Pine Creek Challenge
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Pine Creek Challenge
The Pine Creek Challenge is a trail running event held along the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. The course uses an out and back layout that includes about 25 miles of the upper "Canyon" section of the trail, which passes through Pine Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark. The Gorge is described as stretching 47 miles, nearly a mile wide and up to 1,450 feet deep at its deepest point.
The rail trail surface is fine crushed stone and is about 20 feet wide. The trail has no motorized traffic and is free of puddles. Trail users may encounter cyclists, walkers and occasional horse drawn wagons. Wildlife is common in the canyon area, including bald eagle nesting sites, river otters from a reintroduction program, deer, foxes and coyotes.
Course formats and routing:
- 100 Miler: Asaph to Blackwell and back twice, four passes through the canyon.
- 100K: Out and back to Blackwell once.
- 50 Miler: One trip to Blackwell and return.
- Marathon: Out and back to Tiaghadton and return.
The rail trail has a slight southward grade, losing 900 feet over 63 miles, given as a 2% grade. Organizers recommend that 100 mile entrants have prior experience with 50 mile finishes. The event takes place in early September when temperatures and fall foliage can vary. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
