Pennsylvania's 'Grand Canyon' Is A Top Destination For Fall Foliage, Small-Town Charm, And Harvest Delights

Arizona's Grand Canyon is arguably the most "needs-no-introduction" natural wonder in North America. With its truly spectacular vistas and magical experiences like the lush oasis awaiting at the Grand Canyon's beloved Hopi Salt Trail, this ancient red rock phenomenon has become the standard by which all other canyons in the U.S. are judged. 

As such, many other notable canyons around the country are called "the Grand Canyon of" their respective state or region. Even outside the Southwest, you can find Grand Canyon analogs like the "little Grand Canyon" of Mississippi at the Magnolia State's Red Bluff Canyon. Further north, Pennsylvania also gets in on the action with a splendid canyon of its own. Though it's not as large, deep, or precipitous as its Arizona namesake, Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Gorge still lives up to its moniker as the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania" in its own quiet and alluring way. 

Pine Creek Gorge is a roughly 45-mile-long river gorge carved into the Allegheny Plateau by its namesake Pine Creek. Reaching depths of nearly 1,500 feet, the canyon forges a breathtaking expanse, topped by the lush Appalachian forests of Central Pennsylvania. Having earned the title of Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon," this pass is beautiful at all times of the year. However, the autumn months arguably bring out the best of the gorge's magic. During the height of leaf-peeping season, Pine Creek Gorge boasts what many consider to be the best fall foliage in all of Pennsylvania (and maybe the Northeast as a whole). Even better, Pine Creek Gorge is at the center of a rich but underrated region of Pennsylvania that offers of fall views, small towns, and autumn-themed events to satisfy the fall-lover in all of us. 

Pine Creek Gorge is part of a region called the Pennsylvania Wilds, a largely rural and forested area in North-Central Pennsylvania where you'll find many of the state's most beautiful parks. With so many rich woodlands, parks, and natural preserves, the Pennsylvania Wilds also have many of the region's best locations for viewing fall foliage. 

Pine Creek Gorge in particular creates an unforgettably vibrant tableau of bright autumn colors when the leaves begin to change. This is partly due to the gorge's dense forests and epic vistas, but also due to the number of scenic overlooks providing magnificent views of the gorge and its fall colors from different angles. The canyon has two amazing state parks on opposite sides of its rim. On the gorge's east rim is the memorable Leonard Harrison State Park, while the west rim has the equally scenic Colton Point State Park. 

Of the two, Leonard Harrison has more modern amenities, including concession stands and a visitor center, while Colton Point is a bit more rustic. However, both parks provide breathtaking views of the gorge and showcase the epitome of Pennsylvania's autumn beauty. The area surrounding the gorge is also rich in ravishing waterfalls. Spots like Bear Run Falls, Campbells Run Falls, and Amphitheater Falls are especially beautiful when dressed in autumn hues. And if you're into hiking, Pine Creek Gorge has plenty of top trails for you to immerse yourself in a golden wonderland, like the Pine Creek Rail Trail, the Turkey Path, and the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania Overlook Trail. 

With two state parks, several photogenic waterfalls, and the abundant woodlands of Tioga State Forrest, Pine Creek Gorge has more than enough attractions for leaf-peepers and outdoor adventurers alike. And yet, though the Pennsylvania Wilds are the Keystone State's most rustic area, there are several charming small towns and cozy stays available within driving distance of the gorge. The main gateway to Pine Creek Gorge is the small but rich community of Wellsboro, a mere 18 miles away. 

For anyone who has traveled through the Pennsylvania Wilds, you'll know that Wellsboro's unmatched scenery and downtown charm make it one of the top small towns in the Northeast. With a setting defined by the same natural beauty as Pine Creek Gorge, Wellsboro exudes rustic splendor at every corner, while still having plenty of downtown amenities. 

The towns and communities around Wellsboro host numerous fall festivals, shops, and other events during leaf-peeping season. Pennsylvania's historic and scenic Route 6, which passes directly through Wellsboro and near Pine Creek Gorge, also has plenty of pumpkin farms, farmers' markets, and harvest festivals to complement your fall adventure. One potential downside of this canyon's rural location, though, is that you're looking at a bit of a road trip to get there. The nearest airport is actually the Elmira Corning Regional Airport, located about an hour away across the New York border. Meanwhile, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is nearly four hours away. Still, the Pennsylvania Wilds do have plenty of charming overnight stays for a homey, antique autumn getaway.