Leonard Harrison State Park - Wellsboro, PA - Rugged Trails and Scenic Views of the Gorge

Leonard Harrison State Park is situated on the east rim of the Pine Creek Gorge. Pine Creek Gorge is sometimes called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Located at 4797 Route 660 in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, Leonard Harrison State Park consists of 585 acres of land. The park has a Visitors Center and modern facilities. Thought to have the most famous scenic views of Pine Creek Gorge, Leonard Harrison State Park was founded in 1922 and is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The park is home to roughly 4.6 miles of hiking trails. The park's trails pass close to several steep cliffs that may be slippery. Hikers should wear appropriate footwear and ensure that they remain on designated trail surfaces. The hiking trails include some rugged terrain, but provide hikers with some excellent views.

Turkey Path Trail is a difficult trail that goes down to the bottom of Pine Creek Gorge. Turkey Path Trail is a down and back trail that is approximately 2 miles long. Overlook Trail is a loop trail that is .6 miles in length. Overlook Trail leads to Otter View, which is a vista that looks south. Pine Creek Trail is a 42-mile multi-use trail that is used for bicycling, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Visitors that use the trails can see waterfalls, rock outcroppings, and a variety of wildlife, such as coyotes, deer, wild turkeys, black bears, eagles, river otters, to name a few. A diversity of vegetation can also be seen from the trails, including old growth timber, historic pine trees, and many others. Horseback riding is permitted only on a particular 9-mile stretch of the dirt access road located immediately beside Pine Creek Trail. For those wanting to go horseback riding, there is a horseback trailhead along Marsh Creek Road close to the junction of PA 362 and US 6.

Fishing is available to visitors that choose to hike to the bottom of the canyon to Pine Creek. Pine Creek is home to several different species like panfish, smallmouth bass, and trout. Trapping, hunting, and dog training are permitted on approximately 250 acres of the park. Species of game common to the area include pheasant, deer, rabbit, squirrel, and turkey. The hunting of woodchucks, which are also called groundhogs, is prohibited.

Leonard Harrison State Park provides visitors with access to almost 100 picnic tables for their picnicking needs. Seven of the picnic tables are also covered. In addition, garbage containers, restrooms, drinking water, and charcoal grills are available. For a fee, visitors can reserve the Schloder Pavilion. If not reserved, the pavilion can be used free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Campsites are available at the park during camping season. Typically, the campgrounds open on the second Friday in April and do not close until the third Sunday in October. Showers, flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and a sanitary dump station are available. Electricity is also available at some of the sites.

From late April to late October, the park's gift shop is open, provided there is enough staffing. Gift shop hours vary, and the proceeds made from gift shop sales benefit Pennsylvania State Parks. In addition, from April through October, the park offers interpretive walks and resource-oriented programs. Seasonal programs and topics include astronomy, watershed education, and fall color. Additional information about Leonard Harrison State Park and its programs can be obtained by calling 570-724-3061.