Thinking about the Pine Creek Rail Trail in PA - Have Questions
 

So the friend I sometimes ride with came across an article about the PA Grand Canyon and the Pine Creek trail. We're giving it some thought to riding it, but because of our travel distances (about 3 to 4 hours, but from different locations), we'd like to split the ride in half. I was thinking to ride have afternoon and then the second half in the next morning.

I found the shuttle service that could take us from Jersey Shore up towards Wellsboro or Ansonia as our starting point. I also found the website for The Hotel Manor at Slate Run. I haven't contacted them yet, but it looks they want a minimum 2 night stay. That's not exactly working for us. Any other suggestions on places to stay? Camping is not an option.

Has anyone ridden the trail recently? It looks fantastic. Any comments or suggestions are welcome. I've searched here, but the threads I'm finding are a bit old. Thanks!

It's a great trail, I rode it with friends a couple weeks ago, did it in two days, but we did camp near Slate Run. Trail condition is excellent, compatible with any type of bike you want to use. Best suggestion on lodging is to join the Pine Creek rail trail FB group and ask there. Might be you can find an AirBNB place that will do single day stays for you, I don't know.

Eric

I just did the Pine Creek Trail a week and a half ago. Went from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro and back in three days. Approximately 35, 60 and 35 miles. It's all light gravel so I really wouldn't recommend anything less than 32mm or larger tires. You probably could you use a road bike, but not comfortably. There is a stretch of 30 miles to and/or from Wellsboro (the 60 mile day) with no stores except at Wellsboro, so have plenty of water if it's hot. The scenery is beautiful and the trail is well maintained. If I did it again, I'd do it in the Fall when the leaves are changing. I camped so I can't suggest accommodations. Good luck.

I rode PC summer of 2020. Parked at Jersey Shore, rode north to Ansonia then camped at Tiadaghton. I’ll comment on the water supply. I stopped at three locations with pumps and all three had murky, questionable water. I expected that and had packed a filter. It worked just fine and I had no trouble but was very glad I had brought it. Worth the weight. The first day was hot and I needed all of both bottles between pumps and for camping.

At camp in the morning, I took my bowl of granola over to the creek and out onto the dry river stones to enjoy the misty morning air. I spotted a Bald Eagle high in a tree across the creek and, I swear, he was staring at my granola and making plans.

Two good days.

A few years ago, I did a pair of day rides on the GAP trail. Drove to a trailhead from the motel, and did an out-and-back 60 miles round trip each day. I liked seeing the same sights from a different perspective on the return!
I like the flexibility of this -- no advance reservations, just wait for very nice weather. I'm thinking of returning this fall and doing another section of the trail.

Don't rule out Pettecote Campground in Cedar Run, they have Glamping Tents and a cabin or two right on the trail. Real beds & linen, electricity, lights, coffee maker and propane heater for the fall when we went. They may also have a 2 night min, I don't recall, we stayed 2 nights anyway.

Yep, 2 night minimum stay. Search continues. Or maybe our plans need revision...

Haven't ridden it since 2017. Jumped on at Ansonia during my Erie to Philly tour and headed south to Jersey Shore over two days. Camped off route near Little Pine S.P. The northern portion was definitely more interesting scenery-wise. Saw a bear in the general area of Ludwig's Trailside B&B. It jumped into the creek and swam across. The sandwiches at Wolfe's General Store in Slate Run are to die for. Unfortunately, the hotel in Slate Run also has a two-night minimum.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...96abc6a8c9.jpg

I love this trail. Been there twice and enjoyed it thoroughly. They are in the process of extending the trail from Ansonia straight into Wellsboro, which will eliminate a nasty stretch on Route 6. This, I'm told is going to be done in fall 2024.

I like Bryan's touring videos - Here is his ride on the Pine Creek Trail