Pine Creek Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, offers several levels of whitewater rafting. If you have good core body strength, then hit the Class III rapids with a big paddle and energetic strokes. If relaxation in a calming, scenic environment is your remedy, then float along milder Class I or II sections and let your rafting partners put their muscle into the river. Rapids are classified according to danger and difficulty, with Class I being the easiest to navigate.
Whitewater Sections
The canyon, in the north-central part of the state, is named after its more famous cousin because of its depth and breadth. The 47-mile-long and more than 1,000-foot-deep Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania offers four sections for whitewater rafting.
Close to where Pine Creek plunges into the canyon, the most-popular section starts near Ansonia, flowing 17 miles to Blackwell through Class I and II waters.
For more difficult whitewater, Class II to III, try Slate Run, a tributary of Pine Creek. Put in at Slate Run picnic grounds and paddle 6.3-miles to the confluence.
A longer section is Babb Creek, another tributary to Pine Creek. You could make a two-day trip out of this 13.7-mile section of Class I and II water.
The most leisurely section, 10 miles on the Upper Pine from Watrous to Ansonia, attracts families and beginners.
Oufitters
Two companies provide guided whitewater rafting tours in the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Both offer guided tours, shuttle service and rentals of rafts and kayaks, and are in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.
Pine Creek Outfitters' location on the banks of Pine Creek make it a central location for shuttle services. Canyon Cruise is a licensed outfitter that also rents inflatable kayaks and self-baling rafts.
When to Go
Once the ice breaks, the water is navigable. The best time to go whitewater rafting is during spring melt when water is highest. Typically mid-March through mid-June is the good rafting season on Pine Creek.
Water levels drop through the summer, but rise again mid-September through mid-November. You can check water levels online at the U.S. Geological Survey's website, under "Real-Time Water Data Levels." Levels between 2.5 feet and 3.5 feet are optimal for rafting on Pine Creek.
Safety Concerns
Although the river sections through the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania are much more tame than those in the original Grand Canyon in Arizona, any whitewater is dangerous. Always wear a helmet and Coast Guard-approved life vest.
Depending on the river's flow, you will be moving at a rate of 2 to 5 mph. Don't let parts of your body get between the raft and a rock, bridge or submerged tree.
If you do fall overboard, keep your feet in front of you as you float downstream, and remain calm until someone picks you up.
What to Bring
Your outfitter will supply paddles, life vests and rafts. Some outfitters rent wetsuits during colder months. Ask your outfitter how to choose a paddle that is the right length for you. Make sure the life vest's label says that it is Coast Guard-approved, as required by state law.
A waterproof gear bag is important if you want dry clothes to change into. Bring sunscreen, water, snacks, a hat and your camera.
Leave electronic devices locked in the car. Cell service is limited or null in the canyon.
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