Wellsboro

Travel Guide

Wellsboro featuring a small town or village
Wellsboro showing heritage architecture
Wellsboro showing heritage architecture
Wellsboro
Photo by Tim Nolt

This pleasantly old-fashioned town is ideal for hiking, biking and canoeing in a dramatic gorge known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

Wellsboro is a lovely town with a down-to-earth charm reminiscent of decades past. Make this your base for exploring the forests and waterfalls of scenic Pine Creek Gorge and its surrounding parklands.

Hike in spectacular Pine Creek Gorge, stretching 50 miles (80 kilometres) long and over 1,000 feet (300 metres) deep. Formed more than 6 million years ago by prehistoric glaciers, the gorge is covered with hardwood and old-growth forests. Look for wild turkeys, deer, river otters and herons. Boat or fish in Pine Creek, which runs along the canyon’s base.

On the canyon’s east rim, find Leonard Harrison State Park, with numerous striking viewpoints over the gorge. Follow the popular Turkey Path Trail, which descends 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) to the bottom of the gorge before looping back up again.

Don’t miss Colton Point State Park, located on the opposite side of the gorge. Spanning 368 acres (149 hectares), this park offers more hiking trails and picturesque views over the canyon.

Back in town, enjoy the old-world atmosphere of the pretty Main Street, which is lined with Victorian gaslights, family-owned businesses and attractive cafés. Stop at Dunham’s Department Store, one of the oldest family-owned and operated stores of its kind remaining in the country. Opened in 1905 as a small grocery, the store has been passed down over the years from one generation to the next and now sells a variety of household items, clothing and toys.

Head outside town to visit the Lumber Heritage Museum, dedicated to the evolution of Pennsylvania’s lumber industry over the centuries. Explore the recreated lumber mill and camp, where you’ll find a blacksmith shop, a bunk house and mess hall. Among the museum’s highlights is a well-preserved 1912 Shay-geared logging locomotive.

One of the best times to visit Wellsboro is June, when the town celebrates the blooming of the state flower during the State Laurel Festival. The town, located in north central Pennsylvania, is best reached by car.

Where to stay in Wellsboro

Wellsboro showing heritage architecture

Wellsboro Historic District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Wellsboro Historic District and surrounding area, you can visit Green Free Library and Wellsboro Plaza.

Wellsboro Historic District
Penn Wells Lodge

Penn Wells Lodge

3 out of 5
4 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA
The price is €141 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€141
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wellsboro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Breakfast was great as well ad the staff tending the breakfast"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Penn Wells Lodge
Penn Wells Historic Hotel

Penn Wells Historic Hotel

3 out of 5
62 Main St, Wellsboro, PA
The price is €124 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€124
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Wellsboro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (512 reviews)
"It's an older hotel, but it's still in reasonable shape"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Penn Wells Historic Hotel
Colton Point Motel

Colton Point Motel

2 out of 5
4643 U.S. 6, Wellsboro, PA
The price is €87 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€87
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wellsboro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Colton Point State Park and Leonard Harrison State ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (61 reviews)
Great motel, stayed for 2 nights
"Walked in and it was instantly comfortable. We had room number 1 which has a king bed and it was very comfy. Bed has super nice and long pillows with warm and soft blankets. Fridge worked fine, lights were nice. My only “complaint” is that I wish the shower curtain was a bit longer or wider, as the ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Colton Point Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming Hideaway suite in the heart of the PA Grand Canyon with AC, WiFi

Charming Hideaway suite in the heart of the PA Grand Canyon with AC, WiFi

Wellsboro
Stay at this apartment in Wellsboro. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Everything was great. Easy check in, AC, nice and clean. The only drawback was internet. I would stay there again."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Charming Hideaway suite in the heart of the PA Grand Canyon with AC, WiFi
PA Grand Canyon cozy mountain retreat on 35 private acres

PA Grand Canyon cozy mountain retreat on 35 private acres

Wellsboro
Stay at this cabin in Wellsboro. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Asaph Run Picnic Area and Asaph Wild Area are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (156 reviews)
"Nice location. Well kept."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

PA Grand Canyon cozy mountain retreat on 35 private acres
Quaint & Cozy Guest House on Main St., park & walk downtown, Wi-Fi available.

Quaint & Cozy Guest House on Main St., park & walk downtown, Wi-Fi available.

Wellsboro
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Wellsboro. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Green Free Library and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
"Very nice property! Owner was very responsive and we enjoyed our stay. The house was very clean too."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Quaint & Cozy Guest House on Main St., park & walk downtown, Wi-Fi available.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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