Outdoor enthusiasts have a new reason to rejoice as the Pine Creek Rail Trail gains recognition for its scenic beauty and historical significance. This 62-mile trail, stretching through Tioga and Lycoming counties, has been designated as Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
In a recent celebration, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and other officials marked the completion of the final 3.2 miles of the trail into downtown Wellsboro from Jersey Shore, closing a significant gap in Pennsylvania’s trail network.
Tioga County Commissioner Shane Nickerson expressed his excitement, stating, “There’s just been people working at this for a long time. So it’s great to see these projects get over the finish line and at the end of the day get recognized for it.” The nomination for this accolade came from Nickerson and other county commissioners, Marc Rice and Sam VanLoon.
The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee, a 20-member body appointed by DCNR, awards this title annually to foster interest and backing for trails across the state. Pennsylvania boasts an extensive network of over 14,000 miles of trails.
Historical Significance of the Trail
The Pine Creek Rail Trail is rich in history, following a path once used by the Iroquois Nation and later transformed into a railroad in the late 1800s. This rail service ended in 1988, and by 2007, volunteers had established the current trail, which winds through the picturesque Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.
The recent completion of the trail’s final segment offers a safer and more accessible entry point for visitors in Wellsboro, who previously had to navigate a narrow shoulder, according to Commissioner Marc Rice.
The county also collaborated with state agencies to erect a trailhead building in Wellsboro, which now highlights local businesses through informative kiosks, Rice noted.
Economic Impact of the Trail
With more than 44,000 annual visitors, the trail generates over $5 million in local economic activity, according to DCNR. Commissioner Nickerson observed that tourism, driven by the trail, is becoming a key economic factor, second only to agriculture in Tioga County.
Rice emphasized the trail’s contribution to local commerce, saying it bolsters Wellsboro’s Main Street and various businesses. He added that there are plans to extend the trail into Clinton County, further enhancing its regional significance.
A ‘Star Asset’ in the Region
According to Ta Enos, founder and CEO of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, the trail serves as a major attraction within the 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region. Enos noted that the Pine Creek Rail Trail draws outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe.
“The views along the PCRT are incredible. The floor of the Pine Creek Gorge, the stunning sights of the surrounding rolling hills, the sound of the bubbling Pine Creek beside you, and the history of the former rail bed all add to the journey,” she remarked, emphasizing the trail’s well-deserved recognition.
