Hiking adventures along the mountain trails
in close proximity to The Blackwell present
stunning views and terrains to appeal to
any experience and physical level of hiker.
The Blackwell abuts the Pine Creek Trail which extends approximately 30 miles through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. This Trail is a recently converted railroad track and has a 3% grade. Hikers, as well as cyclists, are welcome on this Trail. A trip through the canyon can be as long or as short as you wish.
Whatever distance you wish to walk, you are nonetheless certain to encounter bald eagles, osprey, kingfishers and several species of duck. The wooded trails will likely expose you to interesting foliage, mountain laurel, deer, porcupines, bobcats, black bear and the elusive Pennsylvania mountain lion (if you're lucky).
Directly across Pine Creek from The Blackwell
is the Mid-States Trail. This Trail begins
in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and passes
through Blackwell on its 270 km length to
southern Pennsylvania. After a quarter mile
ascent, the Trail levels and affords the
hiker unique views of the Pine Creek Gorge.
At increments of 1/2 mile and 1 mile, the
hiker is treated to two spectacular mountain
stream waterfalls. On the way to these waterfalls
you will pass through a forest of Allegheny
hardwoods, cherry and hemlock. In June, the
waterfalls are framed by the white and pink
blossoms of mountain laurel. One mile south of The Blackwell is the West Rim Trail. This Trail runs from Blackwell on the south on PA 414 and continues 30 miles to Ansonia, along Route 6. The West Rim Trail was selected as Pennsylvania's best hiking trail in 1996 by Outside Magazine.
A few miles south of Blackwell, in the village of Slate Run, hikers will find the beginning of the Black Forest Trail. This Trail parallels Slate Run and traverses through the scenic Slate Run Gorge. Continuing for a distance of 42 miles, this very popular Trail provides hikers with stellar scenery and varying challenges. Overnight camping is permitted in designated areas and by permit only.
Within 10 miles of The Blackwell, there are literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails accessible for day trips or overnight camping trips. These trails will introduce you to the natural beauty of North Central Pennsylvania. Cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife and breathtaking vistas await you. Along the miles of mountain roads through the Tioga State Forest, individuals will find many entrances to several smaller designated trails. Along these trails, scenic vistas overlooking the Pine Creek Gorge have been cleared in order to provide singular views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. These mountain roads and trails are set forth and identified in maps which are available at The Blackwell, and most questions you may have can be answered by the friendly staff at The Blackwell.
The staff of The Blackwell considers itself honored to be a part of your Pennsylvania Grand Canyon experience. We understand just how lucky we are to have the beauty and the resources of the Pine Creek Valley as part of our day to day life. We are happy to share this experience and this beauty with you and strongly encourage each of you to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the area and we encourage you to enjoy the wildlife in a way which does not disturb or disrupt it.