The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania

Situated in approximately 160,000 acres of the Tioga State Forest of the north central plateaus in Tioga County lies the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The Canyon begins south of Ansonia along US Route 6 and continues for approximately 47 miles. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1,450 feet at Waterville, near the southern end. At Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks, the depth is more than 800 feet and from rim to rim is approximately 4,000 feet. Overlooks in several spots offer spectacular views.

The exposed rock formations are over 350 million years old, but the important geologic processes which formed the gorge itself occurred less than 20,000 years ago during the Pleistocene time. Before glacial activity took place, the headwaters of Pine Creek, near Ansonia, flowed in a northeasterly direction. Glaciers then covered the area with ice.

As the glacier began to melt, it left a dam of gravel, sand and clay which blocked the flow of Pine Creek. This natural dam forced Pine Creek to reverse its flow to the south, carving what is now the canyon. This area received national acclaim in 1968 when a 12 mile section of Pine Creek Gorge was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.

Today's photo was taken by Tami Campbell, WPC Land Steward Coordinator. For more information and directions, go to VisitPa.org.

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