A hidden gem. The trail is immaculate, probably the smoothest rail-to-trail I've been on. I should note that the trail map shows a lot of towns along the route. The State of Pennsylvania deserves a medal for its work building and maintaining this trail. 362 for another 1.2 miles to the Darling Run access and parking area. My group of friends and I will be doing our annual 100k the end of June! I remember the trail being incredibly scenic and cringing at the many rattlesnake warning signs along the trail! I noted the Tale of Two Trails in the headline since the trail from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro is essentially 62 miles uphill with the grade rolling between 1 and 3 percent the entire way. If youve never seen this view, its well worth the challenging climb. That snake was up too high to see well but we did get a good look at the skin he had just shed. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. The only negative that I have found is that groups don't seem to follow bike etiquette. This is a very peaceful ride through the narrowest part of the canyon. Not so on the southern end,though. We spent the afternoon/evening at Slate Run, staying at the Hotel Manor and enjoying a great dinner on their deck. We ate lunch at the Slate Run access area on the grass along the Pine Creek. If you want to bike a bit further, as we did, you can travel an additional 1.8 miles to the Rattlesnake Rock Access Area. Rode it anyway and found it to be very scenic. The ride down the trail back to Jersey Shore on day 2 was much easier. We managed to get as far as the Jersey Mills post office and then decided to head back. All 63 miles of this wonderful trail are open and were biked in 2 days and an afternoon with wife driving shuttle allowing one way biking downhill. Trail Surface: Crushed stone, gravel, ballast Trail Difficulty: Easy Caution: Shared use with hikers. Was a good choice with the slicks trail was very smooth and dry. This time I did not, and my memory is not that great! Between Darling Run and Blackwell there are several comfort stations but no access areas. This trail was the best Rail Trail we have been on in terms of trail condition, scenery, trail facilities, access areas and towns with trail services. A great time and I highly recommend it. I started in Jersey Shore and ended up with a 102 total mile ride. A lot of trails follow roads. Awesome subs and the people were great. 62 miles of Pure Enjoyment! We had rain jackets with us, which helped. It was not only within walking distance of many of the restaurants and shops in downtown Wellsboro, but their indoor pool and hot tub are perfect for relaxing tired muscles. The northern section is bound by state parks, and more food and lodging are available in the south. There was a wind from the SW at 10-15 mph so on some of the zig zagging of the trail there was a very strong head wind at times but it wasn't all day as it was on day 1. Friday 10-14 we started at the northern end off 287 north of Wellsboro and rode to mile marker 10. We rode this trail on October 9-10/2022 to see the colorful leaves. I stopped at Waterville and ate my lunch that I had packed along while watching a helicopter drop the geo-boxes for gas exploration. There are water pumps along the Pine Creek Trail to refill your water bottles and comfort stations(pit toilets) every few miles, but were very clean. We stayed at The Cedar Run Inn (with second and third floor rooms only) It is just what the web states, and the owner and help were just wonderful, but the dinner was very dissapointing. Then I returned back on the trail. This trail is pretty long. Were traveling from Central Pa and were not sure if we should start at Jersey Shore or Wellsboro. Beautiful weather a little chilly. I booked us for a two day stay at the Blackwell Hotel. I camped at Tiadaghton Campsite both nights. SR 44 arrives at Waterville, 1,450 feet below the surrounding ridgetops. I just rode this trail on 8/28, rode the entire length to mile marker 63 in seven hours. This is the first place to get food and bottled water along the trail. From the trail head at the north, it's about a 4 1/2 mile bike ride along the road into Wellsboro and construction has begun to extend the trail into town - I'm not sure when completion is expected. Most offer ample parking, outhouses, and water pumps. If you were just riding for the day, I would suggest that you begin here. Small towns along the route cater to trail visitors, and numerous trailheads, comfort stations, campgrounds, and lodging make extended stays possible. Rode this trail 7/13/2014. Trail was pretty busy with riders and walkers at the start. I did spot a large black snake sprawled across the trail and a black bear in the distance in the area of the comfort station just south of Waterville. Comparing with the D&L Trails (my every weekend stress relief ride)Pine Creek is cleaner, very convenient comfort stations at every 8 to 10 milesnot sure if it is the same north of Blackwell (I'll find out next time), well maintained trail. Again, thanks for all the valuable info. Went back this year, and with the exception of a two hour rain (this time i hid under a kiosk), the ride was perfect. Our moving average over 63 mile was 10 mph and overall was 6.5 with the geocaching stops and photographs. This locale is also one of more than a dozen public access points to the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Im local and I ride the trail a lot. As locals, we've explored all segments of this trail. Even though I biked it on a fairly cool day in May, I still saw three snakes on the trail, including a rattlesnake. Since we would be riding back to our car, we were lightly packed with rain gear, lunch, bike necessities, and our camelbacks loaded with water. very good parking at both ends. We rested here for about 10 minutes and then began the most grueling part of the trip. 44 and picked up the trail 4 miles up ahead. Three and a half miles after passing the Darling Run Access Area, youll come to a bridge over Little Four Mile Run. The Cedar Run General Store serves ice cream and in a great location. Guided tours may be available) There is a picnic area and toilet facilities. View with Google Maps. We are so glad we made the extra effort to get to Slate Run and the Wolfe General Store. No services. If your into woodworking you need to checkout Irion Lumber too. Its a good trail for families, but remember that bicyclists age 12 and under must wear a helmet. Crushed stone. Its the part covered within this article. There is no public access to drinking water so plan accordingly. On the way out and back we stopped at several lovely locations that afforded us spectacular views. This campground was simply gorgeous and we shared it with one other camper. We rode the trail every other day for about a week. Beautiful ride. From Williamsport, off of I80 and 180, rt.15 north has exits for Mansfield (to Wellsboro) or Liberty (to Morris / Blackwell). The scenery was outstanding, as the trail passed through the 17 mile-long Pennslvania ""Grand Canyon"". PA Grand Canyon and the Pine Creek Rail Trail - Read this Mile by Mile Guide. Have you ever biked the Pine Creek Rail Trail? Well maintained, Wellsboro to Jersey shore downhill. Every September there is a 100 mile ultramarathon that runs through the rail trail, and I've completed the challenge 5 times. There are many trail parking areas along the way. Small towns along the route cater to trail visitors, and numerous trailheads, comfort stations, campgrounds, and . ", 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 Pine Creek Rail Trail runs along route 414 through this section, 1.8 miles to Black Walnut Bottom, a nice pull off, park and picnic spot along the creek, then 2.7 miles to Ross Run and then 3.1 miles to the Cammal Comfort Station. I looked up to see if it was raining and I saw one of those strange big creatures on two wheels squirting water at me from his water bottle., I showed him who was boss. Will return again. From this point, you are only one mile north of Blackwell, a small community in the PA Grand Canyon. The trail is beautiful and has terrific views of the stream and mountains. Nothing on floors and even corners cleaned.. Pillows." We intended to camp overnight, but it rained the whole day. PA Grand Canyon Lodging Map. From the width, grade and surface of the trail to the access points, vistas and wildlife, this trail is the premier example of a rail trail ride. Check out the Great Allegheny Passage in southwestern PA or go mountain biking on the Allegrippis Trails in Huntindgon County. about 30 miles all together. The dinner is outstanding, definitely fine dining (sorbet to clean the palate) and prepared fresh. If you have your own bike, one great option is to have them shuttle your car to your finishing point. The following day we headed south for about 12 miles and took in the scenery along the Pine Creek. After a fantastic dinner at the B&B and a great breakfast the next morning, we rode north and felt as though we were on a different trail. Deer, elk, wild turkeys, and black bears inhabit the area bound by the Tioga and Tiadaghton State Forests, and you might see river otters or beavers in the water and bald eagles or ospreys above. I read a review on someone on slicks, so I put a pair on. The Finkbiner's do a great job of making a sandwich to suit anyone, and their selection of drinks is great for cyclists and other active customers. Pine Creek Outfitters provided me with a complimentary shuttle for this trip, but I was very impressed with their offerings and wouldnt hesitate to recommend them. In addition to not having to meet a shuttle at a specific time, freeing you to take your time and enjoy your journey, it also is an inexpensive way to more directly head to your next destination. Ride Pine Creek!! This trail is closed 2 hours before dark to ensure park guests do not get lost. I'm pretty sure this is Slate Run, 8.8 miles from Rattlesnake Rock. Turn left onto Marsh Creek road then a quick left and go past the farm market to a parking area at the head of the trail. Bunch of other people had scene some too that day. Pine Creek Rail Trail. From Williamsport, off of I80 and 180, rt.15 north has exits for Mansfield (to Wellsboro) or Liberty (to Morris / Blackwell). 0 faves. On the first leg we rode from Waterville to Cammal Station and back. Our first overnight trip was on the Erie Canal Trail beginning in Lockport. All in all, it's a gorgeous trip, but what made it even better was discovering Pag-Omar Farms Market at the Wellsboro end! Age range is 59-76 years young! We are from the Pittsburgh area and the GAP trail is our home trail in fact we have done the trip to Washington 2 years ago. Just an absolute scenic route, i've been north to the canyon and ansonia, lovely either way. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. My First Rattlesnake, Pine Creek Rail Trail, August 2009. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 6 h 8 min to complete. You will not believe this trail and what the good people out there are doing for our recreational activities. Expect to see a number of people kayaking and making their way down the creek. That helicopter pilot was border-line crazy the way he/she was flying it. Everything came together: the weekend of 19 October was perfect weather wise and the fall colors were spectacular. My friends were a bit less experienced riders and began feeling the ride. Accompanying me on this trip was my wife and two-year old son. 287 north to Morris and Wellsboro, or the most scenic drive, rt. It's always available and I know it's good water. From Route 6 to Rattlesnake Rock/Blackwell. No motor vehicles. There are lots of restrooms the first 20 or so miles out of Waterville and after that it gets a little rustic up through the Pa grand canyon which is unbelievably beautiful. I got off and rode the parallel road to make better time in some places on that end. I think the entire area is just fantastic and beautiful. I rode from the trail head on the northern end to the town of Wellsboro on the road. Absolutely beautiful scenery. On three occasions I had to motion or yell at oncoming riders to keep right. Foolishly I failed to bring a spare, no repair kit or pump. dougel29@yahoo.com. This is a popular spot for starting rides along the trail. I was going for a endurance ride wanted to do my first ever 100 miler. From Blackwell to Jersey Shore, the trail roughly parallels PA Route 414 and PA Route 44. Could not have had better weather conditions!! Here there are signs educating people about Didymo also known as rock snot which is an invasive algae that spreads easily and causes fish decline. Where are there places where hiking trails intersect with the bike trail to allow for checking out some of the overlooks? Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. Great trail. If someone gets hurt there, it is a long time being rescued. Also the trout fishing on Pine Creek is supposed to be very good. Go 0.4 mile; turn left onto Lower Marsh Creek Road. If you have kids that like to ride bikes, dont be afraid of doing an overnight trip. It's smooth, compact gravel makes it enjoyable for all bike types, all riders. Region. Head west on Route 6 a few miles and there is the Coachstop Inn, Antlers Inn and the Log Cabin Inn. The iced tea was refreshing! The state of PA is repaving portions of this beautiful trail with crushed limestone and clay pack. The people at Pine Creek outfitters were very helpful. See other sections of the Pine Creek Trail. Actually, it was before ANYTHING was open -- almost. We are located in an area with many attractions such as the Pine Creek Rail Trails (4 miles) which winds along the Big Pine Creek for over 60 miles of scenic hiking, biking and cross country skiing. One great example is Pine Island Run. I should see this at least once. Pennsylvania has more than 12,000 miles of trails most of which remain accessible during this period. From where to where Jim? A quick look at what is happening in the Central Susquehanna Valley, including upcoming events, new store openings, nature notes, and mor We dressed in layers, and took along light gloves. I'll add in my defense that I now know I shouldn't have disturbed the reptile, and next time I'll leave it alone. However, for those looking for a taste of the best scenery in northern PA, you wont want to miss a fantastic day trip biking the Pine Creek Gorge through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. I rode the Trail solo 62 mi to Wellsboro Jct. From rt.220, at the Jersey Shore area, a more scenic drive is rt. Give it a shotyou won't be disappointed! Logistic wise, we dropped off a vehicle at the Jersey Shore trail end (41 12.111'N 77 16.748'W) and drove to the start just off route 6 outside Wellsboro (41 47.320'N 77 18.551'W). The Pine Creek Rail Trail Guidebook tells you what you want to know about riding or hiking this highly acclaimed trail. I rode the full trail up and back on two seperate days on my cyclocross bike. Driving up from Washington, DC took 5 hours and I was able to do the 8 miles from the start at Wellsboro Junction (corner of Rt 287 and Rt 6) to the Darling Run parking lot the first afternoon. Nice scenery along the creek saw some nice size trout, couple deer with fawns. The trail itself is small, packed gravel and is very well kept. Wellsboro, Pa. - The Pine Creek Rail Trail will be closed between Rattlesnake Rock and Tiadaghton Campground due to trail resurfacing, according to the Tioga State Forest. While I rested up, my husband walked over to Pag-Omar and got smoked chicken brisket, with some of the best sides I've tasted at any BBQ I've been to (and I lived in Texas for two years): slightly spicy, sweet baked beans; delicious coleslaw; and fantastic potato salad with dill. Started just north of Jersey Shore, biked about 7 miles and returned. If you are looking for some good food, try The Native Bagel, they did things to their freshly baked bagels I didn't even know you could! 2 The Long Point Watershed, which includes Norfolk County, as well as sections of Elgin, Oxford, Brant and. Be prepared there are not many places to buy food and I only carry what I can fit in my pockets. About 7 miles North on the right there is a Citgo store if you need to get a snack or drink, and they also have Pine Creek Trail shirts and other miscellaneous stuff there. The hard packed stone makes for a fairly easy ride or hike, and the trail has a small grade, around 2%. In fact the second time we stayed at the camp ground I had to walk up to the bathroom at night so I had the flashlight pointed on the road so I would not trip when I got close enough for the bathroom lights I lifted my head up and looked around and saw a buck on the trail and then realized I was surrounded by 6 doe. I'll read the comments and approve them to post as soon as I can! Maybe some day. Having said that, the ride goes alongside Pine Creek for much of the route until one nears Wellsboro Junction. It is also where the Mid-State Trail, PAs longest hiking trail, meets the Pine Creek Rail Trail. We need to get them outlawed. I did a two day ride on May 1 and 2 riding from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro Junction on day 1 and back on day 2. They have a caboose there from the old railroad, which is good for pictures. No fun, to say the least. The best part about biking to the Rattlesnake Rock Access Area is the opportunity to check out Rattlesnake Rock. We started early at the norther terminus just outside Wellsboro. Don't be fooled. That allowed us to bike a bigger section of trail, instead of having to do an out and back. What a beautiful trail. We stayed at a b n b at Cedar Run but there are very nice campgrounds on the river in the same vicinity. This has to be one of the coolest setups that Ive ever seen for a cabin. I did this great trail from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro Pa and back staying in Wellsboro over night, please read tjwagners review from August of 2011 as JT did a great job with lots of great information. The trail is used primarily for bicycling, walking, and cross-country skiing. Horseback Riders can park at the Ansonia access area. Our pace was an easy 11 mph giving us lots of time to take in the views, stop at well placed historic markers and information aides. Awesome! The next point of interest worth stopping at is Tiadaghton Campground, which is just over four miles south of the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park. Unfortunately, we live 30 minutes from the Pine Creek Trail making it our home trail. about 27 miles from Jersey Shore. Our first major stop was at Waterville, the most populated village along the trail. 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