Dubbed the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” Pine Creek Gorge is one of PA’s most famous natural wonders. But does it live up to its reputation? Joins us and find out.
The Pine Creek Gorge is an exceptional natural wonder in northcentral Pennsylvania stretching over 60 miles through Tioga, Lycoming, and Clinton Counties. It is promoted as the “Pennsylvanian Grand Canyon” and invariably appears on the outdoor tourism must-see lists, setting high expectations. Join as we explore the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon to see if it really lives up to its reputation.
Pennsylvania Grand Canyon visitor’s center and viewing platform is part of Leonard Harrison State Park, located on the eastern rim of the gorge near its northern end. It is about a 15-minute drive on rural back roads form Route 6. At the end of the country road, the woods opens up to a massive parking lot, in contrast with apparent remoteness of the area. The parking lot can easily accommodate several hundred vehicles. It is cleverly designed as a long loop so as to not be obtrusive, and the interior of the loop was filled with a sea of black-eyed Susans in bloom during our visit. Well done.
The visitor center consists of a large gift shop and bathroom facilities connected by a breezeway. In another well-done architectural touch, the breezeway functions as a curtain to reveal a long pavement on the edge of the gorge showcasing the tantalizing view beyond. We took our time reveling in the spectacular views from different angles from the platform. The best view is from deck all the way at the southern end, past several landings of steps.
With the glorious views it can be easy to miss the rustic pavilion at the viewing platform. Inside, you can get the lay of the land around the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” with the large carved wood map.
After taking in the scenery from the viewing platform, we turned aside to explore the Overlook Trail, a 0.6 mile loop that begins just after the pavilion. Like many State Parks, the land was clear cut (often multiple times) by the beginning of the 20th century and was converted to a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. You can often find ruins of the CCC camps like this incinerator on the Overlook Trail.
The Overlook Trail descends through the woods past an ephemeral stream with what would have multiple waterfall drops if there was water. The tallest drop is roughly 15 feet. Unfortunately, they were dry when we visited. You can reach the ephemeral waterfalls from a spur beginning at 41.69173, -77.45549. The apex (figuratively, because it is topographically a low point) of the Overlook Trail is Otter View. There is a wooden deck, but the view itself is nothing to write home about on account of being blocked by the foliage.
Here is a view of the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” just after the sun dipped below the horizon.
Here is a blazing sunset view just as the gorge is silhouetted in the falling evening. Can you see the crescent moon emerging on the left side of the photo?
Is the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” worth it? A qualified “Yes”, with the caveat that you have to do it the right way. The Pine Creek Gorge is an excellent Pennsylvania natural wonder, but the viewing area of the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” itself is not a place where you would spend more than hour. We would not recommend driving hours to see it, and marketing it as the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” is not helpful. If you are expecting something even a fraction of the scale of the Grand Canyon, you will be disappointed. Let’s call it what it is: the glorious Pine Creek Gorge, which has a verdant Pennsylvania beauty all its own.
Here’s how you do it: There is so much more to the Pine Creek Gorge than the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” viewing area, so the best way to experience it is by bundling it with the other amazing adventures in the area. We strongly recommend camping locally. In fact, you can camp at Leonard Harrison State Park and use that as a jumping off point to the multitude of outdoor excursions. And the best part about camping there is you can beat the crowds and enjoy the views at your leisure after a packed day of adventuring. Besides, the secret of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is that the best views are on the other side of the gorge at Barbour Rock and Colton Point.
Here’s just a sampling of what you can do along with talking in the spectacular views of Pine Creek Gorge
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
