Biking the Pine Creek Rail Trail from Route 6

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From Scenic Byway to Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon

Tour the Gorge on the 2026 PA Trail of the Year

Looking for a biking adventure that blends “gorge”ous views, a smooth ride, and charming small towns? You’ll find it on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, an iconic section of the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor.

This 62-mile crushed limestone trail runs through the legendary PA Grand Canyon (also known as the Pine Creek Gorge). With plenty of access points, friendly general stores, hiking trails, and camp grounds along the way it’s an inviting and fulfilling route for all types of riders.

Route Options

Beginner: If you’re just getting started, or riding with kids, try an out-and-back ride. There are tons of great access points. Our favorite is the Blackwell Railtrail & Hiking Parking. It’s the perfect place to get into the water before or after your ride. Folks launch kayaks, kids catch crawdads, and if you catch him on the right day, a local artist can be found painting by the rocks. Wherever you start, just don’t miss the Turkey Trail Waterfall Path.

Intermediate: Take the full 62-mile crushed limestone trail. You may complete it all at once, or take your time and camp along the way. Starting at Route 6 and going south means you’ll have an easy downhill ride. If you need support getting back to your car you can either pick up a shuttle or contact Pine Creek Outfitters who can transport your car to the finish line at Jersey Shore.

Advanced: Looking for some hills to challenge you? Take the 46-mile Signature Loop #4 – Canyon Rambler which takes you down to Blackwell and back up through Wellsboro. This route includes some roadside biking and an 800 ft elevation gain, making it a little more advanced than staying on the trail. You got this!

Camping

There are a ton of great camping options along the way but I recommend the Bonnell Flats Campground. Once a boyscout camp is now a well maintained semi-private campground with primitive camping as well as adirondacks available for reservation. It also has a peaceful access point into the river.

Amenities

This trail is impeccably well kept with benches, bike stands, and well marked hiking trails along the Canyon. Between beautiful views, you can stop in at local general stores with ice cream, deli sandwiches, and water to fill up on. The staff were so friendly, and quite familiar with having sweaty bikers stop in to enjoy their AC.

Flora & Fauna

Salamanders line the waterfall. Crawdads hang under rocks in the river. You might cross a snake, squirrel or chipmunk on a trail. If you’re a bird enthusiast you may spot herons, humming birds, and even bald eagles. Summertime riders who stay out late can catch the magic of fireflies lighting up the trees.

Spotted Touch-Me-Not plants line the trail – a fun plant for foraging enthusiasts and kids! The seed pods will POP open when you touch them. If you can catch the seed inside, they taste like vanilla walnuts.

Be sure to respect all private residents areas along the route. Have a safe ride!

Photos and text by Mo Riddle