The Turkey Path Trail has a reputation as a challenging and rewarding hike where you can climb all the way to the bottom of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
The Turkey Path Trail begins at the Leonard Harrison State Park viewing area of the Pine Creek Gorge, marketed as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The trail has a reputation for being difficult and potentially dangerous. Join us and get the inside scoop on the Turkey Path Trail.
The trailhead is marked by the large warning sign at the northern end of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon viewing platform, approximately 41.69613, -77.45513. The trail descends about 800 feet over the course of a mile. Use of numerous switchbacks and strategically placed wooden stairs eases the elevation.
The initial leg of the Turkey Path Trail up to the first waterfall on Little Four Mile Run is a well-maintained, wide gavel and packed earth footpath. We could hear the enticing sound of the waterfall as we descended the switchback along the ravine. When we arrived, we were delighted by the sizable waterfall. However, we were disappointed that we couldn’t get close to the waterfall. There is a wooden deck from which to enjoy the waterfall at a distance, but no sanctioned trail to the waterfall.
The trail becomes narrower and rougher after the first waterfall. Nevertheless, the most rugged parts are smoothed by wooden boardwalks and stairs. Just mind the rocks and roots. The final descent is marked by a long wooden stairway.
On the way you will encounter another series of waterfalls. You can get closer to these than the first waterfall, but access is still limited by the off-trail prohibition. We still enjoyed them for what they were.
After passing a family splashing around in some cascades on Little Four Mile Run we intersected with the Pine Creek Rail Trail, one of the most scenic rail trails in north central Pennsylvania. From the rail trail, the Turkey Path Trail passes through a gap in the wooded bank of Pine Creek, following Little Four Mile Run. Congratulations! you made it to the bottom of the Pine Creek Goege. Take some time to enjoy the scenic gorge landscape and cool off in Pine Creek before returning the way you came.
The Turkey Path Trail begins at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon viewing platform, approximately 41.69613, -77.45513.
The hike to Pine Creek and back is approximately 2 miles.
If you want to extend the adventure, the Turkey Path Trail crosses Pine Creek and continues up west slope of the gorge for another 1.2 miles to Colton Point. We hiked the west side of the Turkey Path Trail a few years ago, and Lord willing, we will make a return trip. Check out the video at the bottom of the post to see where to pick up the west side of the Turkey Path Trail.
The Turkey Path Trail has a reputation for being difficult and potentially dangerous as is attested by the many warning signs along the trail and the strict prohibition against off-trail excursions. In our opinion the reputation is not entirely deserved. There is about 800 feet of elevation change over the course of a mile, but that is mitigated to a degree by use of switchbacks and stairs. If you are in moderate to good physical condition and you take your time you should be OK. In fact, we encountered adventurers of all ages on the trail, including a number of families with young children. One word of caution: the broad, smooth trail becomes rougher after the first waterfall. Hiking to the first waterfall then returning if the trail looks too rough is an option.
Perhaps the Turkey Trail’s rugged reputation is due to it being used by more of a general outdoor tourist population. In any case we recommend the Turkey Path Trail as a must-do if you visit the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
Pro tip: to maximize your adventure, we recommend camping at Leonard Harrison State Park and bundling your Pennsylvania Grand Canyon visit with these nearby adventures:
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
