If you’ve ever thought about taking a winter road trip to the PA Grand Canyon, then this is the article for you!
While certain areas of the Pine Creek Gorge are difficult (if not impossible) to reach without a snowmobile or a long hike this time of year, there are still PLENTY of things you can see and do on a winter road trip to the PA Grand Canyon.
Here’s a map to the destinations featured on this road trip, including Leonard Harrison State Park, Middle Ridge UMC Church, and Wellsboro.
Leonard Harrison State Park
Leonard Harrison State Park, AKA the east rim of the PA Grand Canyon, is open during the winter.
The parking lot is plowed, allowing for access to the overlook area the park is famous for.
If you’ve ever dreamt of having Leonard Harrison State Park all to yourself, winter is the time to make that dream a reality!
While the parking lot is plowed, the overlook area is not maintained, so this is strictly proceed at your own risk.
Furthermore, the Turkey Path and Overlook Trail are both closed in the winter, so you are restricted to the overlooks adjacent to the Visitor Center.
But if you don’t mind walking through a little bit of snow (about a foot of snow the day these photos were taken) then visiting those overlooks is absolutely worth the effort!
To the north, you have a magnificent view of the PA Grand Canyon, in the direction of Barbour Rock Overlook.
Directly across the gorge, you looking straight into Colton Point State Park.
And to the south, you’re looking down the Pine Creek Gorge in the direction of Bradley Wales Scenic View.
If you’ve ever visited Leonard Harrison State Park in the summer, you know it can get quite busy, so being able to enjoy this scenery in total solitude is worth the trip!
Middle Ridge UMC Church
Middle Ridge UMC Church, just a short distance from the Leonard Harrison State Park boundary, is another worthwhile winter road trip stop.
If you’ve read my article The 10 Best Roadside Attractions Near Wellsboro, you’ll be familiar with it already.
While it’s a beautiful church to photograph any time of year, winter in the PA Grand Canyon is an extra-vivid time to see the reds jump out against the surrounding blanket of white snow.
Wellsboro
No town is more synonymous with the PA Grand Canyon than Wellsboro, and it’s a beautiful place to visit in the winter.
Just walking around downtown, taking in the snow-covered buildings and window-shopping, is a fun way to spend an hour or two.
The landmark structures, like the Tioga County Courthouse, seem even more stately against the crisp blue winter sky.
And let’s not forget the Wellsboro Diner, arguably the most famous building in Wellsboro and my go-to place to eat in the PA Grand Canyon!
Final Thoughts
There are few places in the Keystone State more magical than the PA Grand Canyon, and a winter road trip to the PA Grand Canyon just may be the highlight of your entire year!
Related Articles
The Best Trails, Vistas, and Waterfalls in the PA Grand Canyon is your guide to ALL the best natural attractions in the PA Grand Canyon.
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