Susquehanna State Forest Pine Creek Gorge Rim Road
Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon rim with logging history
Pine Creek Gorge Rim Road traces the eastern edge of what locals call Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, a thousand-foot-deep gorge carved by Pine Creek through layers of Devonian rock that tell the story of ancient seas. The route connects a series of scenic overlooks from Colton Point south to Leonard Harrison State Park, following old logging roads that once carried white pine logs to sawmills in Williamsport, with several unofficial spurs leading to hidden overlooks where you can see hawks riding thermals far below.
This is easy to moderate terrain suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though some side spurs require 4WD to reach the best viewpoints. Spring through fall offers the best traveling, with spectacular foliage in October, though primitive camping is available year-round with permits from the forest office. You’ll earn some of the best wilderness views in Pennsylvania, plus access to world-class trout fishing if you’re willing to hike down into the gorge. Cell service works at most overlooks.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2050 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Wellsboro, PA |
| Land manager | Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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