1-800-577-2029. visit PAwilds.com or call Wilds,please To plan your trip to the the Department. Commercial Activity Agreement or Letter of Authorization with or trail right-of-way requires a Special Activity Agreement, Special organized group or commercial use activity on the trail Special/Commercial season for personal safety. wear fluorescent orange (hunter orange) during the fall hunting discretion of the district forester. It is recommended that trail users Wellsboro Junction where use of the trail for hunting is at sole parking lots, or campgrounds, except between Blackwell and Firearms shall not be loaded while on the trail right-of-way, Firearms regulations will be vigorously enforced. trail right-of-way, as well on the trail right-of-way itself. These public drunkenness in parking areas and camping along the prohibited. Intoxication while operating a bicycle is crime, as Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the trail right-of-way is Alcohol not permitted. Fishing, jumping or diving from, climbing onto trail bridges is Bridges in length. parking areas, or campgrounds. Leashes must not exceed six feet Unleashed dogs are not permitted on the trail right-of-way, in the trail designed for bicycles and skiers when crossing bridges. to Tiadaghton. They are only permitted to utilize the improved service road adjacent to the improved trail, from Ansonia south Horseback riding and horse-drawn vehicles are permitted on the Horses and Dogs stop or yield signs as appropriate. crossings. Private crossings may be gated, and are signed with all public road crossings. The trail is gated and signed at all such Trail users must come to a complete stop and look both ways at Road Crossings exit and entry points. through private property, except at clearly designated and marked property owners. Please do not leave the trail or right-of-way Trail users must respect the rights and privacy of adjoining private Private Lands dialing 911. Contact Lycoming or Tioga County Communications Center by Emergencies 12 to wear a helmet. State law requires all bike riders and passengers under the age of Helmets aggressively enforced. unauthorized trail use after dark is not allowed, a rule which night hikes, or skiing in winter is allowed. However, areas after dark for legitimate activities, such as night fishing, General trail use is a daytime activity. Using the trail and parking areas is limited to those persons with a valid camping permit. until one-half hour after sunset. Overnight parking in designated The trail is open to the public from one-half hour before sunrise Hours of Use Guidelines pe WILDS n ns yl v a n i a

Pine Creek Valley— What to Do While You’re Here State Trail covers a total of 300 miles and crosses through both a Natural Treasure A Public Use Map For Tioga and Tiadaghton state forests. In , State Forests the 42-mile , named for the dense, dark virgin One of the most spectacular natural areas in Pennsylvania, 1238 121015a The 146,262-acre Tiadaghton State Forest is located on the Allegheny coniferous forests that originally covered the region, offers a is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon Plateau, a rugged region deeply carved by stream valleys. Tiadaghton challenging trek for would-be adventurers. of Pennsylvania,” and was recognized as a National Natural Care for the Land was the name the Iroquois gave to Pine Creek, the largest tributary of Landmark in 1968. The Pine Creek Gorge begins near Ansonia, the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Tiadaghton State Forest along US 6, and continues south for about 47 miles. At its State forests belong to the people of Canoeing Pennsylvania. Take the time to enjoy them, but centers on the Pine Creek Valley. Here, mixed oak forests dominate Canoeing facilities along Pine Creek have been developed by the deepest point, Pine Creek Gorge is 1450 feet deep and nearly the landscape, although northern hardwood forests of beech, birch, one mile wide. know the rules and regulations designed to Bureau of Forestry. Access areas and campsites can be found on protect the forests and you. Please be careful maple, ash and black cherry cover the northern portion of the state the map included on this brochure. Water conditions on Pine Creek forest, as well as some of its deep valleys. Why would a “Grand Canyon” be located in north-central with fire, keep our forests litter free and don’t are indicated by the USGS gauging station at Cedar Run. The Pennsylvania? It’s all about geology and, more specifically, damage the trees and other plants. minimum, no-scraping readings for Pine Creek are: Ansonia to The 165,052-acre contains valuable forest Cammal, 3.0 feet; Cammal to Waterville, 1.8 feet; Waterville to Rt. glaciers. Imagine a vast sheet of ice, hundreds of feet thick, resources that provide a continuous supply of forest products for the inching over this landscape like a giant bulldozer. Several such 220, 2.5 feet. For Your Safety local economy, as well as outstanding recreational opportunities, glaciers sculpted this landscape. As the last glacier receded Please respect the state forest rules and water for surrounding communities, and habitat for plant and north more than 10,000 years ago, its meltwaters helped carve The current gauge reading is available online at http://water.usgs.gov. regulations that have been established to animal species. Pine Creek’s deep gorge. Today, the creek’s spring-fed waters At high water levels, large waves capable of swamping boats protect you and the natural resources. In the continue to gradually deepen the canyon. may develop at a number of locations. The section of Pine Creek event of an emergency, call 911 for police, fire, Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area, also known as the Grand Canyon of from Ansonia to Rattlesnake Rock is classified as Class III water ambulance or search and rescue. Pennsylvania, is 12,163 acres and comprises both sides of Pine Creek with frequent rapids and swift-flowing water. Pine Creek below As you hike or bike along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, you’ll see from just south of Ansonia to Blackwell, a distance of 18 miles. dramatic rock outcrops and numerous waterfalls, mountain Rattlesnake Rock is generally considered a Class II river, with fairly streams, and deep forests of conifers and hardwoods. Though iConservePA frequent rapids of medium difficulty, having unobstructed passages Tiadaghton Forest District Tioga Forest District and low ledges. most of the old-growth pines and hemlocks were felled by To learn more about the 10 Lower Pine Bottom Rd. One Nessmuk Lane the early 1900s, scattered ancient trees still dot the landscape, state’s natural resources Waterville, PA 17776 Wellsboro, PA 16901 along with native red pine and American yew. This varied and what you can do to (570) 753-5409 (570) 724-2868 Camping landscape is home to a tremendous diversity of plant and help protect and enjoy them, [email protected] [email protected] All camping along Pine Creek requires a camping permit! All wildlife species. Take time in your travels to watch for bald log onto www.iConservePA.org. camping must take place at least 100 feet from waterways. Camping eagles, ospreys, coyote, deer, wild turkeys, herons, hawks or Biking & Horseback Riding on the right-of-way or in trail parking areas is not permitted. Groups even one of the river otters recently reintroduced in the area. of 10 or more people must obtain a Letter of Authorization from the Pennsylvania Wilds Welcome to the The Pine Creek Rail Trail’s wide, lightly sloped, graveled surface offers easy biking that is well suited for families. Individuals district forester in addition to a camping permit. Pine Creek Rail Trail, looking for a trail off the beaten path can utilize any of the “shared- a 62-mile, gently graded, graveled path that winds through use trails” that traverse the Tioga and Tiadaghton state forests, as Tiadaghton State Forest: Primitive camping near the rail trail is the spectacular Pine Creek Gorge. Here you can bike, designated within the map legend. Please note that trails designated permitted at Black Walnut Bottom Camping Area (2 miles south hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe through some of within the map legend as “special” are only open to foot travel. of Slate Run). Black Walnut Bottom offers picnic tables, firerings Within the heart of northcentral Pennsylvania lies a 12-county Pennsylvania’s most dramatic scenery. Raft or canoe the and restrooms. Canoeists with permits may also camp at a limited region with a deep connection to its past, with vast forests, Class II and III waters of Pine Creek. Horseback ride on Horseback riding and horse-drawn vehicles are permitted on the number of sites at Naval Run, Callahan Run and at Bonnell Flat small towns, welcoming people and authentic, natural riding trails in designated sections of the route. This guide service road adjacent to the improved trail, from Ansonia south Camping Area. Permits are available at the district office, and can experiences. That is what makes the Pennsylvania Wilds so provides extensive information to help you find an to Tiadaghton. Please refer to the Rail Trail Guidelines in this be issued in person, via US mail, or by fax. special. We would like to share the secret of this area with adventure to meet your needs. publication for further information about horseback riding. folks so they can connect with nature, continue to protect Tioga State Forest: Primitive camping near the rail trail is permitted what is revered by the citizens of this region and pursue and When you explore the Pine Creek Rail Trail, along Pine Creek at designated locations. Tiadaghton and Hoffman sustainably enjoy whatever recreation appeals to you. Come you’re following a route that humans have In addition to the Pine Creek Rail Trail, many hiking trails campgrounds offer picnic tables, fire rings, potable water and on in and discover the recreational opportunities within the traveled for hundreds of years. From 1883 traverse the Pine Creek Valley’s state forests. In Tioga State restrooms. Permits are available at the district office, and can be Pennsylvania Wilds! Welcome! to 1988, rail lines carried timber, coal, Forest, the offers 30 miles of hiking along the issued in person, via US mail, or by fax. and passengers through this canyon. western rim of Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon. Many vistas have Now the trail leads the adventurous been cleared along the trail to provide views of the Pine Creek Harrisburg Headquarters Rail Trail Accessibility through miles of outstanding natural Valley. The West Rim Trail connects with the Mid State Trail at Department of Conservation and Natural Resources The Pine Creek Rail Trail’s gently graded, graveled surface beauty, from Wellsboro Junction to Blackwell. Known as “the wildest trail in Pennsylvania,” the Mid Bureau of Forestry provides accessibility for individuals with mobility restrictions. pennsylvania Jersey Shore. P.O. Box 8552 SAP315030 WILDS Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552 October 2012