HARRISBURG, PA — The Pine Creek Rail Trail, a 62-mile corridor through Lycoming and Tioga counties that draws more than 44,000 visitors annually, has been named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year, a designation state officials say will boost tourism and local economic activity.
What This Means for You
- The 62-mile trail links Jersey Shore to Wellsboro and is free to use year-round.
- The trail generates more than $5 million annually for local communities.
- A recent 3.2-mile extension now connects the trail directly to downtown Wellsboro.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the designation, highlighting the trail’s role in supporting the Commonwealth’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry.
“We are proud to name the Pine Creek Rail Trail as Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year and to honor the rich history, culture, and recreational opportunities that make this trail a destination for visitors from around the world,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. She said the recognition will raise awareness of outdoor destinations in the Pennsylvania Wilds and strengthen support for local businesses.
Trail History and Economic Impact
The Pine Creek Rail Trail follows a historic route first used by the Iroquois Nation and later developed as a railroad in the late 19th century. After rail service ended in 1988, the corridor was converted into a non-motorized trail between 1995 and 2007.
Today, the trail stretches from Jersey Shore in Lycoming County to Wellsboro Junction in Tioga County. According to DCNR, it attracts more than 44,000 users each year and generates more than $5 million in local economic impact.
The trail is part of the Pennsylvania Wilds, the Route 6 Heritage Corridor, and the Lumber Heritage Region, making it a key recreational and tourism asset in north-central Pennsylvania.
Extension Connects to Downtown Wellsboro
A recent 3.2-mile addition, known as the Pine Creek Rail Trail Extension or Marsh Creek Greenway, closed a gap at the northern end of the trail and created a direct connection to downtown Wellsboro.
The project was completed through a partnership among DCNR, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Tioga County, and volunteers. The effort was supported by $3.5 million from DCNR and $2.5 million from PennDOT.
The extension includes a new trailhead with a visitor center and amenities, along with a connector designed to provide safer access for pedestrians and cyclists into downtown Wellsboro. State officials said the project closed one of the administration’s identified “Top 10 Trail Gaps,” meaning missing segments in major trail systems targeted for completion.
“The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a cornerstone of Tioga County’s outdoor recreation economy, drawing visitors from across the region and supporting local businesses year-round,” Tioga County Commissioners Marc Rice, Sam VanLoon, and Shane Nickerson said in a joint statement.
Statewide Trail Network
The Trail of the Year designation is awarded by the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee to promote public awareness and encourage use of trails statewide.
Pennsylvania has more than 14,000 miles of land and water trails. DCNR manages 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestland, which are free and open to the public daily.
The 20-member advisory committee, appointed by DCNR, represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and advises the state on the use of state and federal trail funding as part of a broader strategic plan to expand and improve the statewide trail network.
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