“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,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “This designation will raise awareness about the wealth of outdoor experiences in the Pennsylvania Wilds-- including the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and the recently improved visitor center at Leonard Harrison State Park-- while strengthening support for local businesses and generating lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits for the region.”
The Pine Creek Rail Trail (PCRT) traces a historic corridor 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 transformed into a 62-mile non-motorized trail completed between 1995 and 2007, stretching from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro Junction.
Today, the nationally recognized trail attracts more than 44,000 users annually and generates more than $5 million in local economic impact.
It serves as a major recreational and tourism asset within the Pennsylvania Wilds, Route 6 Heritage Corridor, and the Lumber Heritage Region.
Building on that success, the Pine Creek Rail Trail Extension (PCRTE), also known as the Marsh Creek Greenway, closed a critical 3.2-mile gap by connecting the trail’s former northern terminus directly to downtown Wellsboro.
DCNR, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Tioga County, and volunteers worked together to complete the project, 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, as well as a safe downtown connector for pedestrians and cyclists, fully integrating Wellsboro into the statewide trail network and the Pennsylvania Wilds system.
The Shapiro Administration marked the extension’s completion, which closed the fifth Top 10 Trail Gap under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership.
“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,” said Tioga County Commissioners Marc Rice, Sam VanLoon, and Shane Nickerson. “With the completion of the Pine Creek Rail Trail Extension, this recognition reflects both the hard work of countless volunteers and strong partnerships among municipalities, agencies, and community organizations, while setting the stage for continued growth, innovation, and opportunity along the Rail Trail corridor.”
The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee designates the Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for trails across the state, and to raise public awareness about the value of the Pennsylvania’s land and water trail network.
Pennsylvania continues its tradition of being a leader in trail development by providing its residents and visitors with more than 14,000 miles of trails.
The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee is charged with implementing the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Trails Strategic Plan to develop a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles for all.
The 20-member DCNR-appointed committee represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and advises the Commonwealth on use of state and federal trail funding.
Visit the Pine Creek Rail Trail webpage or the Pine Creek Facebook page for more information about the trail.
Click Here for the DCNR announcement.
Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.
Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website. Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.
Related Articles This Week:
-- DCNR Unveils Master Plan For New Big Elk Creek State Park In Chester County [PaEN]
-- DCNR Grants News: 340+ Grant Projects Completed In 2025; ATV/Snowmobile Grants Open; Trail Education Grants; PRPS Conference; PA Land Conference
-- DCNR Resource News Highlights Governor’s Budget; Conestoga River Of The Year; Grant Opportunities Open [PaEN]
-- PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers Now Accepting Applications For Grants To Support Local River Sojourns [PaEN]
-- PA Wilds Center Seeking Partnerships For Paid, Story-Driven Creator Placements Focused On Outdoor Recreation, Small Towns, Authentic Experiences Across The PA Wilds
-- DCNR Linkedin: Recognizing Roots In New Growth: Ralph Brock’s Impact - Present And Future - New StoryMap [PDF of Article]
-- Penn State Extension Hosts Mid-Atlantic Agroforestry Conference June 4-5 In Huntingdon County [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension Ag Conservation News: Multifunction Riparian Buffers; Grazing Management; Online Learning
-- Pennsylvania Invests Nearly $7.1 Million To Protect 1,905 Acres Of Farmland On 25 Farms In 17 Counties [PaEN]
-- PA Trout Unlimited: Volunteers From 6 Local TU Chapters Ship Trout Eggs To 430 Teachers In 60 PA Counties Connecting With 57,000 Students Thru Trout In The Classroom Program [PaEN]
-- Pennsylvania Audubon Council: 100th Community Joins Bird Town Pennsylvania Program [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- The Allegheny Front: What’s Special About Conestoga River, PA’s 2026 River Of The Year
-- Warren Times: Public Input Sought For Northwest PA Outdoor Recreation Study
-- Inquirer: Historic Chester County Bridge Will Be Rehabbed To Extend A Scenic Trail
-- The Allegheny Front: A New RiverLife Initiative Will Maintain Pittsburgh’s Riverfront Trails And Parks
-- ABC27: New Juniata River Canal Driving Trail Features 125 Miles Of History
-- TribLive: Panhandle Trail Extension Receives $850,000 Boost In Allegheny County
-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Extending Panhandle Trail To Carnegie Would Provide Benefits For All
-- Farm & Dairy: PA To Conduct First-Ever Statewide Firefly Inventory
-- The Derrick: Seneca Rocks Audubon Society Hosts March 11 ‘Leave No Trace’ Program In Clarion
-- Lehigh Valley’s Wildlands Conservancy Highlights March Experiences, Educational Programs
-- North Branch Land Trust Annual Dinner March 25 In Wilkes-Barre [Click Here For Tickets]
-- Tribune-Democrat: National Park Service Interpretation Brings Johnstown’s Canal History To Life
-- Inquirer: President’s Administration Appeal Federal Court Ruling Ordering Restoration Of Slavery Exhibits In Philadelphia
-- Inquirer: History, Conservation Groups Suing President’s Administration Over Censorship At National Parks
[Posted: February 20, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment