Pine Creek Gorge in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

Many say you can shoot the gorge at 1.8 feet of water on the gauge seen on the website of Pine Creek Outfitters.

We did the canyon at two feet and 2.2 feet, and I must say, things were a bit scratchy. Kayaks kissed bottom fewer times than our canoes.

This was my fourth run down these waters in almost as many decades. I find this six-hour voyage most navigable at 2.5 to three feet.

Stunning beauty, especially the three miles below the state-maintained lunch spot.

Owassee Rapids displayed beau coup vigor.

Anyone else done the gorge this year? Try me at: ReporterBaldwin@aol.com

Accommodations:

Cabins, campgrounds, motels at the top, or north end of the canyon.

Need state OK to camp in the canyon.


Down at the bottom? Same.

Fees:

None to paddle

Directions:

Ansonia, PA is on US Rt. 6, about 11 miles west of Wellsboro.

Most of the Gorge itself is only accessible by an excellent but fairly open rail-trail along Pine Creek inside the Tioga State Forest, but PA Rt 414 follows Pine Creek for many miles down to Jersey Shore, much of that distance in the Tiadaghton State Forest.

Resources:

Keep an eye on the gauge on the PCOutfitters website. Mid-week rains in summer can kick the creek back up to rare, warm-water paddling depths.

Also, there is a new outfitter down at Waterville -- Big Pine Outfitters. Seem like nice folk.