Leonard Harrison State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Leonard Harrison State Park is a popular destination in the state of Pennsylvania, known for its scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities.


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Summary

The park is located in Tioga County, overlooking the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.

Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking in the stunning natural surroundings. The park also offers a visitor center with exhibits on the park's history and geology.

One of the main attractions of Leonard Harrison State Park is its overlook, which provides breathtaking views of the Pine Creek Gorge. The overlook is accessible by car or a short hike from the park's parking area.

Interesting facts about the park include that it was once home to Native American tribes and was later used for logging before being established as a state park in 1922. The Pine Creek Gorge itself is over 50 miles long and reaches depths of up to 1,450 feet.

The best time of year to visit Leonard Harrison State Park is in the fall, when the leaves on the surrounding trees change colors, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Overall, Leonard Harrison State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Pennsylvania, offering natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historical significance all in one place.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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