The PA Grand Canyon is one of Pennsylvania’s most magnificent natural attractions!
This 47 mile-long gorge runs north-south through parts of Tioga and Lycoming counties.
Carving out the canyon is Pine Creek, flowing from north to south for the past twenty thousand years.
And along the canyon’s path, you’ll find countless trails, vistas, and waterfalls.
I’m going to share some of my favorites PA Grand Canyon attractions with you in this article.
Simply click on the blue text links to view detailed maps/directions to each attraction.
Part One: Best Trails in the PA Grand Canyon
There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of miles of trails in the PA Grand Canyon region, many of which lead to waterfalls or scenic overlooks that I’ll mention later in this article.
But here are 3 trails you absolutely must check out, in part or in their entirety.
1. Pine Creek Rail Trail
The Pine Creek Rail Trail runs the length of the PA Grand Canyon (and then some), from just above of Wellsboro in the north to Jersey Shore (Lycoming County) in the south.
The trail has a small grade of around 2%, running mostly downhill toward Jersey Shore.
Whether you bike it or hike it, the Pine Creek Rail Trail provides 62 miles of extraordinary scenery!
2. West Rim Trail
The West Rim Trail is a 30.5 mile point to point hike that skirts the western rim of the PA Grand Canyon, providing many dramatic views of the Pine Creek Gorge.
For those that elect to hike the entire West Rim Trail, there are plenty of campsites along the way.
Whether you hike the entirety of it, or just portions via connector trails, the West Rim Trail is spectacular!
3. The Turkey Path
The Turkey Path is a popular mile-long hiking trail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon that combines stunning views with several outstanding waterfalls.
The trail descends 750 feet, from the vistas atop Leonard Harrison State Park to the banks of Pine Creek at the bottom.
Along the way you will pass numerous waterfalls on Little Fourmile Run, as the stream and the Turkey Path run parallel to one another for half of the hike.
Part Two: Best Vistas in the PA Grand Canyon
Stretching nearly 47 miles in length and to depths in places of nearly 1500 feet, the PA Grand Canyon affords many stellar scenic vistas!
Here are some of my favorite scenic overlooks in the PA Grand Canyon, although this is by no means a complete list of all of them.
1. Leonard Harrison State Park
Tourists have flocked to what is now Leonard Harrison State Park since the early 1900s to take in the amazing views it affords of the PA Grand Canyon.
The easy access and phenomenal views make Leonard Harrison State Park a must-see when visiting the PA Grand Canyon.
Even in the winter, Leonard Harrison State Park is accessible AND beautiful!
2. Colton Point State Park
Colton Point State Park, directly across the PA Grand Canyon from Leonard Harrison State Park, is home to plenty of scenic vistas of its own.
Colton Point State Park is one of my favorite fall foliage destinations in the PA Grand Canyon.
3. Barbour Rock Overlook
Barbour Rock Overlook in Tioga County offers visitors an exceptional view from the west rim of the PA Grand Canyon!
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Four Mile Vista
Located just south of Colton Point State Park, Four Mils Vista is an excellent roadside vista in the PA Grand Canyon.
7. West Rim Vista
West Rim Vista is located roadside along along West Rim Road, approximately 10 miles south of Bradley Wales Scenic View.
Part Three: Best Waterfalls in the PA Grand Canyon
There are dozens of magnificent waterfalls along the tributaries of Pine Creek as it snakes its way through the PA Grand Canyon.
Here are a few of my favorite PA Grand Canyon waterfalls, arranged (roughly) as you’d encounter them traveling from north to south along the path of the Pine Creek Gorge.
1. Darling Run Falls
Darling Run Falls is a small but attractive “almost roadside” waterfall, located less than 100 yards from a pull-off parking spot along Darling Run Road.
2. Chimney Hollow Falls
Chimney Hollow Falls is a massive waterfall on a rather diminutive tributary of Pine Creek, just north of Colton Point State Park.
3. Bear Run Falls
Bear Run forms the northeastern border between Colton Point State Park and the Tioga State Forest, and is home to numerous unnamed waterfalls.
4. Fourmile Run Falls
Fourmile Run Falls is a gorgeous 20-footer that sheets off the rocks into a large plunge pool below, near Colton Point State Park.
5. Rexford Branch Falls
Rexford Branch Falls is a towering waterfall located along an offshoot of the Turkey Path at Colton Point State Park.
6. Logjam Falls
Logjam Falls is a 12-15 foot tall waterfall not far from where Rexford Branch spills into Fourmile Run, near Colton Point State Park.
7. Turkey Path Falls
The Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park is home to numerous unnamed waterfalls.
8. Burdic Run Falls
Burdic Run Falls is a beautiful sight along the west rim of the PA Grand Canyon, but getting to the bottom of it is a challenge best attempted by experienced hikers only!
9. Amphitheater Falls
Amphitheater Falls in the PA Grand Canyon features an enormous amphitheater of rock (thus the name) surrounding a 45 foot-tall waterfall that plunges down the Campbells Run Gorge near Tiadaghton.
10. Campbells Run Falls
Campbells Run Falls is a magnificent 25-foot tall waterfall near the Tiadaghton trail head of the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
11. Pine Island Run Falls
Pine Island Run Falls is an exceptional, multi-tiered waterfall located just off the Pine Creek Rail Trail in the PA Grand Canyon.
12. Benjamin Hollow Falls
Benjamin Hollow Falls is a beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall located just south of Pine Island Run Falls along the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
13. Water Tank Hollow Falls
Water Tank Hollow Falls is a beautiful 20 foot-tall waterfall visible from the Pine Creek Rail Trail in the PA Grand Canyon.
14. Bohen Run Falls
Bohen Run Falls is located along an offshoot of the West Rim Trail in the PA Grand Canyon.
15. Stone Quarry Run Falls
Stone Quarry Run Falls is located right next to the Pine Creek Rail Trail, just north of Blackwell.
16. Jerry Run Falls
Jerry Run Falls is also located just north of Blackwell, but on the west side of the PA Grand Canyon.
So there you have it – directions to some of the best trails, scenic vistas, and waterfalls in the PA Grand Canyon!
If you’re planning a trip to the Pine Creek Gorge this year, BOOKMARK THIS ARTICLE and use it your guide to some of the best things to see and do in the PA Grand Canyon.
Related Articles
The 10 Best Roadside Attractions Near Wellsboro is your guide to some easy-to-reach attractions near one of the most popular tourist towns in the PA Grand Canyon region.
Exploring Sand Run Falls in Tioga County gives you a map and directions to a magnificent 25 foot tall waterfall located along the Mid State Trail in Tioga County.
Nickle Run Falls is located 3 miles south of Sand Run Falls, along a spur of the Mid State Trail.
Exploring Fall Brook Falls in Tioga County is your guide to a pair of easy-to-reach waterfalls in eastern Tioga County.
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