Colton Point Overlook Pennsylvania
Experience the rugged, less-traveled side of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon with breathtaking vistas and peaceful, rustic camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Colton Point Overlook Pennsylvania
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the rugged, less-traveled side of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon with breathtaking vistas and peaceful, rustic camping.
"The Colton point side of the canyon is a true state park. You just have nature and nature activities to do."
🚗 Drive to Overlooks
Most major overlooks are accessible by car, saving hiking time if needed. 🚗
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be muddy and uneven, especially the Turkey Path. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 942 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania Vistas
Various overlooks along the rim
Breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Pine Creek Gorge, showcasing its rugged beauty and scale.
Turkey Path Trail
Trailhead near campground
A rewarding hike descending into the gorge, leading to a lovely waterfall and unique perspectives.
Rim Trail
Connects overlooks
A scenic loop trail offering access to multiple viewpoints and a chance to immerse yourself in the forest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rustic Charm
Plan Your Vistas
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania - Colton Point State Park, Wellsboro, PA
Just went there a few weeks ago, sadly the one trail to the basin was closed. Destroyed my car driving there on all the dirt roads, but worth it.
🚗 Drive to Overlooks
Most major overlooks are accessible by car, saving hiking time if needed. 🚗
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be muddy and uneven, especially the Turkey Path. :athletic_shoe:
Looking to visit Pine Creek Gorge, which park gives better views?
I'm planning to visit the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon next month and it listed two parks, Colton State Park and Leonard Harrison State Park. Which one gives better views? Light research on google maps shows that Leonard Harrison has a visitor center and maybe walking/hiking…
Looking for things to do in and around Wellsboro on the weekend
So me and my gf are taking a 3 day vacation to Welsboro next weekend. We are already planning on doing the PA Grand Canyon as well as the carriage ride. We are staying in Welsborow so we are curious to know what are some good things to see/do in town, restaurants, shops,…
🗺️ Get a Park Map
Trails can be confusing; a map is essential for navigation. :world_map:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services mean you should bring your own provisions. :water_wave:
SEEKING ADVICE: West Rim Trail of the Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Hi everyone! Myself and a few friends (all active women in our mid-20s) are thinking of doing the West Rim Trail in PA (south to north) in early May. From some online research, it seems to be doable in 2 days and 1 night -- keen to hear if anyone thinks it is better to do in 3…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive to Overlooks
Most major overlooks are accessible by car, saving hiking time if needed. 🚗
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be muddy and uneven, especially the Turkey Path. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Get a Park Map
Trails can be confusing; a map is essential for navigation. :world_map:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services mean you should bring your own provisions. :water_wave:
🦮 Leash Your Pets
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. 🐕
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Colton Point is praised for its stunning, less-crowded vistas of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and its peaceful, rustic camping. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and privacy offered by the park. Some note the rustic nature of the facilities and the potential for muddy trails.
"This park is loaded with trails. The Colton point side of the canyon is a true state park. You just have nature and nature activities to do. There is so much hiking so many beautiful views in the park is well maintained with great roads and lots of parking. There is also plenty of trash cans and outhouses to use."
Jeremy Bowling
"Colton Point is on the West side of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. A little more out of the way than Leonard Harrison on the East. Like the North Side of The Grand Canyon, it is more rustic, less visited, and has more and better vistas. You can easily identify the large vista at Leonard Harrison from here, but I didn’t see the vistas here from that side. (Though we visited the other side first, so it could be different if I had started here.)
We didn’t stay at this campground, but the sites are much farther from each other, preferable if you love peace and privacy. Most sites are very well laid out, with well-constructed tent bases, made of railroad ties and sod/grass, plus spots for large campers. This campground has mature trees and less sunlight.
Bathrooms are older and more rustic too.
It has four big pavilions, that are beautiful. The views from the vistas are amazing. It takes longer to get to various access points on the rail-trail path from here than from the other park too."
Scott Janney
"This is a great viewing area of Pine Creek Gorge. My favorite spot. Across the road is a spot to park several cars. From the parking area you can walk the short trail that takes you to a port-a-pot."
Eric Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Colton Point is located on the west side of Pine Creek Gorge. Access is typically via Route 6 and then local roads. It's considered more remote than Leonard Harrison State Park.
The park has well-maintained roads leading to the main overlooks and campground, making driving relatively easy once you're in the park.
While roads lead to overlooks, hiking trails connect various points. Having a park map is highly recommended for navigating the trails effectively.
Public transportation options are very limited to non-existent for reaching Colton Point. A personal vehicle is essential for visiting.
Colton Point is a short drive from Wellsboro, making it a convenient destination for those staying in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Colton Point State Park does not typically charge an entrance fee, aligning with its rustic, nature-focused appeal.
As a state park, Colton Point is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like campgrounds may have their own hours.
No, there is no park office or designated spot to get a passport stamp at Colton Point. You would need to visit Leonard Harrison State Park for that.
While not always required, booking campsites in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
Standard park rules apply, including leash laws for pets and regulations regarding fires and camping.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Turkey Path trail offers a descent into the gorge with a waterfall, while the Rim Trail connects multiple overlooks.
Most major overlooks are accessible by car with nearby parking. Some require short walks from the parking area.
Camping is primitive, with sites featuring tent bases made of railroad ties and spots for larger campers. Sites are spaced for privacy.
Yes, outhouses are available throughout the park, though they are described as older and more rustic.
The park is known for fishing and hunting opportunities, aligning with its designation as a nature-focused state park.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The main overlooks offer stunning panoramic shots of the gorge. The Turkey Path trail provides unique angles and waterfall photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour) provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for gorge photography.
Absolutely! Hiking the trails, like the Rim Trail, offers different perspectives and opportunities for capturing the natural beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of park rules and avoid disturbing wildlife or other visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit