Pine Creek Rail Trail Honored as Pennsylvania's 2026 Trail of the Year

Wellsboro, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined the Tioga County Planning Department to recognize the Pine Creek Rail Trail - a 65 mile scenic route through the Appalachian Mountains in Lycoming and Tioga counties - which has been named Pennsylvania's 2026 Trail of the Year. "We're honored to celebrate the Pine Creek Rail Trail as Pennsylvania's 2026 Trail of the Year and to stand with the community leaders whose vision and commitment have shaped the trail into the remarkable destination it is today," said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. "This recognition elevates the exceptional outdoor experiences found along this trail throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds, and helps bolster local businesses while delivering meaningful economic, environmental, and recreational benefits across 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. Speakers: Marc Rice, Sam VanLoon, and Shane Nickerson, Tioga County Commissioners Matt Weis, Representative from State Senator Gene Yaw Clint Owlett, State Representative Erick Coolidge, Former Tioga County Commissioner Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Brett Hollern, Vice Chair, Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee Nathan Reigner, Director, Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation