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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The Most Beautiful Canyon In America Is Right Here In Pennsylvania… And It Isn’t The Grand Canyon

Pine Creek Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, offers breathtaking views and hiking trails, making it a must-visit natural wonder.

Updated Nov 16, 2023

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Pennsylvania, it's probably fair to say, is synonymous with natural wonders - from the waterfalls at Bushkill Falls (dubbed the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania) to the dark sky over Cherry Springs State Park. It's also home to what might be the most beautiful canyon in America - Pine Creek Gorge. If you've never been, you'll probably want to add it to your bucket list. After all, this is one natural wonder that all Pennsylvanians should experience at least once.

You've probably heard of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania; that's Pine Creek Gorge, a natural wonder in Wellsboro that you really have to see to appreciate.

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Chuck Taft / Google Reviews

With its massive measurements - nearly 50 miles long and approximately 1,450 feet deep - and scenic beauty, the canyon draws visitors from all over Pennsylvania and beyond.

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Michael Kelly / Google Reviews

For the best aerial views of the canyon, visit Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park. Both offer scenic vistas with sweeping views of the gorge below.

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Boris Smola / Google Reviews

This is one of those natural attractions that is breathtaking in all four seasons. However, if you really want to be blown away, visit during the peak of the fall foliage.

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JudyTomB / TripAdvisor

While the scenic vistas offer sensational views, you might want to do a bit more exploring, too. The canyon has several hiking trails, including the Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park.

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Samantha Townsend / TripAdvisor

Be prepared for a challenging trek down to the canyon floor. You'll be rewarded with such natural beauty as gushing waterfalls.

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Dana Hummel / Google Reviews

The two-mile trail is out and back, so you'll go down to the canyon floor and return to the top again.

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One of the best ways to experience the bottom of Pine Creek Gorge is on an old-fashioned wagon ride with Ole Covered Wagons.

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cecoleman82 / TripAdvisor

Learn more on the Leonard Harrison State Park website or visit the Colton Point State Park website.

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rbitner2016 / TripAdvisor


One of our favorite natural wonders in Pennsylvania is the Pine Creek Gorge. Go on an adventure with Keystone Curiosity in this video talking about the "Grand Canyon in Pennsylvania:"

Do you agree that Pine Creek Gorge might be the most beautiful canyon in America? Let us know in the comments! After visiting the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, how about another adventure? You can't go wrong with a visit to the smallest state park in Pennsylvania.

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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The One Place In Pennsylvania That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

Loyalsock State Forest in Pennsylvania offers a magical experience with lush greenery, towering trees, and numerous trails and vistas.

Updated Jun 5, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

We can step straight into a magical world of hobbits, elves, and good versus evil when we visit Loyalsock State Forest, one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania. Or, at least we can feel as though Merry, Pippin, Frodo, or Legolas might be traveling through the state forest, carpeted with lush green and protected by towering trees. Are you ready for a trip to Pennsylvania's very own Middle Earth (and, in some spots, the Shire)?

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Loyalsock State Forest spans more than 110,000 acres through three counties: Bradford, Lycoming, and Sullivan.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Pennsylvania's Loyalsock State Forest is simply enchanting. But why take our word for it? Visit and see for yourself.

Regardless of where you travel through the majestic state forest, you'll find yourself surrounded by protective trees. A stream — Loyalsock Creek — meanders through most of the park.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

The sprawling natural wonder lays claim to five breathtaking natural and wild areas. Kettle Creek Wild Area, one of them, spans more than 2,500 acres. It attracts campers who want an authentic, primitive camping experience.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Explore the forest on horseback, by mountain bike, or on foot. With more than 200 miles of trails — both marked and unmarked — Loyalsock State Forest's trail system is a dream for hikers.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Admire the vibrant wildflowers that line Jacoby Falls Trail, a spectacular hike that will lead you straight to the breathtaking waterfall.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Cross footbridges along your journey, stopping to admire the views of the forest from one of the many vistas that dot the area. Canyon Vista, Bodine Mountain Vista, and Indian Trail Vista are among the popular overlooks.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Prefer exploring by water? Climb into a kayak or a canoe for a leisurely ride down Loyalsock Creek.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Enjoy a relaxing picnic at one of the waterfront picnic areas scattered through the forest. Bear Wallow Pond features a picnic pavilion.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Journey to Middle Earth right here in Pennsylvania. Loyalsock State Forest is open daily from sunrise to sunset. (Camping is permitted.)

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Flickr/Karen Christine Hibbard

Have you been to Loyalstock State Forest? Do you agree that it's Pennsylvania's most beautiful forest? What other spots in Pennsylvania remind you of Middle Earth? Let us know in the comments! To feel as though you've stepped into a magical wardrobe, journey to Rothrock State Forest.

Ready to explore some more? Slip on your hiking shoes, and follow one of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania. You can find them all on All Trails.

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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

Few People Know About These Pennsylvania Rock Outcrops That Are 600 Million Years Old

White Rocks Trail in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, offers a challenging hike with breathtaking rock formations and scenic views.

Published Mar 2, 2023

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

One of the best things about living in Pennsylvania is, no matter how long we've been here, we're always discovering something new - a hidden attraction or a natural wonder we simply didn't know about. From Pine Creek Gorge to Bilger's Rocks, Pennsylvania's brimming with so many natural wonders that we naturally overlook a few. This natural wonder in Pennsylvania may not be as well known as others, but it's certainly worth a visit.

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Hiking usually promises adventure and sometimes even some unexpected surprises - crossing paths with wildlife or stumbling upon abandoned ruins. However, one hiking trail leads to a unique and little-known natural wonder in Pennsylvania.

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Google/Owen Purdy

Although it scores a moderate rating, the White Rocks Trail in Boiling Springs is worth the effort. After all, it leads to breathtaking rock formations.

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All Trails/Dharmesh Papaiya

The hiking trail travels along what the DCNR calls "a 600-million-year-old pinnacled ridge of Antietam quartzite." The ridge extends to Northwestern Georgia.

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All Trails/Conrad Riffle

To get an up-close look at this Pennsylvania natural wonder, follow the nearly three-mile White Rocks Trail. However, be prepared for a challenge.

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All Trails/Dan Christ

The trail begins on a valley floor and will take you to the top of the ridge where White Rocks Trail meets the Appalachian Trail. You will have an uphill climb.

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All Trails/Eric Christ

While the scenic rewards are well worth the effort, come prepared for this hike that is incredibly rocky. Be prepared to scramble at some points, and wear sturdy boots.

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All Trails/Kelly Schlieder

Follow the blue blazes on this path that earns rave reviews in all seasons. If you're a fan of climbing, you'll likely really enjoy this unique trek.

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All Trails/Conrad Riffle

Keep a few things in mind if you're hiking during the summer. Look out for snakes, and lather on the bug spray. The trail can get incredibly slippery after it rains or snows and when there are wet leaves on the ground.

In addition to the rock outcrops, this Pennsylvania trail also features breathtaking views from a scenic overlook.

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Google/Andrea Harper

You might even cross paths with local wildlife, including turtles.

Learn more about the White Rocks Trail on the DCNR website.

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All Trails/Dharmesh Papaiya

Have you been to this natural wonder in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! For more unique adventures, check out these 10 amazing man-made wonders in Pennsylvania.

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