Colton Point State Park

Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
Established 1936
368 acres

Colton Point State Park occupies 368 acres on the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. The park showcases the rustic charm of 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps architecture and offers multiple spectacular overlooks of the 800-foot deep canyon. The Rim Trail connects all viewing areas, providing easy access to different perspectives of the gorge. Barbour Rock offers an accessible overlook, while more adventurous visitors can hike down into the canyon. The park's remote location and undeveloped character provide a quieter alternative to Leonard Harrison State Park across the canyon.

Entrance Fee

Free

Visiting with Dogs

Leashed dogs welcome parkwide and at primitive campground (water available). Rim Trail is dog-friendly; avoid canyon rims, keep dogs controlled.

Visitor Tips & Reviews

What Visitors Say

Colton Point: quieter, rustic CCC charm; peaceful, wooded campsites; east-facing overlooks for sunrise; accessible Barbour Rock; often visit both rims.

Tips from Visitors

  • Less crowded than Leonard Harrison - perfect for those seeking solitude
  • Barbour Rock Trail is wheelchair accessible and offers excellent canyon views
  • Primitive camping provides a rustic experience - no showers or electric hookups
  • The overlooks face east, making sunrise viewing spectacular
  • Bring binoculars to spot Leonard Harrison visitors across the canyon
  • Access road can be challenging in winter - four-wheel drive recommended

Amenities

RestroomsParkingPicnic AreasCamping

Nearby Attractions

Explore these attractions near Colton Point State Park:

  • Owassee Rapids
    Class II-III rapids on Pine Creek visible from Barbour Rock overlook
    Within the park
  • Tioga State Forest
    160,000 acres of wilderness surrounding the park with extensive hiking and hunting
    Within the park
  • Leonard Harrison State Park
    East rim park with visitor center and Turkey Path trail - visible across the canyon
    5 miles away

Things to Do at Colton Point State Park

HikingCampingScenic ViewsPhotographyWildlife Viewing

Hiking Trails

Rim Trail

Easy

Relatively flat loop trail linking all canyon viewing areas at Colton Point. Easy walking on mostly level terrain through forest with multiple overlook access points.

1 mi
30-45 minutes
50 ft gain
Easy difficulty

Barbour Rock Trail

Easy

Wheelchair accessible trail to Barbour Rock overlook vista. Offers views down into canyon including Pine Creek and Owassee Rapids. Suitable for all visitors.

3,696 ft
20-30 minutes
25 ft gain
Easy difficulty

Directions

Colton Point State Park is located on the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge. From US Route 6 near Ansonia, follow Colton Road south for 5 miles to the park. The road is winding and narrow in places. From Wellsboro, it's approximately 15 miles via US Route 6 west to Ansonia, then south on Colton Road. Note: To reach Leonard Harrison State Park on the opposite rim requires a 37-mile drive around the canyon. GPS users should use: 5150 Colton Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901.