Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania

Grand Canyon? Yes, but not what you are thinking. This is the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Over time Pine Creek has cut a gash a 1000 feet deep and 50 miles long in the landscape of central Pennsylvania. This natural wonder is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. There is trout fishing in Pine Creek and its tributaries, moderate white water for rafting, large, still pools for canoeing, trails for hiking and backpacking, and the 60 mile long Pine Creek Rail Trail for biking (and cross country skiing) which follows Pine Creek through the gorge.

We are spending a few days at the Canyon Country Campground just outside of the picturesque village of Willsboro. We are within walking distance of the canyon rim by way of a trail from the back of our campsite. This short 1-mile trail leads to Leonard Harrison State Park which also has a campground and a wonderful observation deck overlooking the canyon. We were there early in the day before the sun had burned off the fog rising from the creek. It reminded me of the fog rising over the Smoky Mountains. The “canyon” is a deep gorge very similar to the gorges in the Plateau area of east Tennessee. The varied colors of the fall foliage made it a place to linger and mediate.

For an even closer look, we had planned to hike an additional mile down the Turkey Pen Trail to the canyon bottom and the edge of Pine Creek. However, the day we wanted to do that the weather turned a little wet so we were unable to make that journey. Guess we’ll save that for another trip.

Tomorrow is another travel day. From here we are headed to Erie, again by way of interstate and then backtrack along Route 6 to the most recommended places. We are hoping for another uneventful drive.