Planning a trip to the PA Grand Canyon? Here’s what you need to know for summer 2023
- by Britt Madera
- May 24, 2023
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Leonard Harrison State Park undergoing renovations, PA Wilds Conservation Shop mobile unit temporarily relocates to Hills Creek State Park
Are you planning a trip to the PA Grand Canyon? If you’re going during summer 2023, there are a couple of things you’ll need to know.
While the Pine Creek Valley and the PA Grand Canyon landscape within the PA Wilds region will be just as picturesque as ever, ongoing renovations at one of the state parks mean that you’ll want to see the views of the PA Grand Canyon from a different perspective this year, maybe from another park or even on a rail trail. You’ll also need to visit the PA Wilds Conservation Shop mobile unit in a new location for this summer if you’re looking to pick up some special souvenirs to celebrate your trip.
Leonard Harrison State Park undergoing renovations
Leonard Harrison State Park is one of the most common parks for visitors to typically hit when planning their PA Grand Canyon trip. However, you’ll need to find an alternate park for this summer.
Leonard Harrison State Park will likely be undergoing renovations and construction until September 2023, which includes making improvements to the park entrance, pedestrian walkways, expanded parking areas and an electric vehicle (EV) charging area. In addition, Leonard Harrison State Park is also renovating their visitor center, which will include an exhibit hall, outdoor seating, and a permanent structure for the PA Wilds Conservation Shop!
So… where can you go instead?
Construction and closures at Leonard Harrison State Park doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip to the PA Grand Canyon! You’ll just need to make a few adjustments and pick another great park to visit and enjoy the view.
Colton Point State Park is a wonderful option for adjusting your travel plans to the PA Grand Canyon, especially if you were excited to peer into the gorge from a scenic vista. Colton Point is on the western rim of the PA Grand Canyon has five overlook areas and is a great alternative spot to enjoy spectacular views of the Pine Creek Gorge. Be aware, this park is more rustic and lacks services such as modern restrooms (though rustic restroom facilities are available).
Photo courtesy of Linda Stager
Hills Creek State Park, where the PA Wilds Conservation Shop mobile unit is temporarily located, is another excellent choice for an alternative state park to visit. Osprey, loon, and waterfowl visit the lake that boasts a variety of warm-water fish species. Camping, cabins, swimming and picnicking make this an ideal spot for a family vacation.In addition to being able to enjoy the views from the foothills of the Pine Creek Valley, you’ll be able to access a public beach, hiking trails, concessions, and (of course) fantastic locally made products at the Conservation Shop.
Want to go deep into the gorge itself and take a walk or bike ride in the valley? Popular with hikers and bicycle riders, the Pine Creek Rail Trail is a 62-mile converted railroad bed that travels along Pine Creek Gorge at the floor of the canyon. An article in USA Today named the Pine Creek Rail Trail one of “10 great places to take a bike tour” in the world. Local outfitters are available for equipment rentals and excursion information. Pine Creek, the largest tributary of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, itself is famous for fly fishing.
Some popular access points for the Pine Creek Rail Trail include (from north to south) Darling Run, Tiadaghton, Slate Run, and Jersey Shore.
Photo of family traveling south on PCRT near Darling Run, courtesy of Allison Schanbacher
Learn more about what else you can enjoy at the Pine Creek Valley and the PA Grand Canyon! Check out our PA Wilds landscape page to start planning your trip!
Don’t forget to grab a souvenir!
As Leonard Harrison State Park undergoes renovations, the PA Wilds Conservation Shop mobile unit that is usually at Leonard Harrison has now been temporarily relocated to Hills Creek State Park.
The new location for the PA Wilds Conservation Shop mobile unit is 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901. Shop hours will remain the same as they were before, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship’s PA Wilds Conservation Shops are mission-driven gift shops. Not only do they allow visitors to “take home a piece of the PA Wilds” during their travels, but those souvenirs are also authentically from the region. This improves market access for rural entrepreneurs by sourcing 90 percent of their inventory from rural makers and businesses in the 13-county PA Wilds and intentionally passing foot traffic to area businesses and attractions and raise funds for conservation.
The shop can easily be reached within Hills Creek State Park day use area, next to the concession stand.
You can also find travel information and souvenirs from area artisans at the nearby Visit Potter-Tioga Visitors Bureau office in Wellsboro, as well. The friendly folks at Visit Potter-Tioga are available at their office Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or you can request information and explore local attractions via their online guide to the PA Grand Canyon.
Plan ahead for any trip
Planning ahead and being prepared is one of the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace! Regardless of where you’re traveling, preparing beforehand can help make your trip go more smoothly and can help you know any rules or special circumstances before you arrive.
Be prepared before traveling. Learn about the areas you plan to visit. Look up how to get there, what facilities are available, local terrain, rules and regulations, what communities are nearby and any special concerns for the area.
By taking the time to prepare before your trip, you’ll save yourself time and potential stress. You’ll also be able to fully enjoy the region you’re visiting and appreciate it even better!
