The 62-mile trail offers a scenic journey, with a trailhead in Jersey Shore Borough, through the Appalachian Mountains, weaving its way into both Lycoming and Tioga counties.

According to a press release distributed by DCNR, the department is thrilled to honor the history the trail upholds for the region.

“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.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Torbert Bridge is pictured, just up the trail from one of the parking areas.

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 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.

DCNR has continued to build on the trail’s success with its Pine Creek Rail Trail Extension (PCRTE), also known as the Marsh Creek Greenway.

This greenway, according to a release from DCNR, helped close a critical 3.2-mile gap by connecting the trail’s former northern terminus directly into downtown Wellsboro.

The release notes, DCNR, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Tioga County and volunteers worked together to complete the project, supported by $3.5 million from DCNR and $2.5 million from PennDOT.

PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured is a view of the Pine Creek Gorge Bull Run Vista as part of the Pine Creek Rail Trail. The trail was recently named Trail of the Year for 2026 by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

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 the governor’s time in office.

“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. “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.”

According to DCNR’s release, 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 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 release said.

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.

To learn what the Pine Creek Rail Trail has to offer visit pawilds.com/asset/pine-creek-rail-trail/.