If you want to see one of the most amazing views in all of Pennsylvania you need to come here. They have a totally revamped visitors center with a great shop in the back that features local artists. During the prime season they have a small concession stand with basic food options. There is a primitive campground right next to the ranger station and kind of in a hollow. They have added so much parking down the hill to make it much more convenient, if you don't mind a minor brisk hike. There are nice modern facilities if you need to use them and a great exhibit inside showing what different trees and leaves look like. The best part of your are up to it is the trail down to the river and back up. It zig zags so it's not overwhelming if you are in decent shape. FYI, you will get no cell service here, so no live streaming or anything. read more

Leonard Harrison State Park - Grand Canyon view to the south. - Parks Near Me - Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

Our time in Wellsboro, PA, was primarily about an exploration of Leonard Harrison State Park, the home of the Pine Creek Gorge, a/k/a, The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. While no one who has visited the actual Grand Canyon in Arizona would mistake the two, this one was beautiful and challenging in its own right. We approached from the Overlook Trail that offered a terrific view from the eastern rim down into the roiling creek below. The beginning of the autumnal changing of the foliage provided a colorful backdrop to the agelessness of the erosion that has been cutting away at the granite for millions of years. That top trail is about a mile in circular length, with minimal elevation change, but well worth the effort wearing good walking shoes. The new parking area at the end of Route 660, and the under construction visitors center, are an excellent jumping off point for this trail and the Turkey Trail that runs from the rim down to the creek. It is more difficult to hike, especially going back up, but has wonderful sights and Touch Me experiences, like several waterfalls that are mesmerizing, yet approachable enough to feel the spray and the water bounds of the rocks, with a few quiet pools that invite you to get in if there aren't too many people around. Cold, brisk, and oh, so, refreshing. Leonard Harrison S.P. is one of several excellent natural areas in the Commonwealth that are true hidden gems; just waiting to be rediscovered by those seeking a nearly off the grid experience. This one, and End of the World State Park are two of my favorites in this part of PA. They are waiting quietly for you. read more

Nice place. Easy parking. Turkey path on either side is an amazing hike (Colton Point turkey path my fav). Amazing views.

This is a tale of 2 sites. On the one-hand you have direct access to the Grand Canyon of Pa., with it's nice views and good-to-great hiking. For those of you not familiar with this place, no - it doesn't compare visually to the 'real' one, but it's completely tree-covered and you have access to many trails (only 2 in the park, relatively hard, but many others of varying effort in the area). Try the Turkey trail - it has a few nice waterfalls and if you look closely you can spot some yellow salamanders. I've lived in Memphis for half my life and miss the forest and mountains so this place was exhilarating. This is a good place to 'get away from it all'. You will have no cell service for a few miles around. So if I could rate the view/trails, we're talking a 5. On the down side, the tent sites (at least ours) don't have electric or water, though the restrooms were very close and - shockingly - had hot water showers! Most distressing was that all but 2 (of abut 13) weren't level, so more care than normal needs to be taken regarding head placement and tent placement in case of rain. If I could rate the tent campground, it would be a 2 read more

Leonard Harrison State Park - Parks Near Me - Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

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This park has outrageously beautiful views of the Pine Creek Gorge, AKA PA Grand Canyon. We were lucky enough to visit on two different days offering two completely different perspectives - rainy/foggy versus clear - of well planned overlooks that are easy to access. If you want a challenge, take the Turkey Trail to the bottom (we did not). We did the Overlook Trail, which had some rocky parts (be sure to have sturdy shoes), which takes you to Otter Overlook for another view of the gorge. No admission charge! read more

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We went here on a cold February day while enjoying a weekend getaway in Wellsboro, PA. The park is about 10 miles outside of town. Many of the trails were closed, so didn't actually see as much of the park as we would have liked. The views we did take in, however, were splendid. This area is affectionally called "The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania". Although, it is beautiful liking it to the Grand Canyon is a bit of a stretch. There were restrooms and vending machines located near the parking area once you arrive and entrance is free. There is one road (Route 660) that takes you all the way into the Park. It has many twists, turns and directional changes. Make sure you follow the Route 660 arrows or it is very easy to get turned onto another road. Cell signal is spotty, but were able to use google maps to find our way there. read more

Leonard Harrison State Park - Parks Near Me - Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

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Leonard Harrison State Park is located on one side of the Pine Creek Gorge/the Grand Canyon of PA, and it is located across from Colton Point State Park. We arrived early, which ended up being a good choice, as it's very popular and rapidly filled up as the day progressed. There is a good sized parking lot available, but it was full on our way out. The viewing decks are fantastic and provide plenty of views. A small visitor's center is available, with a variety of educational displays and a few short films about the nature and history of the area available. During our visit, a ranger walked around the busy overlook decks for the vistas with a snake to provide educational opportunities. Several modern restrooms are available, as are picnic tables, benches, and a Pennsylvania Wilds souvenir shop. The staff person at the shop was extremely helpful and friendly and gave us information about not only the local goods sold by the shop, but also the wilds in general. There are a couple of trails available, including a challenging one that will take you down to the gorge floor. We checked out the Overlook Trail, which takes you to an additional overlook (Otter) and lets you see some other examples of CCC work. Very nice area! read more

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Found on the east rim of the Pine Creek Gorge, Leonard Harrison State Park offers breathtaking views. There are several easily accessible overlooks allowing visitors a wide view of this area, also known as the PA Grand Canyon. In mid-September the leaves were just about to change so I can only imagine how much more amazing the view will be with the vibrant colors of autumn. There is plenty of parking near the overlooks where you can also find the gift shop, visitor center, a food truck and bathrooms. Several shelters and picnic tables can be found around the parking lot. I decided to take on the Turkey Path, an out and back trail about a mile long (2 miles total) that takes you down to Pine Creek. There are several warnings about the trail (that it is steep, narrow and can be dangerous in spots) and while it may seem easy enough to get down just keep in mind that you have to also go back up. There are wooden steps and boardwalks for parts of the trail that aren't switchbacks but when they are wet they can be a problem. Parts of the trail are also wet and/or muddy. But if you're careful and take your time you will be rewarded with a different and unique perspective of the park that includes many cascading waterfalls. I found myself stopping in awe along this trail. Leonard Harrison State Park is definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in the Tioga State Forest area. Even if you don't intend on hiking. It's a great place to remind yourself what a gorgeous state Pennsylvania is. read more

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Leonard Harrison State Park, is located about 10 miles west of Wellsboro, Pa, near the northern border with New York State. it is about 3 hours north of harrisburg. this is the pennsylvania grand canyon. it is a sight to behold if you love nature or the outdoors. the park has a wonderful overlook and several hiking and biking paths as well as hunting areas. you should check it out. has the "overlook trail" where you go out its not too too bad. you need a decent pair of shoes. then there is the "Turkey path" a formidable hiking experience, and probably the most difficult i've been on in my life. they say it's 1 mile down and 6 miles back up. it is about from the top of the canyon to the bottom where the river is, in zig-zaggy trails. there are some observation platforms and a waterfall at the bottom. it links up with the rail trails at the bottom of the canyon. there's also in-season hunting, fishing, rustic camping and a great big tower that gives you a great view of the valley. Rail Trails link this area to Jersey Shore, PA 62 miles to the south. read more

Leonard Harrison State Park - pa grand canyon - Parks Near Me - Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

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I stopped by here a couple of weekends ago with my fiance in order to see the PA Grand Canyon. Knowing next to nothing about this park before getting to it except that it had a trail to the bottom of the gorge, I wasn't really sure what to expect. It ended up being a really nice park and I left as a fan of it. There seems to be ample parking and bathrooms near the rim as well as a gift shop and some type of scientific display. Beyond that there was a viewing area to look out over the gorge as well as the Turkey Path trail that we took to the bottom and back. It was a well maintained and fairly busy trail with a bunch of switchbacks as well as steps when needed. The bottom line for me is that I left here rather pleased that we had come here for both the hike and the view. While I don't know that I would spend too much time getting here, I would say that if you are in the area it is definitely somewhere that you should visit. read more

Turkey Path Trail is CLOSED due to extensive damage with no set reopen date. Campground is open. read more

Leonard Harrison State Park - Parks Near Me - Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

I camped here in August 2011 during the middle of the week, and found it to be very pleasant. The campground was clean and scenic. Despite the fact that it was a small campground, it was not crowded even though I was there at peak vacation time. The main attraction is the Pine Creek Gorge also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, and the park has an overlook and a trail to the bottom. The closest town is Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, which is a picturesque community with an old diner and several other restaurants. read more

Leonard Harrison State Park - Parks Near Me - Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

When it comes to state park camping, you need to travel far from the heavily populated regions - and LH is certainly far. But that's a good thing. Best way to get there (if you've got time) -- scenic route 6. It follows the Susquehanna River for a good while... great views... cool little towns (particularly Wellsboro and Mansfield)... (NOTE: there are a few scenic overlooks on route 6. One has a "restaurant/bar." Do NOT go to said restaurant/bar. The "Anyone involved in a fight will go to jail" sign hanging behind the bar should say enough.) As for camping at LH... it's great. Empty... quite... super-dark sky... the gorge is impressive... just a great place to escape. read more

Without a doubt this is the best nature scene I've ever experienced. The parking lot is close to the observation decks so the park can accommodate both wheelchairs and those who have difficulty walking so all can enjoy this unbelievable View. A gift shop and bathrooms are on the site. If going to see the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania this is the place t go. read more

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Small campground. Open sites. Bathroom clean. Hike to the gorge was nice but not as beautiful as its written up to be.

We have stayed at over 20 PA state parks. This is the best we have ever stayed at. The campground is clean. Great scenery and hiking trails. We have stayed here 3 times for long weekends every time was great. read more

We love this campground we go here every Labor Day the bathhouses are always clean and nice!The canyon had may hiking and biking trails!We love it!Highly recommend read more