Weekend getaway season is around the corner and dare we say we’re already thinking about where our hiking boots are?!
Well, we’re clueing you into our hidden gem of a hiking trail that’s just a few hours away from NYC.
Nicknamed the ‘Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,’ this epic gorge spans over 50 miles and drops more than 1,000 feet, making it one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in the Northeast.
Think of it as Pennsylvania’s answer to Letchworth State Park—the so-called ‘Grand Canyon of the East’—but with a vibe all its own.
It’s called the Pine Creek Gorge, and it sits primarily within Tioga State Forest, beginning just south of Ansonia, near the town of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.
Carved out over the course of millions of years, Pine Creek Gorge’s predominant formation occurred during the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago, when glacial meltwaters helped deepen and shape the canyon.
And unlike Arizona’s Grand Canyon, Pine Creek Gorge is known for its lush forests and waterfalls, with steep cliffs and exposed layers of ancient rock (much that can date back over 350 million years ago).
For thousands of years, Native Americans used Pine Creek Gorge as a major travel and trade route, and in the 19th century became a region plentiful in the lumber industry.
In 1968, a 12-mile section of the gorge was designated a National Natural Landmark, and in 1992, Pine Creek was named a Pennsylvania Scenic River.
How to visit Pine Creek Gorge this spring/summer
As mentioned, to visit Pine Creek Gorge, you will want to plan your trip around staying in the nearest town of Wellsboro, PA.
It’s about 4 hours away from New York City by car, and the town offers plenty of accommodation options and restaurants that are perfect for a weekend trip away from the city.
Once you arrive to Wellsboro, you’ll want to decide which side of the gorge you want to visit.
The west side of the gorge is in Colton Point State Park and is best accessible by Route 6 west to Ansonia. Meanwhile the gorge’s east side resides in Leonard Harrison State Park, which you can get to via Route 660 west from Wellsboro.
Outdoor activities in Pine Creek Gorge
- Hiking: Spring and summer bring the gorge to life—lush greenery, wildflowers, and misty views await along the rim trails at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point. For a more adventurous trek, head down to the canyon floor where waterfalls flow and forest paths stay cool and shaded.
- Biking: The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a warm-weather gem, stretching 62 miles along the canyon floor. With its gentle grade and gorgeous river views, it’s the perfect ride whether you’re cruising with kids or clocking miles solo.
- Camping: Trade hotel walls for fresh air—Leonard Harrison offers well-equipped campsites for a comfy basecamp, while Colton Point lets you unplug completely with rustic, no-frills spots surrounded by nature.
- Kayaking & Fishing: When the temps rise, Pine Creek becomes a go-to for paddling and fishing. Bring your kayak or canoe and float beneath towering canyon walls—or cast a line and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the stream.
- Wildlife & Nature Viewing: Spring and summer mean the gorge is bursting with life—from curious deer and chirping songbirds to thick green canopies overhead. It’s the best time to slow down and soak it all in.