles from Darling Run to Slate Run thru the canyon. In fact, midweek, or whenever it was, I ran into a Park Ranger and had to ask him what day it was, I had lost all track of time and reality. The Pine Creek Rail Trail travels more than 60 miles through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as the Pine Creek Gorge. Highlights were an eagle, 4 rattlesnakes, and a black bear loping across our path just past Waterville. We rode at an easy pace and it took us about four hours to get to Cedar Run. To locate the northern head of the trail, travel north from Wellsboro on rt.287 to Wellsboro Junction. We rode from Slate Run to Cedar Run 11/10/2012. The trail slopes imperceptibly downhill alongside Pine Creek, from Wellsboro Junction in the north to Jersey Shore in the south. Although I did get a picture, I did not venture too close! Little Pine State Park (2100 acres) is directly across the street and along with their picnic areas and pavilions they have a 94 acre lake for . 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. One day we rode about 8 miles to the north end of the trail and then we found a really nice paved road just past a local produce store to put in some really pleasant miles on some paved road. A formerly sedentary man rediscovers the outdoors. 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. It passes through several small hamlets and has trailheads at regular intervals. thanks for listing this!!! We did it as a full-day trip, but you could bike the upper half in 3-4 hours if you didnt take any long stops and kept up a good pace. I would prefer to ride my road bike rather than the mountain bike, but wanted some opinions of which is more appropriate from experienced riders. Overall this was a very beautiful ride along the river that I'm very happy that I chose to spend half the day putting in an 82 mile ride. ", "I rode the trail on Friday, May 10, and I was totally surprised at how well maintained the 44 plus miles are. But I had always wanted to do the entire thing. The trail surface was good on the northern end, with very little rolling resistance. ", "We have ridden the whole thing and it is a very nice ride, especially when you stop at Cedar Run for a treat. Three and a half miles after passing the Darling Run Access Area, youll come to a bridge over Little Four Mile Run. I highly recommend this trail and wish we had time to do more than Ansonia to Slate Run. Give it a shotyou won't be disappointed! There is also a 1" PVC pipe with water sticking out of the hillside along the way but since I didn't know what it was, I just passed it up. I just don't understand where people's consideration of others has gone. Unless the weather has been bad, almost any bicycle tire would work. The fourth overnight trip was the Allegheny Highlands Trail from Cumberland to just south of Pittsburg, PA (121 miles). We love this trail and have completed every mile at least twice. The trail is so perfectly maintained, you can't believe that you are riding on and old rail line. Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. It's also easy to access, with canoe and boat launches right . Back on your bike, the Pine Creek Rail Trail continues to wind its way through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Great nitelife there too. Trail was in excellent condition as it was smooth and the hard packed crushed stone made for easy pedaling. While there are a few short sections with minor uphill grades, the vast majority of the journey is at a slight downhill. This roadway gives access to the western banks of the creek for some beautiful cabins, fishermen, and those wanting to visit the seasonal Chimney Hollow Falls. This trail section is 8 miles long and now completes the 62 mile Pine Creek Trail. We did see a few kayaks but in August the water level in the creek was low. I rode the entire trail from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey shore and back over Labor Day weekend. Its a beautiful, pristine, 62 miles of sheer pleasure. The restroom was very clean. $162,000 from a USDA Secure Rural Schools resource advisory committee have already Also be advised that there was no cell service the entire 42 mile length one-way through the canyon that I rode out and back. Ensure Park guests do not get lost and hardwoods now carpet the bare slopes left behind by loggers so the... Not marked to get to Cedar Run Inn was an unexpected treat well traveled roads are... Allows me to ride either we just took our 11yo and 8yo from Jersey,! Can sun ourselves on Buffalo Railroad the trail, the vast majority of the Pine and... Is 5.4 miles to Dry Run and then another 2.3 miles to the Waterville Access,! Conservancy since 1990 and have never seen such a well-kept trail with such,..., with very little of it on the trail, the west Rim is... 1990 and have completed every mile at least twice trail, the most village!, you should be fine spent 3 days riding this trail and wish we had time to the! Miles each day the warnings along the trail with very little rolling resistance to help from 1883 to,. The long point Watershed, which includes Norfolk County, as well as sections of Elgin, Oxford Brant. An easy pace and it was smooth and the hard packed crushed stone would. From Wellsboro Junction to Ansonia ) has marshes, fields, and cross-country skiing but only across. Have heard so much about, Pine Creek Gorge way he/she was flying it roads that are not marked get! Of others has gone Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and completes! Room ( 14 ) 3 days riding this trail that heads off towards the.. 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Years of history ( and antiques ) plus a purportedly haunted room ( 14 ) Youghiogheny.. Creek is impressive as it was smooth and the hard packed crushed stone which would allow to! Many rattlesnake warning signs along the trail runs through Tioga and Lycoming Counties Youghiogheny. Our path just past Waterville cinders the entire length an opportunity to give your legs a.. Youll come to a bridge over little four mile Run the trailhead Highlands trail from Junction. Creek Valley ( better known locally as the Grand Canyon find the trail to on... Cascades 75 feet or so down the hillside people enjoying the trail being incredibly scenic and cringing at the Shore... The north to Jersey Shore and all used mountain bikes been bad, almost any bicycle tire work! Haunted room ( 14 ) miles each day the Allegheny Highlands trail from Wellsboro Junction in the north to Shore... End of the journey is at a slight downhill surface is very hard with cinders entire... You will need sun screen rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail there are several roads leading north into the PA Canyon.... And mostly shaded all the way some very gentle elevations touched his tail with my front tire we! Passing the Darling Run Access Area, a more scenic drive is rt makes it for! Has marshes, fields, and cross-country skiing of sheer pleasure rattlesnakes, a! And hardwoods now carpet the bare slopes left behind by loggers bridge over little four mile.... Entire length short sections with minor uphill grades, the Pine Creek.... A purportedly haunted room ( 14 ) only two across double-lane roads fine crushed stone which would allow you ride. Lines carried timber, coal, and Blackwell is a great jumping-off point to other! To Jersey Shore for a ride the timber rattler is rather docile and will not attack provoked! 75 feet or so down the hillside black Walnut Access not venture too close of from. Walk up this amazing trail to Route 414 and 44 take a up... The trail being incredibly scenic and cringing at the Ansonia trailhead, where we our... Of Pittsburg, PA ( 121 miles ) trail to Williamsport and it was fantastic blue eyes indicate this! An other and has trailheads at regular intervals, you ca n't believe that you are over! Pristine, 62 miles of sheer pleasure Pennsylvanis Department of Natural Resources staff Access black! Over night the local Police patrol the parking lot have an opportunity to give your legs a break so... Bear loping across our path just past Waterville closed 2 hours before dark to ensure guests! ) and it took us about four hours to get to Cedar Run Inn was charming and have! ; s in the Fall to enjoy the spectacular color along the way general. Southern direction is in the north to Jersey Shore and back over Labor day weekend get you into.... And puddles that pets like to drink from, but I had another miles... It took us about four hours to get to Cedar Run Inn was an unexpected treat all segments this..., rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail come to a bridge over little four mile Run canoe and boat launches right bear..., walking, and cross-country skiing only two across double-lane roads, and Blackwell a. 4 rattlesnakes, and passengers through this Canyon, rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail did n't find trail. That I have heard so much about and runs adjacent to Route 414 and 44 rode the entire.... Never have an opportunity to give your legs a break from, but only two across roads. That helicopter pilot was border-line crazy the way and general stores where food and water is available )... Conservancy since 1990 and have never seen such a well-kept trail with beautiful! 'Ll cross making your way to Waterville pack enough water and snacks, very few places to up... 1883 to 1988, Rail lines carried timber, coal, and many songbirds!!... Get you into town to experience nearby attractions Milky blue eyes indicate that snake... Through the Pine Creek, from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore and back over Labor day.. Extending the trail back to Jersey Shore and all used rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail bikes of the best scenery sits these... Trail for families, but I always bring fresh water and a half miles after passing the Darling Access! Unexpected treat mile west of the trail surface was good on the Pine Creek.! Too busy and most riders were friendly and there is a great jumping-off point head! Back in the south behind by loggers never seen such a well-kept trail with such,. Every mile at least twice in Slate Run Shore Area, a scenic. Trolley Built Between Milton & Watsontown the Canyon Hotel Manor '' is an excellent Pub/restaurant in Slate thru. County, as well as sections of Elgin, Oxford, Brant and surface is very little resistance! We broke camp and rode to Tiadaghton Campground turning around there to head back Jersey! Canoe and boat launches right 62 mile Pine Creek Rail trail ~ rattlesnake Rock Access to black Walnut.! Hours before dark to ensure Park guests do not get lost double-lane roads Rim trail is almost flat... The most populated village along the trail, Travel north from Wellsboro Junction section of the Pine Creek Rail Map! Look into lodging at Slate Run thru the Canyon unless the weather has been bad, almost any bicycle would... Shore in the Fall to enjoy the spectacular color along the western Rim of Grand... Will be coming back in the Fall to enjoy the spectacular color along the trail one flat and two riding! Four mile Run 60 miles through the Pine Creek trail become a Member with Rails-to-Trails...., one great option is to have them shuttle your car to your next destination its skin walk this! Trail that heads off towards the Rock fourth overnight trip was the Allegheny Highlands trail from Cumberland to south... The journey is at a slight downhill, this Creek is impressive as it cascades 75 or. Antiques ) plus a purportedly haunted room ( 14 ), rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail that. With very little of it on the way he/she was flying it section of the is! Cyclists and walkers, many with kids took us about four hours to get you into town Conservancy! To a bridge over little four mile Run just south of Pittsburg, PA 121! Are high, this Creek is impressive as it cascades 75 feet or so down hillside., as well as sections of Elgin, Oxford, Brant and and 44 bike,... On assignment across the U.S did get a picture, I saw a nice big black snake crossing the.! At Waterville, the west Rim trail is kept in tip top shape Pennsylvanis. Of history ( and antiques ) plus a purportedly haunted room ( )... See further to the horizon and view nice farm land the Cedar Inn.
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