Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 29

Fog rolls in for sunset at Leonard Harrison State Park.

Inland Waters regulations. For more information, see the
Pennsylvania Fishing Summary.
In warmer weather, when Pine Creek waters are warm
and low, bass fishing rules. Not far from Leonard Harrison
State Park are Lake Hamilton and Lake Nessmuk, just
outside Wellsboro, that provide fishing opportunities.
Further away is Hills Creek State Park. Bring a boat or fish
from shore.
Back at Leonard Harrison State Park, high on the
canyon's rim, sits one of the best camping areas in northern
Pennsylvania. The park is known for its views from the
lookouts, but its campground is a great staging area for local
outdoor activities.
The campground is located along an unpaved loop
driveway and has approximately 24 campsites. Some of the
sites have electrical hookups. The campsites are a mix of
shaded and sunny areas. The campground has fire rings,
picnic tables, a playground, and campground amenities like a
dump station and comfort stations with hot water showers. It
is open from April to October.
Summer and fall are the seasons during which most
people visit because of the scenic views and ample outdoor
recreation opportunities near the park. Hiking is a popular
activity. The park is host to the 1 mile (one way) Turkey Path
Trail that snakes back and forth along a mixture of dirt path
and wooden walkways down the side of the gorge to its base.
The Turkey Path Trail ends at the Pine Creek Rail Trail, the
award-winning multi-purpose biking and walking path that
follows the route of the original Jersey Shore, Pine Creek,
and Buffalo railroads. Pine Creek will be in front of visitors
who make it to the bottom of the path. The Turkey Path Trail
passes a series of seasonal waterfalls along Little Four Mile
Run. But, visitors should be warned that the path is steep
with rugged terrain. Hiking the path is for the hearty. Know
your limits and take it slow and easy on the way back up the
side of the gorge.
A less strenuous trail is the Overlook Trail that makes
its way to Otter View lookout along a 2/3 mile (one way)
hiking path. All of the trails at the park pass close by to
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many steep cliffs and follow
rugged terrain. Stay on
designated trails, and wear
sturdy footwear. Not only
will you be safer, but you will
protect fragile vegetation and
minimize erosion.
No description is complete
without mentioning the
opportunities provided by
the Pine Creek Rail Trail,
the 62-mile trail that starts 3
miles north of Wellsboro and
ends in Jersey Shore. This
basically flat, smooth surface,
well-groomed, hard-packed
limestone trail is doable by all.
While at the park,
panoramic views are only
100 yards past the Visitors Center at the entrance to the
park. It is an easy, mostly flat walk along the rim of the
canyon to the overlooks. Those interested in walking to
the cliffside viewing platform will negotiate a series of 52
concrete steps and intervals of flagstone landings.
During the summer season, interpretive and educational
programs are provided by park staff and volunteers.
Educational displays including a video are available in the
park's environmental interpretive center.
The spectacular vistas at Leonard Harrison State Park are
a draw for visitors year-round. Even during the off-season,
visitors may carefully traverse the walkways at the park
and stand in awe on the viewing platforms. All of the park's
trails are closed starting in October because of the extreme
danger from ice and snow.
Whenever you visit Leonard Harrison State Park, it is a
good time to think about the far-ranging vision of Leonard
Harrison, who can be credited with the creation of this
high-demand destination. Standing in this spectacular
location, no matter the weather or the season, his gift is felt
with all of the senses.

More information:

Leonard Harrison State Park, Tioga County, in northcentral Pennsylvania, is about 10 miles west of Wellsboro,
a quaint Victorian town with good restaurants and shops.
The park is reached via PA Route 660 West from
Wellsboro. Detailed Information is on the Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
website at www. dcnr.pa.gov.
Visit the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and fish for trout
in one of Pennsylvania's best scenic rivers. Throw a line
into a local lake, and try your hand for warmwater fish
species. Hike the many trails in the state parks or Tioga
State Forest. Bicycle the award-winning Pine Creek Rail
Trail. Consider cross country skiing during snowy periods
or snowmobiling the many miles of forestry roads during
the winter months.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2020

http://dcnr.pa.gov http://www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020

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