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Distance:
1.3 Miles / 2.1 km
Type:
Out-and-Back
Difficulty:
Easy
Time to Hike:
~39 minutes
Features:
PA Wilds
Surface Type:
Universal Access
Park:
Tioga State Forest
Town:
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
Directions:
41.723335, -77.455794
Added:
June 04, 2019
Updated:
October 13, 2022
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62 '

Total Change
86 '

Ascent
86 '

Descent

The Barbour Rock Handicap Trail at Tioga State Forest in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania is an easy 1.3-mile out-and-back accessible trail that leads out to two amazing lookout points high above the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania (officially known as Pine Creek Gorge).

The trail is a gradual-grade stone-crushed path that meanders through the woods of Tioga State Forest within the Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area. The hike itself is easy since the elevation gain is very gradual throughout the entire trail.

Hikers can alternatively take the Barbour Rock Trail (yellow blaze loop) which is a slightly more moderate and rugged trail that leads to the same place.

RIP Lone Pine - Spring 2022
As of Spring 2022, the Lone Pine (which died 1 year earlier) has fallen off of Barbour Rock. For folks looking for this iconic tree, it's no longer here.

Universal Accessibility
Please note that this trail is fully accessible and leads to one accessible overlook with a wooden fence. The view at the accessible overlook is nice, but the main view is just nextdoor to the east, approximately 50-feet away; however, that area is not universally accessible.

Parking
Parking can be found at the trailhead or across the street in either lot.

Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed and their waste must be carried out.

Warning
Some lookout points along Pine Creek Gorge have very steep cliffs and no fencing. Hike at your own risk.

Lookout Point
The destination of this hike is the lookout points along the rim of Pine Creek Gorge (Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania). The first lookout point is an accessible lookout with a bench; however, just 20 feet further from the 1st lookout is a non-accessible stunning vista with a cliff that's a must-see.

History
This trail was constructed in 1978 by the Youth Conservation Corps and named after Samuel Barbour who died in a log jam on Owassee Rapids in the 1890's. Owassee Rapids is also known as Barbour's Bend.

Camping
Camping is technically allowed off of this trail, but no designated campsites can be seen from the trail. Backpackers must be aware of the state forest's primitive camping rules before heading out. More information can be found on the park's site. As a rule of thumb, it's best to not camp near the trail unless there is a designated campsite just off of the trail, never camp directly on the trail, and leave no trace.

Winter Road Conditions
Tioga State Forest does not maintain this road during the winter. Do not attempt driving on this road without proper equipment including snow tires and/or chains unless the road is clear. High wind storms may also cause trees to fall across the road, making the road impassible. If you plan to visit during the winter, plan accordingly.

Explore 260 trails near Wellsboro, PA
  1. Parking

    41.723335, -77.455794
  2. Main Trailhead

    41.723175, -77.455763
  3. 2nd lookout

    41.718575, -77.450517
    2nd lookout
  4. 1st lookout - accessible

    41.718742, -77.450792
    1st lookout - accessible
  5. Random lookout off the trail - technically on the West Rim Trail but 5 feet off of this one

    41.719231, -77.453536
    Random lookout off the trail - technically on the West Rim Trail but 5 feet off of this one
  6. Barbour Rock vista

    41.718506, -77.450561
    Barbour Rock vista
  7. Along WRT - Lone Pine at Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon)

    41.718747, -77.451483
    Along WRT - Lone Pine at Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon)
No community routes found. To add your own hike as a Community Route for this Trail guide, leave a Trip Report with an attached GPX file.

Hazards

Ticks - Lyme Disease More Info (CDC)
Snakes

Seasons

All

Blaze Color

Blue

16 Trip Reports

No Star-Ratings
Write-up by:
Admin user profile picture
1.3 miles / 2.1 km
Trail added
June 04, 2019
Hiked on
June 04, 2019
Updated on
October 13, 2022
1.3 miles / 2.1 km
December 23, 2023
Hiking
1.3 miles / 2.1 km
October 13, 2022
Cruised out to the vistas with Jax to snap some shots of the foliage around lunch time. Luckily I caught a break in the rain and no one else was interested in hiking the trail at the time, so we had the entire place to ourselves. Peaceful and scenic.
Dogs Hiking
1.3 miles / 2.1 km
July 17, 2022
Dogs Hiking
1.3 miles / 2.1 km
July 17, 2022
Peaceful Sunday walk out to Barbour Rock. Parking lot was empty when we showed up around 10AM, indicating 2022 is "back to normal" around here.
Dogs Hiking

Weather Forecast

In Wellsboro, PA

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