Things to do nearPine Creek Rail Trail
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.
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Tips for visiting Pine Creek Rail Trail
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.
Top tours & experiences near Pine Creek Rail Trail
Shuttle Your Vehicle on Pine Creek to Torbert
Let a staff member shuttle your vehicle to Torbert while you boat Pine Creek
Float Upper Pine Creek From Watrous To Wellsboro
3–4 hour shuttle float on Upper Pine Creek from Watrous
Float Upper Pine Creek With 10-Mile Shuttle
Shuttle to Watrous for a 10-mile float back on Upper Pine Creek
Pine Creek Morning Boating Shuttle From Hamilton Bottom
Reserve your Hamilton Bottom morning shuttle for boating-only access
Tube Rental Float On Upper Pine Creek River
Float Upper Pine Creek with tube rental and shuttle included
Full-Day Kayak Rental In Wellsboro
Rent a single kayak for the day, 9am–6pm return by 6pm
Raft Pine Creek in the PA Grand Canyon
Guided rafting through the PA Grand Canyon with Class II–III rapids and lunch
Take an 8-Mile Upper Pine Creek Shuttle From Wellsboro
Shuttle your own boat upstream, then float 8 miles back
Float Upper Pine Creek 13-Mile Shuttle From Galeton
Shuttle upstream to Galeton, then float 13 miles back on Upper Pine Creek
Upper Pine Creek Vehicle Shuttle in Wellsboro
Let a staff member shuttle your vehicle while you float Upper Pine Creek
Pine Creek Rail Trail Bike Rental & Shuttle to Blackwell
Explore the canyon floor on a gentle rail trail, with your return shuttle included