Leonard Harrison State Park, Pennsylvania

December 2012

Leonard Harrison State Park is situated on the east rim of Pine Creek Gorge which is also known as the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania". The park offers exceptional views of Pine Creek Gorge and Pine Creek which carves it's way through the canyon. The park is accessible during winter months however the visitor centre and other facilities are not open. Although the Turkey Path Trail was closed for the winter for safety concerns, we decided to hike it anyway since there was alot of snow. The trail winds it's way past several waterfalls along Little Four Mile Run to the canyon floor. It's 1 mile down and 1 mile back up and in deep snow, it is quite the workout but the views and scenery make it well worth it.



Panoramic winter view of the Pine Creek Gorge and Colton State Park from the main vista terrace in Leonard Harrison State Park

Little Four Mile Run's first waterfall, seen from the Turkey Path Trail.

The second waterfall on Little Four Mile Run produces beautiful ice formations.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail located at the bottom of the canyon is 62 miles in length making it ideal for hiking, biking and cross country skiing.

Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania: Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park

September 2010

The native Americans called Pine Creek "Tiadaghton" which means river of pines.Today most of the area is composed of deciduous trees and only a few pine remain because of overlogging.

Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania”, Pine Creek Gorge is a beautiful landscape that is well worth a visit in every season of the year but especially in late September through mid-October when the forest displays beautiful autumn shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. The gorge is 47 miles long and in some sections is over 1000 feet deep. Situated near the small town of Wellsboro in the northeastern section of Pennsylvania, the canyon is straddled by two state parks- Leonard Harrison State Park (East Rim) and Colton Point State Park (West Rim). The views from the numerous lookouts that dot the rims in these parks are spectacular.



Colton Point State Park

In the summer, mornings are often misty due to the warm moist air rising and meeting the cooler air from the mountaintops. Often mist is trapped in the canyon until the sun's rays can burn through.

 

 

Leonard Harrison State Park

Pine Creek Rail Trail follows Pine Creek for most of the way.

The canyon offers many recreational activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and birdwatching. The area has several good hiking trails but the crown jewel of the gorge which attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year is the multi-purpose Pine Creek Rail Trail. The hard packed gravel trail voted as one of the “10 great places to take a bike tour” spans 57 miles from the towns of Ansonia to Jersey Shore.

 

If you are into hiking here are a few suggested Short Hikes: The Overlook Trail (.6 miles) is situated in Leaonard Harrison State Park. Colton Rim Trail (1.5 mile) is in Colton Point State Park. The Turkey Path Trail is a steep trail that descends 1 mile to the floor of the canyon. There is a waterfall close to the bottom that has a lot flow in the spring but turns into a trickle towards late summer. For a longer and more challenging trail, the West Rim Trail offers a 30 mile blazed trail that traverses the West Rim of the canyon.

 

For more information visit the following related links.

VisitTioga: Pine Creek Rail Trail
Map of Pine Creek Rail Trail
Pine Creek Outfitters
Colton Point State Park
Leonard Harrison State Park
Maps of Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks