Pine Creek Gorge gives the landscape a striking dimension: in some places, the gorge is more than 1,000 feet deep and over a mile wide. It was designated a registered National Natural Landmark in 1968. As you explore Tioga County, you’ll find more than sweeping views; trails, lakes and places with their own history also shape the landscape.
Gorge Views and Nature
Leonard Harrison State Park lies on the eastern rim of Pine Creek Gorge. Its facilities include a visitor center and modern amenities; the park also offers panoramic views of the gorge. The Rim Trail in Colton Point State Park offers a different perspective: along the trail are overlooks with geological and natural views. You can consider these two different perspectives on the landscape and gorge as you plan your trip.
Hills Creek State Park is another nature destination in Tioga County. The park covers 407 acres and combines abundant wildlife with a lake and various warmwater fish species. The gorge, overlooks, and lake and wildlife offer different themes for a stay: dramatic landforms on one hand, water and habitats on the other.
Trails and Routes
The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a more than 65-mile-long multi-use trail for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. It runs from Wellsboro to Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania; its grade is two percent along its entire length. An extension of the trail connects downtown Wellsboro seamlessly with more than 65 miles of the trail. It provides pedestrians, runners and cyclists with a safe, direct connection. The details about the route, uses and grade describe different aspects of the same trail.
Historic Route 6, scenic Route 287 and Route 15 provide access to Tioga County. A scenic drive runs from Wellsboro to the west rim of the gorge, follows it south and ends in Cedar Run. The access roads and the scenic drive are two different points of reference for planning: the former lead into the county, while the latter describes a specific route through the landscape.
Local History and Regional Culture
A restored 1879 wrought-iron bridge spans Marsh Creek and preserves an important part of Pennsylvania’s transportation heritage. The Wellsboro Glass Historical Association Museum offers another glimpse into regional history, with donated artifacts and exhibits on glassmaking in the area. Together, the bridge and museum represent two different themes—transportation history and the history of a craft.
The Patterson Trailhead also offers helpful resources, including visitor information, trail facilities and community exhibits. Specific visitor services may change, so check the latest information before your visit. The Blossburg Coal Festival celebrates the history of coal mining; it is an annual tradition held over Memorial Day weekend. It commemorates mining in Blossburg and the surrounding area.
Festivals and Events
The events calendar features a variety of cultural highlights. The Tioga County Fair takes place every August; dates and programming may change. The annual Plein Air Festival includes events at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center. The Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival in Wellsboro honors Pennsylvania’s state flower, Kalmia latifolia, each year; the festival usually takes place in June. The program includes a large parade, craft vendors, live music, food, a photography contest and the crowning of the Laurel Queen.
Dickens of a Christmas in Wellsboro features carriage rides, Christmas carolers, craft and food vendors, and ice sculptures. Visitors can also meet characters from Charles Dickens’s novels as part of the festival. Another seasonal tradition is the annual Maple Weekend: participating farms in Potter and Tioga counties offer tours, demonstrations and pure maple products. Participating farms and dates may change.
Discover more destinations: Westmoreland, Lawrence County, Delaware, Northampton, Clinton County, Jefferson County, Wayne.
For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.
