Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., explore the waterfalls along the lower Turkey Path on your quest to unlock the geologic secrets of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

“This is a repeat of the popular hike we offered in June. The response was so good, we wanted to offer it again,” said Natural Resource Program Specialist.

TIm Morey. 

The one-mile round trip hike up about 400 vertical feet, halfway up the Turkey Path, will be led by both park staff and professional geologists from DNCR’s Bureau of Geological Survey, weather permitting. If weather becomes an issue, the hike will be canceled. 

The hike begins at the base of the canyon, where the Lock Haven Formation is exposed. These rocks were deposited approximately 380 million years ago as sediment on the edge of an ancient sea and contain fossils of marine organisms. As the hike progresses, the exposed rock will be progressively younger and transition into the shoreline and alluvial plane deposits of the Catskill Formation, effectively transporting participants through time and space of the geologic history of the gorge.

This program is well suited for those curious about the ancient past of the gorge and those willing and able to complete the strenuous hike. 

Registrants will meet by 9 a.m. in the Darling Run access parking lot for the Pine Creek Rail Trail and be bussed approximately 3.5 miles to the base of the trail below Leonard Harrison State Park where the program will begin. 

To get to the Darling Run access parking lot for the Pine Creek Rail Trail from Wellsboro or Galeton, drive on U.S. Route 6, turn onto Route 362 and go about 1.5 miles to Darling Run in Ansonia.

After a brief introduction, the group will climb slowly, learning along the way to a point about halfway up the path and near the upper waterfall.  

Participants should wear proper footwear and layered clothing for the hike. It is also recommended that they bring a small backpack, water, and snacks.

The deadline to register is Thursday, Nov. 2. Those interested can register by calling 570-724-3061 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays and weekends