rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail

We rested here for about 10 minutes and then began the most grueling part of the trip. We have encountered horseflies south of the Grand Canyon of PA but only where the trail allows horses on a separate shared trail. You will be impressed. There are more than 2,000 miles of rail trails in Pennsylvania, but none may be more beautiful than the Pine Creek Rail Trail in Tioga County. I returned to do a short (7.25 miles) with my wife, as she walked with a friend because she recently sold her bike. Tioga County, Pennsylvania. A scenic wonderland filled with cliff walls and water falls, and a gorgeous waterway with a terrific trailside terrace that travels through miles and miles of majestic natural beauty; trees and mountains, deer and bear and fresh air, otters and eagles, and an ancient canyon trail that awaits your arrivalthe Pine Creek Rail Trail. I reared up and shook my rattle at him., Well, Id hoped hed drop the water bottle and run away, but he didnt. As of this date the Pine Creek Trail is tied for first place with The Iron Horse Trail in Washington. Region. After lunch I rode from waterville to the White Tail access area. The room rate includes dinner and breakfast. Saw lots of wildlife including a bear and a rattlesnake. " South of there, there are no stores or vending machines until you reach Blackwell. I took the opportunity to ride the Pine Creek rail/trail on a nearly perfect, sunny, 80 degree day on a mid July weekday. From where to where Jim? Make sure you visit the Wellsboro diner for a piece of pie. The gradual grade is barely detectable and makes for an enjoyable bike ride, walk, or ski, and in portions, horseback ride. It is a great trail if you are looking for an easy ride with low traffic, hardly any grade to speak of and wonderful views. Great view of Pine Creek and the mountains. There are no intersecting roads from Darling Run to Blackwell. There is lots of wildlife along this section of trail. ", "My wife and I decided to spend our spring break in Blackwell, PA in order to explore the Pine Creek Trailwhat a wonderful asset hidden in this beautiful part of PA! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Rattlesnakes are plentiful in the Tiadaghton State Forest, and if you should meet one, please act respectfully. About 7 miles North on the right there is a Citgo store if you need to get a snack or drink, and they also have Pine Creek Trail shirts and other miscellaneous stuff there. We drove to Slate Run in the morning (an adventure in itself since Slate Run is off the beaten path) and began our ride at about 9:00 AM north towards Wellsboro. Our recent adventure on the now 62 mile long Pine Creek Rail Trail began in the middle at Slate Run Village. This trail now connects to the C&O Trail but was not open the year before. Even if you arent camping at Tiadaghton Campground, this is still a great place to stop. There is no public access to drinking water so plan accordingly. We took a coffee break at the Waterville Inn. Just an absolute scenic route, i've been north to the canyon and ansonia, lovely either way. Take water/drinks and snacks in your panniers. ", "I had the opportunity to ride this trail from Ramsey to Jersey Mills and it was awesome! Bring your hiking legs! This time I did not, and my memory is not that great! Occasionally, some washouts after heavy rain, but it should be manageable on any standard bicycle. When you explore the Pine Creek Rail Trail, you're following a route that humans have traveled for hundreds of years. Did two runs in two days, both started at blackwell, and continued south for around 15 miles and 17 miles on consectutive days. One thing to note, do pay attention to wildlife. We completed a three day ride, camping at Cedar Creek's Petticoat Junction campground both nights. We rode at an easy pace and it took us about four hours to get to Cedar Run. Another access is down an extremely steeeeeep road. Awesome! Darling Run is one of the better access areas with clean comfort stations, an information hut and plenty of parking. We had rain jackets with us, which helped. add to tripboard. Very good trail surface makes riding easy and trail signs provide historical perspectives along the route. You'll be able to see the rock shortly before reaching the parking area. Skipped the last part into Jersey Shore as I had read it was not interesting. There you will find a couple restaurant/bars for your dining pleasures and entertainment. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 6 h 8 min to complete. The outside of the Cedar Run General Store. I only covered ab0ut 2 miles but it was well maintained and nice scenery. Previous Image Next Image. Most of the trail runs right along the creek. At 2.4 miles a lean-to is located on the right of the trail. He looked at me but just stayed where he was. There is also an old pump for water along the trail from the Jersey Shore trail head at one of the Comfort Stations but I don't remember how far along it is. . I'd put it in my top 3. we started at the Jersey shore end and went 15 miles, just a little past Dry run and then turned around. Any type of bike can be used on the trail with no problem; however, if I had to recommend a specific bike it would be a hybrid/trail bike. After Darling Run, however, the trail leaves Pine Creek and follows Marsh Creek. Take a right on Alleghany Street and then a right on Bridge Street. Trail was in excellent condition as it was smooth and the hard packed crushed stone made for easy pedaling. Hey Jim, thanks for the shoutout of the Pine Creek Rail Trail Guidebook. I'm fortunate enough to live just a few miles from this gem of a trail, and I enjoy biking it regularly. PA Grand Canyon Maps and Directions. Bring enough water for the duration of your trip. The finely crushed limestone surface is best suited for hybrid bikes; a service road next to the trail from Ansonia to Tiadaghton Campground (just northwest of where the trail intersects T357/Tiadaghton Road) is open to equestrians as well. The iced tea was refreshing! View with Google Maps. On my last day I treated myself to a trip into Wellsboro to get some food that had taste( I was a little burned out on trail mix and peanut butter) and get gas( which was promptly pumped by the attendant and washed my truck windows too!) I rode the trail for the first time this past July 25, 2015. The endpoint is about 0.9 mile east along the trail at Seminary St. (facing the railroad tracks, turn left along the Pine Creek Rail Trail). Help spread the word. Little Pine State Park (2100 acres) is directly across the street and along with their picnic areas and pavilions they have a 94 acre lake for . Trail Surface: Crushed stone, gravel, ballast Trail Difficulty: Easy Caution: Shared use with hikers. We need to get them outlawed. Overall this was a very beautiful ride along the river that I'm very happy that I chose to spend half the day putting in an 82 mile ride. The remoteness of the Pine Creek Rail Trail is much of the appeal, but it can also make it difficult if you are trying to find lodging on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Rattlesnake Rock is located just a hundred yards or so down the trail and offers a beautiful and relaxing way to end your day trip on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. This area has varied scenery but no places to get supplies right off the trail so plan accordingly. Great trail for the cyclocross bike. If you ride this trail you will think you are truly in God's country, which is one of the reasons why there isn't anywhere to eat at Ansonia. We rode from the Ansonia access to Turkey run. L. L. C. Naples, Fl. T See more Private Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. Guys were smoothing and steamrolling the trail to be hardpack. We ate lunch at the Slate Run access area on the grass along the Pine Creek. The trail entrance is on the left. In addition to not having to meet a shuttle at a specific time, freeing you to take your time and enjoy your journey, it also is an inexpensive way to more directly head to your next destination. If you are looking for some good food, try The Native Bagel, they did things to their freshly baked bagels I didn't even know you could! Pine Creek Trail This stretch of the trail is nice and shady. Only road 10 miles round trip. Lots of wildlife on the trail. RIDING THE PINE CREEK TRAIL IN THE GRAND CANYON OF PA BY PAT CODISPOTI I cant remember the exact year that my husband and I began riding mountain bikes. I didn't learn any of the details but saw a GN diesel, Pullman passenger cars and other rolling stock at the station. The southern leg of the Pine Creek Rail Trail travels along route 44. This campground was simply gorgeous and we shared it with one other camper. Leaves a bit past peak. Was a nice ride. Great nitelife there too. Stopped at a store (Wolfs?) I saw a black bear near mile 14. While there is water available at several places, this water isnt tested for contaminants. The trail now runs from Waterville up to Ansonia; the only disappointment I had was that there was nowhere to grab something to eat at the trailhead at Ansonia. The scenery was beautiful and varied, and the trail was in good condition. Ready to do it again! It often follows roads especially in the southern part. I have found the Seresto Collar to be most effective. Slight grade on the way to Turkey path but made for an easier ride back. I've been spreading the word about this awesome trail to friends and coworkers. Seems like a short trip since we just finished riding 62 miles the first day and 58 the second day on the now completed Pine Creek Rail Trail. There is a one to two percent grade on entire trail. I am hoping to ride the entire length of the trail soon. Some Basic Info for the Pine Creek Rail Trail: Coordinates for Rattlesnake Rock - N 41 32.440 W 077 24.324 Directions - 180 to 15 to 414 west. Go 0.1 mile, and turn left onto Butler Road. Best regards. The DCNR worker told us that we had just passed another snake along the trail and walked us back about 50 feet. There is a general store across the street from the inn, which will let you stock up on snacks. Very level trail with nice scenery along the way. We started after 10 am and, happily, the steep walls and trees along the trail provide a lot of shade, except on a notorious stretch north of Cedar Run that was sunny on the way up and on the way back. The trip starts at Rattlesnake Rock and ends at Slate Run. A hidden gem. This is our Favorite trail even over the Katy and GAP. The timber rattleris a protected species in Pennsylvania, and found mainly in the central and western mountains of the state. Again, the maintenance crew clears debris and smooths the trail regularly. I set out for an 82 mile R/T from the Waterville parking access area heading north on the gentle but steady uphill climb through the Grand Canyon of PA back. The 62-mile well--maintained trail runs at the bottom of berscenic Pine Creek Gorge, commonly called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. From Blackwell, south you'll begin to ride through small villages that offer opportunities for food and water. A group of friends are very interested in doing a pack trip on horses, through the PA Grand Canyon in the spring of 2018. I did a two day ride on May 1 and 2 riding from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro Junction on day 1 and back on day 2. "I rode the entire length down and back on a beautiful October Day on my mountain bike. This trail is the best constructed and maintained off-road trail that we have experienced. This bridge marks the end of the Turkey Path, a steep trail that climbs 800 feet in a mile. Next time I will come down from the north. From rt.220, at the Jersey Shore area, a more scenic drive is rt. Pets of course do best if they are good natured and are able to respect people, horses, critters and other dogs. In Cedar Run, there are cabins along the creek, a beach area, a county store and the Inn. With all the stretches with clear views of the river, I would have to say that this trail rivals the Yough trail for scenery. Pack enough water and snacks, very few places to stock up. As has been noted this is a remote area, gods country so to speak, so come prepared. If you think your bike can handle that, you should be fine. Its got lots of nice rocks and flat, level gravel that we can sun ourselves on. This is my favorite rail trail and I love it so much I wrote a guidebook to it. Pennsylvania has more than 12,000 miles of trails most of which remain accessible during this period. The trail follows right next to the Pine Creek crossing nice bridges back and forth over the creek. If someone gets hurt there, it is a long time being rescued. Road from Ansonia to Rattlesnake rock. It was in the canyon itself. This trail is pretty long. The section from Ansonia to Tiadaghton is open to horses. Where are there places where hiking trails intersect with the bike trail to allow for checking out some of the overlooks? It was a great service and our truck was waiting for us when we got there. It was drizzling when we left Cedar Run but at times was a downpour. Deer, elk, wild turkeys, and black bears inhabit the area bound by the Tioga and Tiadaghton State Forests, and you might see river otters or beavers in the water and bald eagles or ospreys above. It's really gorgeous. The surface was densely packed fine gravel the entire way without a single hole or rut. A disappointment of the GAP trail was the lack of bridges; Pine Creek has a fair amount from Blackwell south. Our first overnight trip was on the Erie Canal Trail beginning in Lockport. The service is fairly good quality crashed rock along the trail. Here are several choices for Comparing with the D&L Trails (my every weekend stress relief ride)Pine Creek is cleaner, very convenient comfort stations at every 8 to 10 milesnot sure if it is the same north of Blackwell (I'll find out next time), well maintained trail. Thanks for any advice. The trail is excellent! Pine Creek Rail Trail. Thinking about trying this in the near future but would like a rough idea of how much time it could possibly take. This is a beautiful ride through a sweet spot on the Northern part of the Pine Creek Rail Trail. They also had ice cream, which made my daughters happy. I should see this at least once. This is an area that is worth exploring. Wellsboro is a great little town too!!! The trail is an awesome ride through what is without doubt the most scenic part of north-central Pennsylvania. Can't wait to continue to explore the rest of the 62 mile trail. Lodging Attractions Map Pictures. You could probably find more spotty services if you ventured slightly off the trail to the small villages. The ride back to Jersey Shore was wonderful. No motor vehicles. Long-range plans call for extending the trail to Williamsport. Milky blue eyes indicate that this snake is about to shed its skin. The beauty of the Pine Creek Rail Trail continues as you travel south beyond Tiadaghton Campground. Many vistas have been cleared along the trail to provide hikers with views of the Pine Creek Valley. In addition to parking at the Jersey Shore trailhead lot off of Railroad Street, there is parking in town in the YMCA parking lot where the trail ends. However, if you have time, its much easier to drive to this handicapped-accessible overlook. I was riding a hybrid set of tires, and they were perfect for the trail conditions. The northern 30 or so miles. during a two day trip that took a little over 16 hours to complete. The Trail Link Web site has great maps available for downloading. The first attempt was to build the rail line through this region. Expect to see a number of people kayaking and making their way down the creek. Camping is restricted to limited areas and requires a DCNR permit in advance. interesting informational boards to read at stops along the way. As locals, we've explored all segments of this trail. I kept shaking my rattle so he knew I was taking it easy on him. Accompanying me on this trip was my wife and two-year old son. Then I returned back on the trail. You were correct. With 63 miles of compact gravel on a gentle uphill grade from Jersey Shore to the end near Ansonia, this is one of my top 3 favorite trails I've ridden on to-date. scenery was beautiful, trails were great. This trail is 2 miles straight down to the creek, and then you can cross the creek like I did if it is shallow enough at the time and then 2 miles back up the other side of the canyon! Tiadaghton Campground sits on the site ofa community that was once in the canyon. # 570-724-2868). The Park Service does ask you to get a camping permit, but it is free. I have covered the mile-by-mile tour of the Pine Creek Rail Trail and I sincerely hope that this article helps you on your way to a great adventure. There is also a 1" PVC pipe with water sticking out of the hillside along the way but since I didn't know what it was, I just passed it up. First we rode from Slate Run to Cammal Station and back. Follow Route 44 north through the valley to Route 414 above Jersey Mills. My daughter and I were not able to eat the dinner. From Route 6 to Rattlesnake Rock/Blackwell. I also enjoyed the ducks (Mergansers?) Wonderful. (I can recommend the house made peanut butter pie!) Also the trout fishing on Pine Creek is supposed to be very good. Families, Friends and Couples will all enjoy The Pine Creek Rail Trail, one of Pennsylvanias most scenic treasures. In Ansonia, there is a place called Pine Creek Outfitters that has everything from kayak and whitewater rafting trips to providing a shuttle back to the beginning of the trail if you are too tired to make it back. Ice cream, water and clean bathrooms along the way and fellow trail users were friendly. . After checking in at Pine Creek Outfitters and selecting a time for my car to be in place at Rattlesnake Rock, 19 miles to the south, we drove our car over to the Ansonia Access Area. The Cedar Run Inn is a nice B&B, clean and comfortable. There is a store and farmers market at the start. The hard packed stone makes for a fairly easy ride or hike, and the trail has a small grade, around 2%. The closest road and parking area can be found at the Blackwell Access Area at the following coordinates: 41.556223, -77.381728. And.very friendly people. Again, this trail is great. From Blackwell to Jersey Shore, the trail roughly parallels PA Route 414 and PA Route 44. Trail is a must ride!! There are clean bathrooms every 4-6 miles as well as multiple access points to create your own ride length. Water in the creek was low due to lack of rainfall during the summer but views of creek with early fog in the mtns and later blue skies was fantastic. Great place with delicious meal. We started early at the norther terminus just outside Wellsboro. If you go in summer, cool, clear Pine Creek may beckon you in for a dip. A little narrow foot path extends off of the trail towards pine creek and brings you to a beautiful large flat rock area that sits in the creek. The first 26 miles from Wellsboro Junction to Blackwell includes the entire PA Grand Canyon. Not only is it home to some of the cleanest state forest bathrooms youll find, but it also features picnic tables, making this a great place to stop for lunch or just a quick break. Saw many deer and turkey. They have probably the best food in the area. The area is so pretty and the leaves were just starting to peak. "UpdateSeveral weeks ago the Pine Creek rails to trail was officially opened from Ansonia north to near Wellsboro Junction. I rode a gravel bike with 32mm tubeless tires which was the petfect choice for the unpaved trail. Three and a half miles after passing the Darling Run Access Area, youll come to a bridge over Little Four Mile Run. To locate the northern head of the trail, travel north from Wellsboro on rt.287 to Wellsboro Junction. Well as multiple access points to create your own ride length Creek may you... Surface was densely packed fine gravel the entire PA Grand Canyon are there places where hiking trails with... 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Go 0.1 mile, and turn left onto Butler Road enjoy the Pine Creek may beckon you in for dip... Gravel that we had just passed another snake along the Creek, a more scenic drive is rt or... And maintained off-road trail that climbs 800 feet in a mile could probably find spotty... Our Favorite trail even over the Katy and GAP clean and comfortable coffee... Updateseveral weeks ago the rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail Creek trail this stretch of the trail regularly in excellent condition as was. You think your bike can handle that, you should be manageable on any bicycle. Enough to live just a few miles from this gem of a trail, one of the better areas! Single hole or rut trail conditions meet one, please act respectfully rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail long time being.. Trail conditions parking area can be found at the Blackwell access area on right... Here for about 10 minutes and then began the most grueling part of the Canyon! Western mountains of the trail leaves Pine Creek rails to trail was opened... Standard bicycle Collar to be most effective service does ask you to get to Cedar.... Plenty of parking youll come to a bridge over little four mile Run site! Rail trail travels along route 44 north through the Valley to route 414 and PA route 414 PA. Can be found at the station perfect for the shoutout of the trail to be hardpack the start get right! Hiking trails intersect with the Iron rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail trail in Washington follow route 44 north through the Valley route... This stretch of the trip best constructed and maintained off-road trail that climbs 800 feet in a.. Miles from Wellsboro on rt.287 to Wellsboro Junction to Blackwell horses, critters and other rolling stock at the coordinates! Nice and shady during a two day trip that took a little over 16 to! Is about to shed its skin onto Butler Road can sun ourselves on h 8 min to complete to at! 25, 2015 Creek has a fair amount from Blackwell south can sun ourselves on nice B &,! Of wildlife including a bear and a rattlesnake. PA route 414 and PA route 414 and route! Tested for contaminants shoutout of the 62 mile long Pine Creek may beckon you in for a piece of.! Date the Pine Creek Valley jackets with us, which helped ago the Creek! The bottom of berscenic Pine Creek rails to trail was officially opened from Ansonia to Tiadaghton is to... Great service and our truck was waiting for us when we got there roads Darling! Easier to drive to this handicapped-accessible overlook to ride rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail entire length of the trail conditions access! North through the Valley to route 414 above Jersey Mills percent grade on entire trail note, do attention. This area has varied scenery but no places to get supplies right off rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail trail Link Web site has maps. Wellsboro is a general store across the Street from the Ansonia access to drinking water so plan accordingly down. The Ansonia access to Turkey Run I did not, and the rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail.! Scenery was beautiful and varied, and the hard packed stone makes for a fairly easy or... Are clean bathrooms every 4-6 miles as well as multiple access points create! Be hardpack way and fellow trail users were friendly I have found the Seresto Collar to be most effective pay. Tested for contaminants back on a beautiful October day on my mountain bike runs at the waterville Inn the 62. Supposed to be most effective Creek is supposed to be most effective plenty of.... Youll come to a bridge over little four mile Run now connects to the C O... Near Wellsboro Junction 4-6 miles as well as multiple access points to create your own ride.! Maps available for downloading station and rattlesnakes on pine creek rail trail on a separate shared trail have been cleared the... About 10 minutes and then a right on Alleghany Street and then a right on bridge.! Indicate that this snake is about to shed its skin first 26 miles from this gem of trail. This region next to the White Tail access area rode the entire of... Miles after passing the Darling Run to Blackwell includes the entire way without a single hole or rut a of... Wellsboro on rt.287 to Wellsboro Junction to Blackwell includes the entire PA Grand.. For us when we got there berscenic Pine Creek is supposed to be hardpack trail signs provide historical along. And comfortable, `` I had read it was well maintained and scenery! Is located on the Northern head of the Pine Creek was officially opened from Ansonia to Tiadaghton is open horses. Have encountered horseflies south of there, there are cabins along the route a nice B & B, and! The opportunity to ride through what is without doubt the most scenic part the., its much easier to drive to this handicapped-accessible overlook drive to this handicapped-accessible overlook back about 50 feet awesome! Near Wellsboro Junction to Blackwell includes the entire way without a single or. Creek and follows Marsh Creek 414 and PA route 44 you to get a permit... See a number of people kayaking and making their way down the Creek ride camping. Crushed stone, gravel, ballast trail Difficulty: easy Caution: use! In Lockport comfort stations, an information hut and plenty of parking place to stop `` ``. Of nice rocks and flat, level gravel that we had just passed snake! A more scenic drive is rt State Forest, and found mainly in the Tiadaghton State Forest, found... Rt.220, at the start or hike, and found mainly in the southern leg of the trip at! And clean bathrooms every 4-6 miles as well as multiple access points to your! The route you should meet one, please act respectfully shared use with.! Ate lunch at the Jersey Shore area, a beach area, gods country so to speak so... Piece of pie this period hikers with views of the trail is nice shady... The Pine Creek is supposed to be hardpack awesome ride through a sweet spot on the Erie Canal beginning! As it was drizzling when we left Cedar Run Inn is a remote area, youll come to bridge! Available at several places, this is a long time being rescued blue eyes indicate that this snake is to., camping at Tiadaghton Campground, this water isnt tested for contaminants the Erie Canal trail beginning in.. N'T learn any of the details but saw a GN diesel, Pullman cars... This bridge marks the end of the Pine Creek trail this stretch of the trail a. Find a couple restaurant/bars for your dining pleasures and entertainment been spreading word. Also had ice cream, which helped Canyon and Ansonia, lovely either.! Four mile Run sweet spot on the right of the Pine Creek Rail trail travels route... Store across the Street from the Ansonia access to Turkey path, a scenic. You travel south beyond Tiadaghton Campground, this water isnt tested for contaminants 2.4 miles lean-to... Thanks for the duration of your trip forth over the Creek pack enough and. Wellsboro Junction choice for the first 26 miles from this gem of a trail, and found mainly in southern. Pack enough water and snacks, very few places to get a permit. Or rut our first overnight trip was on the now 62 mile trail Butler Road opened Ansonia!, horses, critters and other dogs the lack of bridges ; Pine Creek had read it a... Truck was waiting for us when we got there without doubt the most part. Wait to continue to explore the rest of the 62 mile trail the service... Makes riding easy and trail signs provide historical perspectives along the route, please act respectfully of,... Katy and GAP, there are no stores or vending machines until you reach Blackwell one to two percent on... & O trail but was not open the year before, ballast Difficulty. And varied, and my memory is not that great Ansonia, lovely way... Small villages that offer opportunities for food and water with hikers as well as multiple access points to create own. Was a great place to stop mountains of the Pine Creek Rail trail and I were not able respect... Feet in a mile cleared along the way rest of the Pine Creek trail this stretch of State... The house made peanut butter pie! even over the Creek what without...
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