Pine Creek Valley Rail Trail - Jersey Shore, PA
Pine Creek Valley Rail Trail: Dog-Friendly Adventures in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania
Pine Creek Valley Rail Trail is a picturesque, well-maintained trail system located in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, and renowned for its breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, and pet-friendly environment. This rail trail stretches over 62 miles of a mixture of gravel and pavement, winding through the scenic Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and passing by rivers, bridges, waterfalls, and vibrant natural landscapes. It’s an ideal spot for dog owners looking for pet-friendly hiking, walking, or biking experiences—most of the trail is shaded and offers frequent comfort stations, benches, and rest stops for people and their pets.
Comfort is a priority at Pine Creek Valley Rail Trail, with clean restrooms, rentable pavilions, benches, and picnic spots scattered throughout the route. The trail provides ample parking at various access points and regular maintenance ensures a pleasant visit year-round. While there are no fenced off-leash areas or designated dog agility features, the wide, well-drained trail and general pet-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite among local dog lovers. Whether you are seeking a fun exercise outing with your canine companion or a peaceful day surrounded by nature, this trail offers one of the best dog-friendly experiences in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed on the Pine Creek Valley Rail Trail? Yes, dogs are welcome on the trail. They must be leashed and under control at all times.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are clean restrooms (flushing toilets with running water) and comfort stations located at various points along the trail.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, much of the trail is shaded and there are rentable pavilions and covered spots for rest along the trail.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, benches and seating are available at many stops along the trail for rest and relaxation.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Pine Creek Valley Rail Trail itself is a long multi-use trail with scenic hiking and biking opportunities, and connects with additional local trails.
- Is there parking at the park? Yes, there are plenty of access areas for parking and staging your adventure along the trail.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews note the trail, landscaping, pavilions, and bathrooms are clean and well cared for.
- Is the trail muddy after it rains? The trail is gravel-surfaced and well-drained, so it is rarely muddy even after rain.
- Are there ticks or other pests common in the area? Reviewers mention that rattlesnakes and ticks may be present in the area, so pet owners should be mindful.
Reviews
Such a well kept rail trail, mixture of pavement and gravel. 62 miles with plenty of entry points. Restrooms along the way with pump and repair stations too. A few moments of crossing the road but well marked. Lots of fun bridges to cross and the views are amazing, part is the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and gorgeous Pine Creek views
Such a well kept rail trail, mixture of pavement and gravel. 62 miles with plenty of entry points. Restrooms along the way with pump and repair stations too. A few moments of crossing the road but well marked. Lots of fun bridges to cross and the views are amazing, part is the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and gorgeous Pine Creek views
Such a well kept rail trail, mixture of pavement and gravel. 62 miles with plenty of entry points. Restrooms along the way with pump and repair stations too. A few moments of crossing the road but well marked. Lots of fun bridges to cross and the views are amazing, part is the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and gorgeous Pine Creek views
Went for a 2 mile walk with my daughter today (it was our first time on the pine creek valley rails to trails) and we loved it! The view was breathtaking and to see things like the train and bridge were an added bonus for my daughter! Definitely will be walking this trail more often!
Went for a 2 mile walk with my daughter today (it was our first time on the pine creek valley rails to trails) and we loved it! The view was breathtaking and to see things like the train and bridge were an added bonus for my daughter! Definitely will be walking this trail more often!
Went for a 2 mile walk with my daughter today (it was our first time on the pine creek valley rails to trails) and we loved it! The view was breathtaking and to see things like the train and bridge were an added bonus for my daughter! Definitely will be walking this trail more often!
Love the trail, well kept and managed. Lots of signage and notice boards keep you informed on where you are and what to expect. Trail is wide and gravel surfaced,drained well so no mud, but not too gravely. Any bike with 1″ or wider tires should be fine. Lots of comfort stations (restrooms) provided along the way plus benches. Local businesses are accessible like inns, restaurants and convenience stores. Lots of access areas for parking and staging your Pine Creek adventures. You will see a diverse selection of wildlife and habits of PA along this valley.
Love the trail, well kept and managed. Lots of signage and notice boards keep you informed on where you are and what to expect. Trail is wide and gravel surfaced,drained well so no mud, but not too gravely. Any bike with 1″ or wider tires should be fine. Lots of comfort stations (restrooms) provided along the way plus benches. Local businesses are accessible like inns, restaurants and convenience stores. Lots of access areas for parking and staging your Pine Creek adventures. You will see a diverse selection of wildlife and habits of PA along this valley.
Love the trail, well kept and managed. Lots of signage and notice boards keep you informed on where you are and what to expect. Trail is wide and gravel surfaced,drained well so no mud, but not too gravely. Any bike with 1″ or wider tires should be fine. Lots of comfort stations (restrooms) provided along the way plus benches. Local businesses are accessible like inns, restaurants and convenience stores. Lots of access areas for parking and staging your Pine Creek adventures. You will see a diverse selection of wildlife and habits of PA along this valley.
My husband and I biked the length of this trail, from Wellsboro to Jersey Shore. (Local outfitter company moved our truck – highly recommend.) From north to south, it trends slightly downhill, which is pleasant!
We took two bottles of water each, which was enough. There are stops periodically – little towns with a trail convenience store. Most will refill your bottles for you (one directs you to a hand pump nearby). The trail is well-kept, with fine gravel, few potholes, and few obstacles like branches. There are comfort stations every ~3-10(ish) miles, and occasionally a picnic table or bench. Mostly shaded, even in midday. We went mid-week in the summer, and while other people were common along some busy areas near campgrounds or parking areas, other parts are pretty isolated.
Great place to see wildlife! We saw lots of deer, rabbits, etc, plus a bald eagle right along the trail. Also, quite a few waterfalls are easily accessible and visible from the trail.
A couple safety notes: (1) there is almost no cellphone reception along the trail. I would occasionally receive a text message, but wasn’t able to reply. (2) Rattlesnakes are common! Twice we were hissed/rattled at as we passed them in the grass along the trail. Once we stopped and went back to investigate, and there was a den with 5+ rattlesnakes within 6 inches of the trail. (A few areas are mowed along the trail, but not most of it.) They aren’t aggressive, but be mindful of them.