Pine Creek Rail Extension
Trail Advisory Council (TAC)
The Trail Advisory Council (TAC) is a volunteer council with the purpose of providing community and stakeholder input to the teams developing trails in Tioga County. The Council is comprised of local organizations like Develop Tioga, GROW, and Chambers of Commerce, state agencies like PennDOT and DCNR, as well as local volunteers and trail enthusiasts. The TAC meets bi-monthly in person and via Zoom for project and funding updates, as well as stakeholder updates and input from community members. For more information on TAC and meeting times please sign up below:
Project Overview
The Pine Creek Rail Trail Extension (PCRTE) project (formerly Marsh Creek Greenway) is a 3.2-mile non-motorized trail linking the current northern terminus of the Pine Creek Rail Trail (PCRT) to downtown Wellsboro. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has identified this project as a priority gap in the 2020-2024 Pennsylvania Trail Network Strategic Plan. Along with DCNR’s identification, the local communities, regional planning organization and Tioga County have also determined that connecting Wellsboro to the Pine Creek Rail trail is a priority. The interconnectivity of PCRT and Wellsboro improves the quality of life, encourages residents to participate in active recreation, provides an alternative means of transportation, and enhances the connective tissue between communities throughout the PA Wilds region.
Along with the 3.2 miles of trail, a trailhead building with a visitor’s center and a downtown connection to the trail are in the planning phases. The trailhead building will feature community-centric displays, local business features, trail resources, and local history. The downtown connection will encompass a safe mode of travel for pedestrians to make their way from the trail to the shops, restaurants, and hotels of downtown Wellsboro.
Community Impact
An economic impact study was completed in 2019 to quantify the impact this trail extension will have on our community and local businesses. This study observed spending patterns, current trail use, population, demographics and other factors to predict the impact the trail extension will have on the area. It is predicted that the trail extension will increase tourism, workforce development, quality of life, increased property values, and healthy active lifestyles. We know that economic development will be realized by the investment in assets like the Pine Creek Rail Trail Extension- Marsh Creek Greenway.
Highlights of the study: Click here
The entire Impact Analysis can be accessed here: Click Here
Timeline for Construction
2021- The project shifts to begin design on an on-rail alignment and planning begins with the following components:
Northern Section – Hilboldt Road to Pine Creek Rail Trail
- 2021
- Preliminary Designs Established
- 2022
- Secure Funding for Final Design
- 2023
- Establish Final Design
- 2024
- Construction Package Ready for Bid
Southern Section – Hilboldt Road to Charleston Street Trailhead
- 2021
- Preliminary Designs Established
- 2022
- Final Design and Construction Package
- 2023
- Ground Breaking- Construction of the Southern Section
Patterson Trailhead Facility – Charleston Street
- 2018
- Preliminary Designs Established
- 2019
- Property Acquired
- 2021
- Site development began
- 2022
- Secure funding for final design
- 2023
- Final Design of Building and Site
- 2024
- Construction Package Ready for Bid
Charleston Street Connection – Patterson Trailhead- Downtown Wellsboro
- 2021
- Feasibility study with public input
- Preliminary design began
- 2022
- Secure Final Design and Funding for connection from The Patterson Trailhead to Charleston Street.
- 2023
- Final Design of Charleston Street Connector
- Construction Package Ready for Bid