Leonard Harrison State Park
Park State park overlooking the scenic Pine Creek Gorge
On the rim of Pennsylvania’s Pine Creek Gorge, Leonard Harrison State Park offers cliff overlooks, hiking and fall foliage viewing along marked trails and picnic areas.
Leonard Harrison State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on the eastern rim of the Pine Creek Gorge, commonly called the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It is known for high overlooks that give broad views down the gorge and across the forested valley.
The park provides multiple viewpoints, picnic facilities and trails including steep access paths toward Pine Creek below. It sits opposite Colton Point State Park on the west rim, with the Pine Creek Rail Trail following the gorge floor between them.
The park was developed to protect scenic rimlands and to provide public access for recreation and viewing of the canyon. It lies in north-central Pennsylvania near the small towns that serve as gateways to the Pine Creek Gorge area.
- Scenic overlooks: Part of the Pine Creek Gorge area, offering rim overlooks with strong fall foliage displays.
- Trail connections: Access to trails and the Pine Creek Rail Trail along the gorge floor, visible from some overlooks.
How to Get to Leonard Harrison State Park #
Leonard Harrison State Park is reached via Route 6 east of U.S. 15 near Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. The park’s main overlooks are a short drive from Wellsboro; regional airports (Elmira/Corning or Williamsport) offer the nearest commercial service with driving times of 1-2 hours.
Tips for Visiting Leonard Harrison State Park #
- Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for the best light on the gorge and cooler hiking conditions.
- Use the Turkey Path for a steep, close view into the gorge (requires caution and sturdy footwear).
- Combine Leonard Harrison with Colton Point State Park - the two offer complementary viewpoints across Pine Creek Gorge.
Best Time to Visit Leonard Harrison State Park #
Autumn (September-October) is prime for color; spring through fall offers the easiest access for trails and viewpoints.
Weather & Climate near Leonard Harrison State Park #
Leonard Harrison State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (936 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 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (69 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 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (114 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 25°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (86 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 -2°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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