Your Guide to the Pine Creek Rail Trail
Trail Overview
The Pine Creek Rail Trail stretches over 60 miles through the heart of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, following the former Jersey Shore, Pine Creek & Buffalo Railway. The crushed limestone surface is mostly flat and smooth, making it ideal for cyclists, e-bikes, walkers, runners, families, and anyone looking for a peaceful outdoor experience surrounded by forest, cliffs, and flowing water.
Access Points & Parking
Trail access is available in multiple towns and pull-offs along Route 414 and Route 44, including Jersey Shore, Slate Run, Cedar Run, Blackwell, and Wellsboro Junction. Most access areas offer parking, and many are located near small towns where you’ll find food, restrooms, and local businesses. This makes it easy to plan short outings or longer point-to-point adventures.
Trail Surface & Difficulty
The trail is primarily crushed limestone and packed gravel. It is wide, well-maintained, and gently graded, making it accessible for riders of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re pedaling, using an e-bike, pushing a stroller, or walking with a friend, the trail offers a relaxed, low-stress experience with very few steep grades.
Trail Etiquette & Sharing the Path
The Pine Creek Rail Trail is for everyone. Please keep right, pass on the left, and announce yourself when approaching others. Ride or walk at a safe speed, especially in busy areas. Be courteous to all trail users—cyclists, e-bike riders, walkers, runners, families, and wildlife watchers alike. A friendly wave goes a long way in keeping the trail peaceful and welcoming.
What to Bring
Even on short outings, it’s smart to carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit. Cell service can be limited in most of the valley, so plan ahead. Weather can change quickly in the valley, layers and rain gear are helpful. Many riders also bring binoculars or a camera; wildlife sightings are common and unforgettable.
Seasons on the Trail
Each season offers something special. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing water. Summer is lush and green with long, warm days. Fall is legendary for its color, drawing visitors from across the region. Winter transforms the trail into a quiet corridor for walking, fat biking, and cross-country skiing when conditions allow. No matter the season, the trail has its own kind of magic.
Maps & Resources
DCNR Pine Creek Rail Trail Overview
For the most current trail maps, regulations, and seasonal updates, we recommend visiting Pennsylvania DCNR’s official Pine Creek Rail Trail pages. These resources include printable maps, access point details, parking information, and trail advisories.
Pennsylvania Grand Canyon State Parks
Perched on the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge—often called the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon—Colton Point State Park spans 368 acres and reflects the timeless, rustic character of the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930s. The park’s dramatic overlooks provide sweeping views of the canyon below, with Leonard Harrison State Park visible across the gorge on the opposite rim. It’s a breathtaking place to pause, take in the landscape, and truly appreciate the scale and beauty of this remarkable valley.
E-Bikes
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are permitted on the Pine Creek Rail Trail in accordance with Pennsylvania DCNR’s official policy. Click below to view the state’s guidelines, including definitions, classification, and how they apply on DCNR-managed trails, so you can ride with confidence.