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Colton Point
Overview
Colton Point State Park offers a rugged and scenic escape on the west rim of the majestic Pine Creek Gorge. Known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, this park provides a more secluded and wild alternative to its counterpart across the canyon. The park covers 368 acres and is steeped in history, featuring many structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. Travelers seeking a quiet connection with nature will appreciate the forested setting and the dramatic scenic overlooks that define this historic landscape.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a short drive from Wellsboro, PA, the park is situated in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds region. The surrounding terrain is characterized by steep canyon walls, lush hardwood forests, and deep, ancient valleys. The park’s specific position on the west rim means it receives fewer daily crowds than the east side, offering a peaceful environment dominated by the sounds of the wind through the pines and the distant rush of Pine Creek flowing a thousand feet below the rim.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Colton Point is intentionally primitive and rustic, catering to those who prefer boondocking or off-grid setups. There are no water, sewer, or electric hookups available at the individual sites, which makes it a favorite for traditional campers. Visitors will find vault toilets and potable water handles located conveniently within the camping loops. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, ensuring a classic camping experience under a thick canopy of mature trees.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts have access to several world-class activities and local highlights within a short distance of the park, including:
- The Turkey Path trail descends steeply into the gorge to reveal hidden waterfalls and unique geological formations.
- The Pine Creek Rail Trail offers over sixty miles of level terrain for world-class cycling and hiking along the canyon floor.
- The historic town of Wellsboro is famous for its gas-lit streets, charming local boutiques, and seasonal festivals.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers and van lifers who enjoy peace and quiet over modern resort amenities. It is a perfect destination for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and hikers who want to stay close to the most iconic trailheads in northern Pennsylvania. If you value a dark sky for stargazing and a traditional, quiet camping atmosphere without the hum of constant electricity or heavy traffic, Colton Point is an excellent choice for your next mountain getaway.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Eric Wilson
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.
Jeremy Bowling
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.
Ania Banania
I hiked the rim trail - it was advertised as 1 mile but it was definitely 1.5 miles and some parts are not labeled and very muddy. All the 3 overlooks on the rim trail are reachable by car and have parking spots nearby, so you can drive to see it instead of hike it. In my opinion, the first overlook when you first get to the park is really the only good one worth a picture. There is no park office and no spot to get a stamp in your passport. You need to drive to Leonard Harrison for the stamp. I drove around looking, but hopefully I can save someone else the time. The campground looked primitive with boxes to put your tent, and you pay by the honor system: envelope in a locked box.
Scott Janney
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.
N Ran
Beautiful old school state park, well kept. Turkey path was great hike down into the gorge, with views of a lovely waterfall. We also did the Rim trail, which connects some tremendous vistas - it just took us awhile to figure out that the Rim trail was actually a loop, and different from the West Rim trail which is not a loop. Overall, a fantastic time there!