Pennsylvania Wilds: Pine Creek Gorge, dark skies and Kinzua

Route description

Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series in late August, is the gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds, a region of forested plateaus and small towns far apart. Take US-15 north and US-6 west to Wellsboro, about an hour, a small town with gas-lit streets, a village green and a good choice of places to stay and eat before you head into the forest.

Leonard Harrison State Park is about 16 km west of Wellsboro on PA-660, on the east rim of Pine Creek Gorge; Colton Point State Park faces it on the west rim, reached by a separate road. Short walks lead to the overlooks, while the Turkey Path drops steeply to the creek. On the valley floor the Pine Creek Rail Trail runs about 62 miles through the gorge, and outfitters rent bikes and run shuttles.

Back on US-6, drive west and follow PA-44 to Cherry Springs State Park, about 1.5 hours. Come on a moonless night from spring to autumn, let your eyes adjust and use only red lights; on clear nights the Milky Way stands out overhead. The park has a rustic campground, or you can stay in Coudersport, 20 minutes north, a small town with fuel and supplies.

From Coudersport US-6 continues west through Port Allegany and Smethport to Mount Jewett, where signs lead to Kinzua Bridge State Park and the skywalk on the viaduct’s surviving towers. Then drive through the Allegheny National Forest to Warren on the Allegheny River, about an hour, or detour on PA-59 to the Kinzua Dam. The trip is about 330 km; US-6 suits RVs, but fuel stops are few and deer are common at dusk.