The Pine Creek Rail Trail in north-central Pennsylvania winds through the dramatic Pine Creek Gorge, offering stunning canyon views, wildlife sightings, and peaceful riverside riding.
The Pine Creek Rail Trail traces the route of the Jersey Shore, Pine Creek and Buffalo Railroad, which operated through the gorge in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When rail service ended, the corridor was preserved and converted into one of Pennsylvania's most celebrated rail-trails, now managed as part of the state's extensive trail network.
The trail runs through Tioga and Lycoming counties, passing through Pine Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago. Canyon walls rise more than 1,000 feet above the creek, creating a sense of scale that surprises first-time visitors. The flat, well-maintained surface suits hikers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers in winter.
Small riverside communities like Blackwell and Slate Run sit along the route, offering basic amenities and a glimpse of the quiet, rural character of north-central Pennsylvania. Fly fishing is popular along Pine Creek, which supports healthy populations of wild brown and brook trout.
Few trails in the eastern United States combine this level of natural drama with such gentle terrain, making the Pine Creek Rail Trail a genuinely rewarding destination for anyone drawn to big landscapes and quiet outdoor pursuits.
Visit in mid-October for peak fall foliage, when the canyon walls blaze with color and the trail is at its most dramatic.
Bring a bike for the full experience, as the flat grade makes the trail manageable for riders of all fitness levels.
Start from the Tiadaghton trailhead in the south to access some of the widest, most open stretches of the gorge.
Pack water and snacks, as services along the trail are limited and distances between access points can be long.
Keep an eye on the creek banks at dawn and dusk for white-tailed deer, osprey, and the occasional black bear.
Ride 28 miles on the Pine Creek Rail Trail with return shuttle included
Rent bikes 1 mile from the Pine Creek Rail Trail access
Scheduled shuttle from Ansonia to Rattlesnake Rock with dog-friendly option
Reserve a 2pm or 5pm Blackwell pick-up with shuttle back to Ansonia
Cruiser-style Class 1 e-bike rental near Pine Creek Rail Trail
9am shuttle from Jersey Shore to your trailhead (reservation required)
9:50am Cedar Run pickup for guests staying on property (no public parking)
Meet at Slate Run at 4:45 pm and shuttle to your trailhead
Meet at Slate Run at 9:45am for your shuttle to Pine Creek Outfitters
9:20am Waterville bike shuttle pickup with reservation required
Cruise 17 flat miles on the Pine Creek Rail Trail with a Blackwell shuttle pickup
9:10am Torbert pickup for boaters with gear shuttle to your preferred access
Shuttle-assisted 8-mile float on Upper Pine Creek in 2–3 hours
Shuttle to Galeton, then float 13 miles of Upper Pine Creek back to the outfitter
Shuttle your vehicle to Hamilton Bottom while you boat Pine Creek
Have your vehicle shuttled to Jersey Shore while you ride the Pine Creek Rail Trail
Have your vehicle shuttled to Rattlesnake Rock while you bike, hike, or boat
Shuttle to Rexford and float 5 miles back on Upper Pine Creek
Move your vehicle while you bike or boat to Slate Run
Let a staff member shuttle your vehicle to Torbert while you boat Pine Creek
Have your vehicle moved to Waterville while you bike the Pine Creek Rail Trail
3–4 hour shuttle float on Upper Pine Creek from Watrous
Shuttle to Watrous for a 10-mile float back on Upper Pine Creek
Ride a custom shuttle to start your West Rim Trail hike where you want
Reserve your Hamilton Bottom morning shuttle for boating-only access
7:45am bike shuttle to Jersey Shore with pickup at Butler Access or Pine Creek Outfitters
Float Upper Pine Creek with tube rental and shuttle included
Rent a single kayak for the day, 9am–6pm return by 6pm
Guided rafting through the PA Grand Canyon with Class II–III rapids and lunch
Shuttle your own boat upstream, then float 8 miles back
Shuttle upstream to Galeton, then float 13 miles back on Upper Pine Creek
Shuttle to Rexford for a 5-mile float back to Pine Creek Outfitters
Let a staff member shuttle your vehicle while you float Upper Pine Creek