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One-Way Distances and Average Riding Times: (seasoned cyclists can complete sections in less time) Ansonia to Blackwell : The Canyon 17 miles (2.5 - 3.0 hrs)
to Rattlesnake Rock is 19 miles (3.5 hrs) to Cedar Run is 23 miles (4.5 hrs) to Slate Run is 29 miles (5.5 hrs) to Waterville is 44 miles (7-8 hrs) to Whitetail is 55 miles (8-10 hrs) to Jersey Shore is 57 miles (8-10 hrs) Starting at Wellsboro Junction gives you an additional 7 miles (1 hour) |
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MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE ASAPH WILDS: WARNING: For Advanced Riders Only! If you seek a serious challenge, tour the forestry roads and single-track trails in the Asaph Wild Area, just north of Ansonia. The back roads climb a daunting 1000+ feet uphill for a few miles until you reach the top of the plateau where you can access the off-road downhill trails through the woods. Many of the downhill trails are overgrown with vegetation and are not regularly maintained. Many have extremely steep grades, loose rocks, mud holes, stream crossings, more loose rocks, and tons of downed trees. While that might sound like fun for some of you, please use extreme caution biking in the Asaph Wild Area. |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RIDING THE TRAIL:
Q: What is the trail like? A: The trail is relatively FLAT. It is composed of crushed limestone. It provides a good surface for all kinds of bikes and bike tires, although wider tires are preferred. The trail is partly shaded, partly open. The Canyon occasionally experiences strong headwinds so bring along a jacket, just in case. Much of the trail is fairly remote and far from civilization, especially the Canyon section. Q: Are there places to get food? A: Wellsboro Junction has a farmer’s market. Ansonia is not too far off the trail, that’s where we are. Blackwell has a small snack & antique shop called Miller’s Store. Cedar Run has a small general store and an inn (dinners only). Slate Run and Waterville each have a general store and a hotel. Q: Are there places to get water? A: There are water pumps at a few locations, but the water has a strong metallic aftertaste. You should bring plenty of water with you and not depend on the water pumps. Q: Are there bathrooms along the trail? A: Yes. Wellsboro Junction, Darling Run, Tiadaghton, Blackwell, Rattlesnake Rock, Hilborn Comfort Station, Black Walnut Bottom, Cammal Comfort Station, Dry Run, Bonnell Flats, Whitetail, and Jersey Shore have public bathrooms. Q: Is there cell phone reception? A: No, it’s all part of the appeal. It makes the trail more scenic and rustic. You may get reception by chance in a few places, but you are in a deep canyon that has almost no cell towers. Q: Are there places to stay? A: Yes. Cedar Run, Slate Run, and Waterville are the main villages with lodging. There are also Bed & Breakfast and Cabin Rentals available along the trail too. Please check our area accommodations and links page for some options. Pine Creek Valley.com has a listing of some more places to stay along the southern half of the bike trail. Q: What kind of bikes do you rent? A: We rent Trek Navigators, Raleigh Cruisers, and Trek Mountain Bikes. Most of our bikes are a hybrid-style, combining easy shifting gears with upright handlebars (comfy seats too). We have all different sizes of bikes (including small kids bikes). All of our bikes have hand-brakes (and no training wheels). We also rent pull-behind carriages and trail-a-bike attachments for children. Q: How close is Pine Creek Outfitters to the trail? A: We are only 1 mile from the Ansonia trailhead. Most people ride their bikes right from here to the Ansonia Station Access Area. We can also take you to the trail in our shuttle vans, at no extra charge, if you prefer not to ride the road to the trailhead.
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THE PINE CREEK RAIL TRAIL |
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SHUTTLE SERVICES: Most people start here in Ansonia and ride south to Blackwell (takes about 3 hours to ride leisurely). The shuttle picks you up at Blackwell and takes you back to Ansonia when you are done. Pickups can be scheduled for 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM at Blackwell. Other distances can also be arranged following a similar schedule. You have to sign up for a location and time in advance before you leave because there is basically no cell service along the bike trail. RESERVATIONS: We highly recommend advanced reservations, but we accept walk-ins too. Please let us know how many bikes you will need and what time you would like to start your ride. |
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GET OUR FREE 20-PAGE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GUIDE TO PENNSYLVANIA’S GRAND CANYON BY E-MAILING (info@pinecrk.com) OR CALLING (570)-724-3003. |
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The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a 64-mile long bike path that follows an old railroad bed along the bottom of Pine Creek and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. In 2001, the Pine Creek Trail was included in “10 Great Places to Take a Bike Tour” by USA Today, sharing the designation with places in Ireland, Puerto Rico, Nova Scotia, and Italy, among others. Many people have said, “This is the best bike trail I’ve ever ridden.” One couple even said they “liked it better than the Maui Crater bike ride.”
The trail is entirely FLAT and easy to ride, regardless of your physical condition. Biking south is a little bit easier because the river flows south. There is only about a 1% percent overall grade. Several villages offer lodging, and tent camping is allowed along the trail. The trail is very well maintained (crushed limestone path) and offers rest areas every few miles. You can get bike rentals at Pine Creek Outfitters, and we offer shuttle services for the entire trail, even if you have your own bikes and just need transportation. |
