Rail-Trail Guidebook captures essence of Pine Creek Valley
Rail-Trail Guidebook captures essence of Pine Creek Valley
By Tyler Frantz
“Rich in history and natural beauty, this is a ride through the timeless Pine Creek Valley, where the steps of Native Americans, miners, loggers and families echo close by, just in another dimension, the dimension of time… Each season of the year offers its special view of an untainted, exquisite, natural wild area… Spend a few hours here and it’s easy to imagine the stories of bygone times. Come and join the ghosts of the past and me on a bike ride to remember.” –Linda Stager
These are the words of author Linda Stager, a Wellsboro, PA resident, as she takes readers on a mile-by-mile narrated tour of the exceptional 62-mile Pine Creek Rail-Trail in her 208-page paperback, “The Pine Creek Rail-Trail Guidebook: A Bicycle Ride Through History.” Throughout the book, Stager points out notable landmarks, tells stories of the region’s abounding history and imparts practical advice for a successful trip on this award-winning trail built along the former Pine Creek railroad corridor, which spans from Stokesdale to Jersey Shore in Pennsylvania’s northern tier.
With stunning photography illustrating the journey, Stager divides the trail into seven sections, using mileage markers to point out particular areas of interest. The book is rife with anecdotes of Stager’s personal travels, as well as regional folklore and old photos capturing the true essence of the area. There are also separate sections detailing the Access Areas for the trail, Rules and Regulations, weather, distances and practical advice for bicycling the trail.
“Riding rail-trails has become exceedingly popular,” Stager explained when asked of her interest in trail riding. “Mountain biking is hard with so many in-the-woods obstacles, while road biking is dangerous due to traffic concerns. But riding on a rail-trail fits the bill. It’s safe because it’s out of the way of cars traveling at highway speeds.” “The Pine Creek Rail-Trail has limited road crossings and most of its 62 miles is totally off the highway. It’s flat, so even weak riders can ride safely and strongly. Plus, it’s well groomed with split-rail fencing, mowed areas, campgrounds and comfort stations (restrooms), all courtesy of DCNR and the State Forest Departments.”
Another glowing perk is that rail-trails accommodate all types of riders, from die-hard cyclists to recreational leisure riders and families to anglers looking for remote access to some of the best trout and bass fishing water in the state. All of which can enjoy the trail with bikes they probably already own. “Most any bike will do to ride a rail-trail, so there is no need for special equipment, extra gears or special tires; just ride,” Stager said. “I’ve seen road bikes on the trail (though it’s a little hard because of the narrow tires), spider bikes and everything in between, including hybrids, cruisers, recumbent bikes and trikes. They all work.”
Throwing a bike rack on the back of one’s vehicle can be a worthwhile task when taking a summer vacation because is provides a fun, lively activity for the whole family to enjoy free of charge. And when it comes to family-friendly atmospheres, there’s no better destination than the Pine Creek Valley.
“The Pine Creek Valley is down home friendly,” Stager said. “Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the people are welcoming. There are little towns with general stores, restaurants, and inns to visit. Skilled local artisans make many of the crafts. If you like a safe, welcoming environment, this is the place to visit. It’s isolated, with a flavor of the wilderness, yet close enough to larger towns for an urban day trip.” But the best part about the valley is its rich natural resources, untamed wilderness and intriguing natural history, all perfectly captured and explained in Stager’s book. She documents the struggles of the area’s earliest white settlers in the 1700s, the lumber boom and railroad expansion of the 1800s, and the trail’s drastic transformation in the modern era- all in the heart of one breathtaking and picturesque valley.
“Pine Creek Valley is very scenic,” Stager said. “There are mountains to see, a large pristine creek with rafters, kayakers, tubers and fishermen in it, and beautiful mountain runs with waterfalls all along the trail.” “And those beautiful old railroad bridges?” she added. “There are several- which is typical of most rail-trails- but a signature trait of the Pine Creek Rail-Trail in particular. People like to get outdoors, and this activity makes it happen. Whether you like wildlife, like to bird, camp or picnic, you can do it all on the rail-trail.”
Stager’s book, “The Pine Creek Rail-Trail Guidebook: A Bicycle Ride Through History” can be purchased online at www.pinecreekvalley.com for $15.99. Many local retailers along the trail, including campgrounds, restaurants, general stores, motels, B&Bs and state parks within the Pine Creek Valley also offer the guidebook for sale. Check it out for a great read!
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