Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon" is worth the trip
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Chrissy taking in the gorge at Leonard Harrison State Park's Overlook Trail. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios
The Keystone State has more than 2,500 municipalities, and a lot of them have something worth visiting. So you'll need to make a bucket list to keep track.
The intrigue: Welcome to our PA Bucket List series, where we highlight the state's must-visit destinations, spanning natural beauty, historical monuments, cultural attractions, and can't-miss experiences.
Zoom in: First up is Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, one of the biggest gorges in the Eastern U.S.
By the numbers: At 1,450 feet at its deepest point, it is the largest gorge in the commonwealth.
- Its widest distance rim to rim is about a mile.
- It stretches about 50 miles, starting just west of Wellsboro and ending just south of Waterville.
Flashback: The gorge started to form about 20,000 years ago by glacial meltwater.
State of play: There are more than a dozen viewing points along the gorge, which spans Tioga and Lycoming counties in the Pennsylvania Wilds, not far from elk country.
- The easiest to access are at Leonard Harrison State Park (eastern rim) and Colton Point State Park (western rim). Both are free.
- The Ramsey viewpoint east of Waterville is arguably the most spectacular, and perfect for sunsets.
Between the lines: Leonard Harrison State Park has several viewpoints of the gorge. The best is a short and flat hike through the woods on the Overlook Trail.
- Go-getters can also use this park to start their descent into the gorge along the Turkey Path Trail: an intense hike filled with steps and a wide trail through thick woods and several serene waterfalls.
Ryan's thought bubble: Pennsylvania doesn't have the same spectacular nature as the national parks out West, but the scope of Pine Creek Gorge surprised me.
Where to stay: Wellsboro is a charming small town about 20 minutes from the gorge. It has a gas-lamp-adorned main street filled with restaurants, cafes, a couple of hotels, and other accommodations.
- Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park both have camping on-site.
Any other bucket-list-worthy locations in Pennsylvania?
- Send us your thoughts at [email protected].