48 Hours at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Pennsylvania’s Hidden Wonder
Looking for some outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania? I highly recommend taking a trip to Northern Central Pennsylvania and visiting the scenic Grand Canyon in Tioga County. This region and area is littered with state parks, hiking trails, biking paths, lake and river adventures. We decided to take this trip and enjoy a nice spring weekend in Wellsboro, PA. It did not disappoint!
Day 1 at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Pennsylvania Scenic Route 6
From our house in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the PA Grand Canyon is located about a 2.5 hour drive northwest along the Scenic Route 6. This scenic byway is absolutely stunning and very comfortable drive. Running form Long Beach, California to Provincetown, Massachusetts, route 6 is one of the countries most scenic drives. Mapping out or drive, we had a few options to pick from. Honestly, this was a no brainer as far as the drive was considered. With overlooks, pull offs, historic battle and land markings, cozy and old towns located along the drive, this scenic route is a must do drive in Pennsylvania.
Hills Creek State Park
Arriving at our Airbnb located just on the outskirts of Wellsboro, PA and minutes from hills Creek State Park, we decided that a hike at the canyon would not be ideal as we would not have enough sunlight to accomplish a hike. We decided to head down the road to Hills Creek State Park and take a nice bike ride through the paved trails and take in the man made lake that is the focal point to the park. As sunset was approaching, we headed back to the house, made some dinner, and hung out and prepared for our upcoming day of adventure.
Day 2 at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Pine Creek Rail Trail
As we awoke for our first full day of the weekend, we knew we wanted to hike and bike and make the most of the day. Pine Creek Rail Trail, located 3 miles north of Wellsboro running 62 miles to Jersey Shore, PA, is a scenic and impressive biking trail, known as “The Jewel of the Gorge.”
As we arrived at the trail head for Pine Creek Rail Trail, we were excited to take in the views and go for a morning ride in the cool brisk Pennsylvania outdoors. The trail is great for all levels of cyclists, paved areas and packed gravel make up the trail. On this day, not many people were out when we went, so it made for a great ride. 10 miles down and 10 miles back was our optimal ride. Knowing that we still wanted to hike with the dogs in the Gorge, we took it easy and saved up our energy for our afternoon hike.
The Grand Canyon or ” Pine Creek Gorge”
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as the Pine Creek Gorge, stretches 45 miles with 1,000 to 1,500 foot depths within the Tioga State Forest. A stunning work of geological magic, the Canyon is a must for those that love the outdoors. The canyon is located within tow state parks, Colton Point State Park to the west and Leonard Harrison State Park to the east. Both state parks offers scenic hikes to overlooks and down to the base where fishing and kayaking take place.
Barbour Rock Trail Hike at Colton Point State Park
We decided to take short hike to an overlook for views of the Canyon. We chose Barbour Rock Trail inside Colton Point State Park. This 1 miles, uphill trek to a scenic overlook was a great choice after our biking adventures the morning and for our aging adventurous pups. They loved it and so did we. Most shaded with lots of tree cover and wildlife, this hike can be done by most hikers not matter what skillset you possess.
About halfway through the hike, we reached a scenic overlook with stunning view of there Grand Canyon beyond. It was a great pace to stop and have lunch, hydrate and fuel the dogs up for the remainder of the hike. It was great way to spend an afternoon and get some great views of the Gorge.
Wellsboro and The Steak House
Arriving back from the days adventures, we had already planned on heading into Wellsboro and checking out the Steak House. As we arrived in town we wanted to check out the town so we decided to walk the street and take it in. The downtown is filled with local restaurants, store, parks and hotels for a tourists haven in the area. Wall murals and paintings were my personal favorite part to the downtown. Now it was time for some food.
A Wellsboro staple, the Steak House offers a large menu, and cozy atmosphere, making the restaurant a great choice for dinner. From Burgers, to steak, to pasta, and salads, this place had it all. I definitely recommend checking this joint out when in Wellsboro.
Day 3 at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Breakfast
Our final day at the Grand Canyon we chose to check out Wellsboro most popular breakfast joint, the Native Bagel. Fixed with made to order bagels, sandwiches, coffee and pastries, Native bagel is a Wellsboro favorite and rightfully so. Fueling up for our morning hike this was the perfect choice.
Lakeside Trail at Hills Creek State Park
After our breakfast we headed back to pack our bags, get one last hike in and head out. As mentioned before, we were walking distance away from Hills Creek State Park, so we decided to go for a hike on the Lakeside Trail.
The Lakeside Trail is a 3 mile loop around the lake centered inside the park. Camping grounds, cabins, play grounds and fisherman all over the park and can be viewed from the trail. The loop is incredibly scenic, filled with tree cover, open fields, flowers, and is a bird watchers haven. Hills Creek State Park is home to many different bird species, and in particular to Bald Eagles. Locals and tourists flock to the park for a glimpse of the Nations bird and spectacular creature a like. Unfortunately for us, we did not see any Bald Eagles on our hike. Next time!
Hikes at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Colton Point State Park
Rim Trail: 1 mile loop. Features scenic views of the Canyon and easy terrain for hikers.
Turkey Path. 3 mile round trip. This difficult out and back descends 1.5 miles to the botton of the canyon.
Leonard Harrison State Park
Turkey Path: 2 mile round trip. Difficult and descends 1 mile to bottom of the canyon.
Overlook Trail: This extremely difficult path passes Otter View, a southbound facing vista overlooking the gorge.
Pine Creek Trail: As mentioned above, The pine Creek Rail trail is a 62 mile 2% grade path that is used for both hiking and biking.
Where to stay:
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Leonard Harrison State Park: Camping and cabins available
Colton Point State Park: Camping available
Hills Creek State Park: Camping and cabins available
The Penn Wells Hotel: Located in downtown Wellsboro, this historic hotel was built in 1869 and offers dining and lodging in an stunning piece of architecture. BOOK HERE.
The Penn Wells Lodge: Located 2 blocks from the Hotel, this 89 room lodge offers guests cozy rooms, 32 executive suites, complimentary breakfast, and common areas. BOOK HERE
The Canyon Motel: Located within walking distance of Wellsboro’s historic downtown and offers guests a comfortable stay, and historic feel. BOOK HERE
Wellsboro Single Story Cabin with Screened in Patio.
Our trip to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon was exactly what we were looking for to enjoy a weekend outdoors. We will definitely make this trip again!
Until next time,
BRICK
