Things to do nearTioga State Forest
Tioga State Forest in north-central Pennsylvania offers sweeping ridge-top views, old-growth hemlocks, and some of the state's most rewarding backcountry trails.
Tioga State Forest has been managed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry since the early twentieth century, when widespread logging had stripped much of the region bare. Reforestation efforts gradually restored the landscape, and today the forest stands as a testament to long-term conservation work across the Allegheny Plateau.
Visitors come for the trails, the gorge, and the solitude. Pine Creek Gorge cuts through the western edge of the forest, offering overlooks from Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks. The Black Forest Trail loops roughly 42 miles through the interior, passing through stands of oak, maple, and hemlock.
Fishing is a quiet tradition here. Kettle Creek, Babb Creek, and numerous smaller tributaries support wild trout populations, drawing anglers from across the region. Mountain bikers follow the network of forest roads and singletrack connecting remote hollows.
Tioga State Forest earns its place among Pennsylvania's finest natural areas through sheer scale, ecological variety, and the kind of stillness that is increasingly rare.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Tioga State Forest
Visit during mid-October for peak fall color along the Pine Creek Gorge, often called the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
Try the Black Forest Trail for a multi-day backpacking loop through some of the most remote terrain in the forest.
Bring layered clothing even in summer, as ridge elevations and shaded hollows stay noticeably cooler than surrounding valleys.
Look for wild turkey and white-tailed deer in the early morning hours near open meadows and forest edges.
Pick up a free public-use map at the Tioga State Forest district office in Wellsboro before heading out on longer routes.
Top tours & experiences near Tioga State Forest
Ride a Shuttle to Rattlesnake Rock From Ansonia
Scheduled shuttle from Ansonia to Rattlesnake Rock with dog-friendly option
Ride the Blackwell Afternoon Shuttle From Ansonia
Reserve a 2pm or 5pm Blackwell pick-up with shuttle back to Ansonia
Ride a 9am Bike Shuttle From Jersey Shore, PA
9am shuttle from Jersey Shore to your trailhead (reservation required)
Ride a Morning Shuttle From Cedar Run
9:50am Cedar Run pickup for guests staying on property (no public parking)
Slate Run Afternoon Shuttle to Pine Creek Outfitters
Meet at Slate Run at 4:45 pm and shuttle to your trailhead
9:45 AM Shuttle Pickup From Slate Run
Meet at Slate Run at 9:45am for your shuttle to Pine Creek Outfitters
Bike Shuttle Pickup From Waterville, PA
9:20am Waterville bike shuttle pickup with reservation required
Pine Creek Torbert Morning Boating Shuttle
9:10am Torbert pickup for boaters with gear shuttle to your preferred access
Float Upper Pine Creek on a 8-Mile Shuttle Trip
Shuttle-assisted 8-mile float on Upper Pine Creek in 2–3 hours
Float Upper Pine Creek From Galeton to Wellsboro
Shuttle to Galeton, then float 13 miles of Upper Pine Creek back to the outfitter
Shuttle Your Vehicle to Hamilton Bottom, PA
Shuttle your vehicle to Hamilton Bottom while you boat Pine Creek
Shuttle Your Vehicle to Rattlesnake Rock, PA
Have your vehicle shuttled to Rattlesnake Rock while you bike, hike, or boat
Float Upper Pine Creek on a 5-Mile Shuttle Trip
Shuttle to Rexford and float 5 miles back on Upper Pine Creek
Shuttle Your Vehicle to Slate Run & Tomb Flats
Move your vehicle while you bike or boat to Slate Run
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 With 10-Mile Shuttle
Shuttle to Watrous for a 10-mile float back on Upper Pine Creek
Hike The West Rim Trail Shuttle From Wellsboro
Ride a custom shuttle to start your West Rim Trail hike where you want
Pine Creek Morning Boating Shuttle From Hamilton Bottom
Reserve your Hamilton Bottom morning shuttle for boating-only access
Ride a Bike Shuttle to Jersey Shore From Ansonia
7:45am bike shuttle to Jersey Shore with pickup at Butler Access or Pine Creek Outfitters
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
Float Upper Pine Creek With Rexford Shuttle
Shuttle to Rexford for a 5-mile float back to Pine Creek Outfitters