PA Counties

32 Must-See Attractions in Tioga County

A collage of four photographs showcasing natural attractions in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The top left image captures a hiker standing on a rocky overlook, gazing out over a lush, deep green valley with a river snaking through it. The top right photograph shows a high perspective of a waterway cutting through a forested landscape with colorful autumn foliage. The bottom left image features a photographer capturing a tall, cascading waterfall surrounded by dense greenery. The bottom right photo depicts a tranquil lakeside scene with a wooden picnic table and bench, a colorful umbrella, and kayaks resting on the grassy shore, with autumn-touched trees reflecting on the still water.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Tioga County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania showing the location of Tioga County on its northern border with New York state.

The county was formed in 1804 and its name is derived from the Native American word “Tioga”, meaning “the forks of a stream.”

A historical marker sign in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with a bright blue background and gold lettering. The sign reads: "TIOGA COUNTY Formed March 26, 1804 from Lycoming County. The name, derived from an Indian word meaning 'the forks of a stream,' honors the Tioga River. Wellsboro, the county seat, was laid out in 1806; incorporated 1830. On Pine Creek is Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. — Historical marker in front of the Tioga County courthouse.

The county seat is in Wellsboro, the unofficial gateway to the “PA Grand Canyon.”

The Tioga County Courthouse, a roadside attraction in downtown Wellsboro, PA. — The Tioga County Courthouse.

Originally settled by workers in the lumber and coal industries, outdoor recreation is now what draws most people to Tioga County.

The PA Grand Canyon in early October as viewed from Leonard Harrison State Park. — The PA Grand Canyon in early October.

From scenic overlooks to waterfalls to historic sites, here are 32 of the best things to see and do in Tioga County, Pennsylvania!

Simply click on the blue text links on the interactive map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

The waterfalls closest to the bottom of the Turkey Path. — The waterfalls closest to the bottom of the Turkey Path in Tioga County.

1. Leonard Harrison State Park

Leonard Harrison State Park is home to some of the best views of one of the Keystone State’s most famous natural wonders – the PA Grand Canyon!

Fall foliage at the entrance to Leonard Harrison State Park in Tioga County Pennsylvania on October 6 2022. — Fall foliage at the entrance to Leonard Harrison State Park.

Characterized by lush forests, steep canyon walls, and breathtaking views of the meandering Pine Creek Gorge (as the canyon is officially known), Leonard Harrison State Park offers visitors a plethora of outdoor activities to indulge in.

View to the north of the PA Grand Canyon from Leonard Harrison State Park. in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. — View to the north of the PA Grand Canyon from Leonard Harrison State Park.

In addition to the stunning canyon views, Leonard Harrison State Park is also where you’ll find the Turkey Path, one of the most famous hiking trails in the Pine Creek Gorge.

Observation area along the Turkey Path in the PA Grand Canyon. — Observation area along the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park.

2. Colton Point State Park

Colton Point State Park encompasses 368-acres on the west rim of the Pine Creek Gorge in Tioga County.

Exploring Colton Point State Park in the PA Grand Canyon. — Roadside scenic overlook at Colton Point State Park.

Perhaps best known for its magnificent views of the PA Grand Canyon, it is also home to a rugged waterfall trail that mirrors a similar trail on the opposite side of Pine Creek at Leonard Harrison State Park.

A summer view of Rexford Branch Falls in the Pine Creek Gorge. — A summer view of Rexford Branch Falls at Colton Point State Park.

3. Bear Run Falls

Bear Run in Tioga County forms the northeastern border between Colton Point State Park and the Tioga State Forest, and is home to several magnificent, unnamed waterfalls accessed via a 0.6 mile (one-way) off-trail hike.

Waterfalls along Bear Run in the Tioga State Forest near Colton Point State Park — A few of the many waterfalls along Bear Run in Tioga County.

4. Barbour Rock Overlook

Barbour Rock Overlook offers visitors an exceptional view from the west rim of the PA Grand Canyon, just a short hike from a parking area along Colton Road.

A hiker at Barbour Rock Overlook in the PA Grand Canyon.

5. Chimney Hollow Falls

Chimney Hollow Falls, located just a few miles north of Colton Point State Park, is one of the tallest waterfalls in the PA Grand Canyon.

6. Bradley Wales Scenic View

Bradley Wales Scenic View is an marvelous roadside vista, 11 miles south of Colton Point State Park, on the west rim of the PA Grand Canyon.

The Bradley Wales Overlook near Wellsboro, PA — Bradley Wales Scenic View in Tioga County.

7. The Penn Wells Hotel

Originally opened in 1870, the Penn Wells Hotel in Wellsboro has been welcoming visitors to Tioga County for more than 150 years!

Spending the night at the Penn Wells Hotel in Wellsboro Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the historic Penn Wells Hotel in Wellsboro.

8. The Wellsboro Diner

A throwback to the 1940s with a no-nonsense menu and dining car-style interior, the Wellsboro Diner is a nostalgic spot to grab a meal in Wellsboro.

The Wellsboro Diner is right down the street from the Penn Wells Hotel.

9. Hills Creek State Park

Hills Creek State Park spans 407 acres of natural splendor and offers a plethora of outdoor activities nine miles northeast of Wellsboro.

A collage of four photos showcasing various scenes from Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A view over a green hillside to a tranquil lake surrounded by forested hills under a cloudy sky. Top right: The start of the "Lakeside Trail" marked by a wooden signpost beside the lake, with tall pines framing the path. Bottom left: The park's entrance sign set on a stone base, displaying the name "HILLS CREEK STATE PARK" and surrounded by trees with fall foliage. Bottom right: A picnic area with a wooden table and colorful kayaks beside the calm lake, with autumn trees reflecting in the water and a cloudy sky above. Each image captures the natural beauty and recreational opportunities the park offers throughout the seasons. — Scenes from Hills Creek State Park.

The park’s crowning jewel is the tranquil 137-acre Hills Creek Lake, ideal for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

A picturesque view of a tranquil lake in Hills Creek State Park, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, during the fall season. The water is calm, reflecting the cloudy sky and the surrounding foliage. The foreground is framed by tall grasses and wildflowers, indicating the rich biodiversity of the area. On the opposite shore, a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees in varying shades of green, yellow, and orange suggests the changing seasons. A dam is partially visible in the distance, and the gentle hills in the background are cloaked in the colors of autumn. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and reflective of a typical northeastern fall landscape. — Hills Creek Lake in Tioga County.

10. Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook

The Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook offers a view that not many vistas can boast of – a breathtaking view of not one, but two magnificent lakes.

Collage of four photos from Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, featuring views through a binocular station over the lake, the vegetated cliff sides of a water channel, the wide expanse of a dam and its reflection in the water, and a serene lake with ripples from a passing boat, all beneath a sky with dynamic cloud patterns. — Scenes from the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook.

11. The Green

Located directly across Main Street From the Tioga County Courthouse in Wellsboro, The Green is a public park featuring several statues, historical monuments, and a fountain.

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod plaque and fountain in downtown Wellsboro.

Several war memorials on the Green pay tribute to soldiers from the Wellsboro area from various eras and conflicts.

Civil War Memorial on the Green in downtown Wellsboro, PA. — Civil War Memorial on the Green in downtown Wellsboro.

12. Middle Ridge UMC Church

Middle Ridge UMC Church, AKA “The Little Red Church” was built in 1897, modeled after a Dutch church and painted red to resemble brick construction.

The Middle Ridge UMC Church outside Wellsboro.

13. Nessmuk’s Grave in the Wellsboro Cemetery

Legendary outdoorsman and author George Washington Sears, better known by his pen name “Nessmuk”, lived most of his adult life in Wellsboro, until his death in 1890.

Nessmuk historical marker at Leonard Harrison State Park.

He borrowed his pen name “Nessmuk” from a Native American who had befriended him at an early age, and those who wish to pay their respects to the man who popularized the concepts of canoe camping and ultralight backpacking can do so at his gravesite in the Wellsboro Cemetery.

Nessmuk's gravesite in the Wellsboro Cemetery. — Nessmuk’s gravesite in the Wellsboro Cemetery.

14. Amphitheater Falls

Amphitheater Falls in Tioga County features an enormous amphitheater of rock (thus the name) surrounding a 45 foot-tall waterfall that plunges down the Campbells Run Gorge near Tiadaghton.

Rusty Glessner at Amphitheater Falls in Tioga County Pennsylvania — The author at Amphitheater Falls in Tioga County.

15. Campbells Run Falls

Campbells Run Falls is a magnificent 25-foot tall waterfall near the Tiadaghton trail head of the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

Campbells Run Falls near Tiadaghton PA — Campbells Run Falls near Tiadaghton, PA.

16. The Pine Creek Rail Trail

The Pine Creek Rail Trail runs 65 miles through the heart of the PA Grand Canyon, from from Wellsboro Junction in Tioga County to Jersey Shore in Lycoming County.

Fall foliage on October 3 2022 along the Pine Creek Rail Trail in Tioga County PA. — Fall foliage along the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail follows the abandoned railroad corridor of the Jersey Shore, Pine Creek, and Buffalo Railroad along the banks of Pine Creek.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail near Benjamin Hollow Falls. — The Pine Creek Rail Trail in Tioga County.

17. Stone Quarry Run Falls

Stone Quarry Run Falls is a picturesque Tioga County waterfall located alongside the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Blackwell.

Stone Quarry Run Falls in mid-March 2019. — Stone Quarry Run Falls in mid-March.

18. Water Tank Hollow Falls

Water Tank Hollow Falls is a series of 20 foot-tall waterfalls located just off the Pine Creek Rail Trail in Tioga County.

Exploring Water Tank Hollow Falls in Tioga County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Water Tank Hollow Falls.

19. Benjamin Hollow Falls

Benjamin Hollow Falls is a beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall located just off the Pine Creek Rail Trail in Tioga County.

Fall foliage around Benjamin Hollow Falls along the Pine Creek Rail Trail on October 3 2022. — Fall foliage around Benjamin Hollow Falls along the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

20. Pine Island Run Falls

Pine Island Run Falls is an exceptional, multi-tiered waterfall located just off the Pine Creek Rail Trail in Tioga County.

Pine Island Run Falls near the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

21. Bohen Run Falls

Bohen Run Falls is located on a tributary of Pine Creek near the southern end of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

22. Jerry Run Falls

Jerry Run Falls is located along the same trail (but on a different tributary of Pine Creek) as Bohen Run Falls, near the southern end of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

23. Darling Run Falls

Darling Run Falls is a small but attractive roadside waterfall in Tioga County.

Darling Run Falls near the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

24. Big Falls Swimming Hole

The Big Falls swimming hole in Tioga County is one of the most famous swimming holes in all of Pennsylvania!

Exploring Big Falls on Stony Fork | PA's Most Famous Swimming Hole — Big Falls swimming hole in the Tioga State Forest.

Located on Stony Fork in the Tioga State Forest, much of this swimming hole’s fame is derived from the turquoise-colored waters in the plunge pool.

The plunge pool at the Big Falls swimming hole on Stony Fork in Tioga County is described as being from twenty to thirty feet deep, depending on the water levels and time of year. — The plunge pool at the Big Falls swimming hole is described as being from twenty to thirty feet deep, depending on the water levels and time of year.

25. Black Run Falls

Black Run Falls is a 20 foot-tall waterfall located on a picturesque mountain stream just minutes up the road from the Big Falls swimming area.

Exploring Black Run Falls in Tioga County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Black Run Falls.

26. Sand Run Falls

Sand Run Falls is a magnificent 25 foot tall waterfall located along the Mid State Trail in Tioga County.

Fisherman at Sand Run Falls near the Mid State Trail.

27. Nickle Run Falls

Nickle Run Falls is located 3 miles south of Sand Run Falls, along a spur of the Mid State Trail.

Nickle Run Falls in the Tioga State Forest.

28. Fall Brook Falls

Fall Brook Falls in the Tioga State Forest is a pair of easy-to-reach waterfalls in eastern Tioga County.

How to find Fall Brook Falls in Tioga County Pennsylvania. — Stream-level view of Lower Fall Brook Falls in Tioga County.

29. Mine Hole Run Falls

Mine Hole Run Falls is an easy-to-reach roadside waterfall in the Tioga State Forest.

30. Fourmile Run Falls

Fourmile Run in Tioga County is a waterfall-rich tributary of Pine Creek in the Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area.

Fourmile Run Falls on an autumn afternoon.

31. Burdic Run Falls

Burdic Run Falls is one of the most difficult to reach waterfalls in the entire Pine Creek Gorge, but the payoff is amazing!

Hiker at Burdic Run Falls in Tioga County Pennsylvania — Triumphant hiker at Burdic Run Falls in Tioga County, Pennsylvania.

32. Gillespie Point Scenic Overlook

Gillespie Point, also known as “The Matterhorn of Pennsylvania,” offers breathtaking views of the Pine Creek Gorge and a rewarding hiking experience.

This is a collage of five photos from Gillespie Point scenic overlook along the Mid State Trail in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The central image features a hiker in a red jacket and brown boots, using a walking stick, standing on rocky terrain and looking out over a valley with leafless trees and a winding river. The top-right image showcases a verdant moss-covered trail leading through bare trees. The bottom-left image depicts a serene river curving through a forested valley. The bottom-middle photo offers a wide view of a valley with coniferous and deciduous trees and distant hills under a partly cloudy sky. Finally, the bottom-right image is of a wooden signpost with "GILLESPIE POINT" painted in white on a black background, with an arrow indicating the direction to the overlook, set among fallen leaves and bare trees. — Scenes from the hike to Gillespie Point.

Hiking to Gillespie Point scenic overlook along the Mid State Trail is an adventure that combines natural beauty, physical challenge, and the peacefulness of the great outdoors.

Elevated view from Gillespie Point overlooking a meandering river cutting through the forested valley of Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The landscape is a mix of leafless deciduous trees and scattered evergreens, typical of the late fall or early spring season. The river and adjacent rural road are flanked by the rolling hills of the Appalachian region, under a sky streaked with clouds. — View to the south from Gillespie Point in Tioga County.

Nearby Attractions

8 Must-See Attractions in Lycoming County is a guide to the best things to see and do in Tioga County’s neighbor to the south.

The Best Things to See and Do in Lycoming County Pennsylvania — Scenes from Lycoming County.

8 Must-See Attractions in Bradford County shows you some of the best things to see and do in Tioga County’s neighbor to the east.

This is a collage of four photos showcasing attractions in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features the Bradford County Courthouse with its impressive dome and stately architecture. To the top right, there’s a serene view of a meandering river viewed from a vantage point with two wooden benches inviting a peaceful rest. The bottom left photo displays a quaint covered wooden bridge surrounded by lush foliage. The bottom right image captures the dynamic beauty of a cascading waterfall in a forested area, embodying the natural splendor of the county. Together, these images represent the historical and natural highlights of Bradford County. — Scenes from Bradford County.

14 Must-See Attractions in Potter County shows you some of the best things to see and do in Tioga County’s neighbor to the west.

The best things to do in Potter County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Potter County.

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