Canoe Camping the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon

Section 1: The Upper Pine - approximately 8 miles
Section 2: The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon - approximately 17 miles
Section 3: Middle and Lower Gorge - approximately 30 miles
Boat Access Points: Watrous, Ansonia, Tiadaghton, Blackwell
River Class: 1 - 2
Description: Beautiful scenery, permit camping, excellent trout fishing, fun rapids, Bald Eagles
USGS Gauge: Minimum depth 2.0 ft at Cedar Run - Go to the USGS Website

Pine Creek, located in Tioga county, is one of Pennsylvania's most popular canoeing creeks. There are three sections to Pine Creek with the most popular section running through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (The Gorge) at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks. As Pine Creek winds its way through the wilderness you will experience great scenery, wildlife, fast flowing current, and slower pools of calm water that provide great opportunity for trout fishing. And despite it's reputation of being Pennsylvania's most exciting and treacherous whitewater paddling creek, Pine Creek is much more impressive when viewed from the lookout at Leonard Harrison State Park, because in reality Pine Creek is a relatively calm creek that can be successfully navigated by paddlers of even basic skill levels. Perhaps the reason for Pine Creek's deceptive reputation is the excitement that is raised with the idea of traversing through one of Pennsylvania's most scenic natural locations. And because Pine Creek offers much to experience beyond paddling, such as fishing, hiking, bike riding, and camping at the top of the list of nature related activities, the area is normally bustling with human activity drawing visitors from around the Mid-Atlantic region, and this activity helps to inflate Pine Creek's whitewater reputation. However, there is no doubt that Pine Creek is a creek that all Pennsylvania paddlers should experience.

The Upper Pine
The Upper Pine can be accessed at Watrous, Gaines or Rexford, and is great for a one day (three to five hour) paddle to Ansonia. This is a favorite section of many paddlers and is great for fishing, novice group paddling, or a slow paddle with a young family. Remote camping opportunities are limited on this section of Pine Creek.

The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Most canoeists choose to paddle the canyon section of Pine Creek. It extends from Ansonia to Blackwell and is approximately 18 miles. This section starts off very slow and narrow at the canoe launch actually on Marsh Creek. With the shoreline detailed in lush green growth, this slow, narrow water section winds on for a short distance before being greeted by Pine Creek where it widens significantly. In this section you may want to take opportunity to cast a fishing line or snap some photography at the wildlife opportunites that you will surely encounter. But don't get too cosy because you'll soon need to prepare for your traverse through the Owassee Rapid. As you float gently along you'll likely encounter fisherman and fishing camps on the right side of the creek. You'll also notice the walls of the canyon rising higher and steeper above you. Eventually, with the creek growing narrow, the terrain transforms to look more like a canyon. You'll hear Owassee Rapid long before you arrive.

Under normal water conditions novice paddlers could easily navigate Owassee Rapid if they follow the left side of the creek. Attempt Owassee Rapid on the right side and you will encounter rocks and waves that could easily capsize you. But even at normal water conditions the right side is relatively easy to negotiate and might very well be your only real chance of any exhilarating whitewater paddling on PIne Creek. Under lower water conditions you may want to paddle the left side as the right side will require frantic maneuvering between sharp edged rocks while sliding your canoe down the pebble lined river bed. Intermediate paddling skills are recommended for Owassee Rapids under higher water conditions.

Camping in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Camping in the canyon is regulated through permit camping only and is only allowed in a 12 mile section of the State Park. Camping is forbidden in a section of regulated area just below Ansonia. About nine miles below Ansonia you will encounter the primitive campground Tiadaghton located on the left shore. Campsites come with firepits, picnic tables, water and primitive toilets. Your likely to encounter picnicers, fisherman, and large groups of bike riders at Tiadaghton. There are unofficial campsites on the left and right sides of the creek below the Tiadaghton campground, but they are few and may be difficult to acquire during crowded weekends.

Visit the Pettecote Junction Campground Web site.

Another convenient camping opportunity may be at the commercial campground at Cedar Run. It may not be camping in the wild as you might have hoped and it is a longer paddling trip of about twenty-four miles through some slow flatwater, but it does make paddling Pine Creek more convenient by allowing you to paddle through the canyon to your waiting basecamp. This campsite has plenty of human activity, showers and running water, and is perfectly situated on Pine Creek for fishing and nice evening walks along the creek.

Middle and Lower Gorge
The Middle and Lower Gorge section extends from Blackwell to Waterville and is approximately 28 miles of class 1-2. This scenic section of Pine Creek provides great fishing opportunity. Access points are at Slate Run, Black Walnut Bottom and Hamilton Bottom.

Pine Creek offers a safe level of paddling excitement, camping, fishing, wildlife, hiking and beautiful mountainous scenery. Water levels are adequate until mid June, or into the summer after heavy rains. On this creek you could enjoy a one day journey or several days of scenic canoe camping.

View more Pennsylvania Grand Canyon photos at our canoeing and kayaking photo gallery.

 

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For more information on canoe camping the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania contact Pine Creek Outfitters.