Truth be told, I must have been bitten by the “travel bug” at an early age. I have always been a wanderer, frequently daydreaming about my next quest or next travel and adventure destination. But, whenever I am away from my roots here in Lycoming County, I am often caught up in the desire to be home and enjoy the many outdoor activities this area is well known for. On numerous occasions, whenever I relate to new friends where I call home, they ask me about Pine Creek and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, both of which hold a world-class reputation.
The Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area is the second largest natural area in Pennsylvania, over 40 miles long, at points 1,000 feet deep and over a mile wide in some areas, and covers over 12,000 acres. Furthermore, a large portion of the Natural Area is surrounded by additional acreage of State Forest. In 1968, the Pine Creek Gorge was designated as a National Natural Landmark. The opportunities for all varieties of outdoor enthusiasts are impressive.
Fishing is simply “World Class!” Trout and bass are the big draw, and fly fishermen from all across the United States travel here to enjoy brown, brook, and rainbow trout fishing all along the stretch of water that winds its way through the scenic canyon. Lunker brown and rainbow trout are often caught in Pine Creek, and I fondly recall the times I would canoe across the main stream as a youth growing up in this area to test my skills at catching colorful native brook trout in its feeder streams.
Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are all popular along the entire stretch of Pine Creek, which winds its way through the canyon. There is some moderate class II whitewater, with long peaceful pools of flat water, all the time coursing through picturesque natural scenery. During the summer months and into fall, water enthusiasts come from all parts of the country to enjoy the unique setting of Pine Creek. The entire length of the established boating stretch is just over 50 miles, which can take several days to complete. The good news is that there are multiple entry/exit locations where you can adjust your time on the water based on your available time. If you are adventuresome and wish to travel the entire length, there are primitive camping sites located in the gorge’s natural area for which you need to obtain a free permit from the Tioga State Forest Office (570) 724-2868 or (570) 753-5409.
Whether you travel the Pine Creek Gorge by waterway, on foot, or by bicycle, you will be treated to the natural beauty of the surrounding hillsides, along with frequent sightings of resident birds and animals. Whitetail deer are frequently seen, and don’t be surprised to see black bear, bobcats, coyotes, and even fishers or otters. Of particular note in the bird world are the frequent sightings of birds of prey soaring overhead or perched on streamside or trailside trees. Travelers through the gorge will often be able to observe numerous hawks and the occasional bald eagle, with golden eagles seen from time to time as well.
The Pine Creek Rail Trail: Open to the public in 1996, this picturesque 62-mile hiking and biking trail runs from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro, traversing Lycoming and Tioga counties and following the Pine Creek Gorge. The gradual 1% grade of the old railroad bed makes for a very pleasant walk, bike ride, or, along some sections, a horseback ride. Multiple entry points along the way allow for a shorter hike or bike trip of a few hours, or the more adventuresome can travel the entire route and then enjoy a well-deserved dinner at one of the restaurants in Jersey Shore or Wellsboro. Particularly during the early morning and late evening hours, whitetail deer, black bear, turkeys, and ruffed grouse can be seen, and often, hawks and bald eagles can be spotted soaring overhead. This trail has been recognized as one of the most pristine and scenic bike trails in the world!
“The Loop” is the nickname given by some locals to the tract of roadways that course through northern Lycoming County and southern Tioga County and provides outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying the natural beauty of our hardwood forest landscape. Generally, it runs out of Waterville northwesterly on Route 414 to Slate Run, then cuts northeasterly to Cedar Run and Blackwell. Thereafter, it angles in a southerly direction into English Center on Route 287, with a final leg along Route 284 back to Waterville. Wildlife viewing, traveling through scenic countryside, and having some enjoyable places to eat along the way make “Scooping the Loop” a popular way to spend a few hours or most of the day.
Whether you live or have traveled here, I hope you take the time to get outside and enjoy some of the many outdoor activities that are unique to our area and are merely on the “bucket list” of many less fortunate folks!
