Pennsylvania draws visitors from all over the world – and for good reason. Our beautiful state is home to fascinating history, world-class museums, quite a few recognizable landmarks, and the list goes on and on. While the Liberty Bell earns props as one of the most photographed landmarks in Pennsylvania, the top honor goes to Pine Creek Gorge as a natural landmark. It’s definitely one of those sights we all have to see at least once in our lives.
Pine Creek Gorge is so massive and so majestic that it’s earned the nickname The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The measurements of this natural wonder, in fact, are pretty impressive.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
The natural canyon measures approximately 47 miles in length and, at its deepest point, is 1,450 feet. Twelve miles of Pine Creek Gorge earned status as a National Natural Landmark in 1968.
Flickr/fishhawk
As the years went on, so did the classifications that would ensure the preservation of the gorge for generations in the future. Pine Creek was designated a Pennsylvania Scenic River in 1992 and the gorge itself became a State Park Natural Area in 1993.
Flickr/Scottb211
You can view and explore Pine Creek Gorge from either Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park, both of which are in Wellsboro. Whichever park you visit, you’re pretty much guaranteed…
Flickr/NatureLifePhoto
Absolutely spellbinding views from scenic overlooks.
Flickr/Wendy
For the most popular views of the canyon, start at Leonard Harrison State Park. Follow the short, less than a half-mile Overlook Trail to reach the scenic overlook and gorgeous views. (The trail is rated more difficult.)
All Trails/Adam Cooperstein
If you’re up for a real challenge, follow the two-mile Turkey Path Trail that will take you straight to the bottom of Pine Creek Gorge. You’ll even see a few gorgeous waterfalls along the way.
All Trails/Siva Masilamani
For an easy trail with gorgeous gorge views, head over to Colton Point State Park. The one-mile easy Rim Trail takes you to a scenic overlook. You can follow the Turkey Path Trail here, too, although it is a bit longer at three miles.
All Trails/Lauren Horan
Head over to the official website of Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park for more information, including a full list of hiking trails.
Flickr/fishhawk
Do you agree that Pine Creek Gorge is one of the most photographed landmarks in Pennsylvania? If not, what natural landmark do you think deserves that title? Let us know in the comments! Next time you’re on the lookout for new places to explore, check out these seven natural wonders in Pennsylvania you can visit for free.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Flickr/fishhawk
Flickr/Scottb211
Flickr/NatureLifePhoto
Flickr/Wendy
All Trails/Adam Cooperstein
All Trails/Siva Masilamani
All Trails/Lauren Horan
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Address: Leonard Harrison State Park Visitor Center or Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, 4797 PA-660, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USAAddress: Colton Point State Park, 927 Colton Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
