Colton Point State Park
Park State park overlooking Pine Creek Gorge scenic rim
On the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge, Colton Point State Park offers high overlooks, cliff-top trails and fall foliage viewing across Pennsylvania’s ‘Grand Canyon’.
Colton Point State Park is a Pennsylvania state park in Tioga County that overlooks Pine Creek Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.” The park provides public access to dramatic canyon vistas and forested slopes.
Scenic overlooks provide views down into the gorge, which reaches depths of roughly 800 feet in places, while short hiking trails, picnic areas and trailheads offer recreational access to the rim. Leonard Harrison State Park sits on the opposite rim and together the two parks frame the most-visited stretches of the gorge.
The area was designated and developed as a state park in the 20th century to protect the scenic rim and to provide public viewpoints and trails. Facilities have been maintained for hiking, picnicking and scenic observation.
Located in north-central Pennsylvania, the park lies in Tioga County just southwest of the borough of Wellsboro and is reached from Route 6 and local roads; Wellsboro is the nearest service town.
- Opposite rim: Leonard Harrison State Park occupies the opposite rim of Pine Creek Gorge, offering complementary overlooks and trails across the creek.
- Best season to visit: Peak fall foliage in October draws the largest visitor numbers for scenic viewing along the gorge.
How to Get to Colton Point State Park #
Colton Point State Park sits off PA-44/PA-144 northwest of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. From Wellsboro the drive is roughly 20-30 minutes; follow signs for Colton Point State Park and park in the main lot near the overlooks. The park is best reached by car; limited public transit serves the region.
Tips for Visiting Colton Point State Park #
- Walk the Rim Trail close to dawn for quieter views of Pine Creek Gorge and better light for photography.
- Park at the Colton Point State Park lot off PA-144/PA-44; trails are steep in places - expect a descent to overlooks.
- Bring layers; the gorge can be several degrees cooler than the plateau above, especially in spring and fall.
Best Time to Visit Colton Point State Park #
Colton Point is best in fall for leaf colour but is rewarding in spring and summer for wildlife and longer days. Expect variable weather on the gorge rim.
Weather & Climate near Colton Point State Park #
Colton Point State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (938 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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