Enjoy 4 car free days on this rail-trail ride. With mostly flat and slightly downhill crushed limestone trails, this bike tour is designed for almost any level of rider. The majority of this trip is spent pedaling along the scenic banks Pine Creek on the trail sharing the same name. You will take in the views overlooking Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon and even look down on the trail you are about to ride! On the final day of the tour you will also experience pedaling on the Ghost Town Trail, rich in industrial history from earlier days of mining and iron/steel production. Lodging for this trip includes a night at the Nature Inn which was recently voted the #1 Eco-Lodge in the United States by readers of the USA Today.
Day 1:
We have added an extra day to this tour for 2023 to add exploration and adventure to the shuttle from the meeting location to the start of the Pine Creek Trail in Wellsboro! The first stop is a 17-mile ride on the scenic Lower (rhymes with flower, and named in memory of trail benefactor R. Dean Lower) Trail near Williamsburg, Pennsylvania. This rail-trail runs alongside the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River, and features a remote and woodsy feel. While traveling along the trail, you’ll see relics of the canal and railroad eras, including the historic Mt. Etna Iron plantation and abandoned stone quarries. There are many bridge crossings, and even one covered bridge, over the Juniata River and other tributaries. After the ride, we will continue toward Wellsboro stopping at the overlook of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. There will be time to explore this quaint town before we check into our lodging at Penn Wells Hotel for the evening.
Day 2:
Before our ride we visit Leonard Harrison State Park on the east rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon for a beautiful overlook. Enjoy the views and look down on the trail you are about to ride! In a few minutes you will be pedaling through the heart of the canyon, along the banks of the Pine Creek on the trail sharing the same name. You will enjoy a night at The Hotel Manor in Slate Run, Pa. Sit back and enjoy the views over Pine Creek.
Day 3:
The group will enjoy breakfast together and then depart from your hotel by bike. You have 27 more miles of the Pine Creek Rail Trail to pedal. Today’s ride ends at the trail terminus in Jersey Shore, PA. Lunch will be served after the ride. From here it’s a short shuttle of approximately 30 minutes to your lodging for the night. We will stop along the way for shopping trip to the Woolrich Factory Outlet store. Tonight we stay and dine at The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park. Those wishing to ride bikes on the park roads may do so. Or perhaps, an evening stroll might sound better. Relax and enjoy.
Day 4:
We will wake up to enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Nature Inn before taking the last shuttle of the tour to head over the Allegheny Front to the Ebensburg trail head. After a lovely two days on the Pine Creek trail, it’s time for the Ghost Town Rail Trail! You will enjoy 32 of the 42 total miles and 1,000-foot vertical drop over the length of the day. The Ghost Town Trail is rich in industrial history from earlier days of mining and iron/steel production. The crushed limestone trail winds through scenic Blacklick Creek watershed, from Ebensburg to Grafton, with opportunities to see a variety of wildlife. Enjoy your final ride!
