The trail begins just north of Wellsboro, runs south through Pine Creek Gorge (also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania) and ends at Jersey Shore.

A article in USA Today from 2001 named the 65-mile-long (105 km) trail as one of the "10 great places to take a bike tour" in the world.

In 2001, an article in the USA Today newspaper named the Pine Creek Rail Trail one of "10 great places to take a bike tour" in the world.

It was one of only five places in the continental United States on the list, which was compiled by Patricia Vance, author of bicycle touring guides.

The article cited the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania" as "idyllic in fall" and mentioned the "gorge with views of the cliffs and mixed hardwood forest".

[1] During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps built numerous roads, bridges, and trails through the area.

Without a written permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, motorized vehicles are strictly forbidden from using the trail.

There are camping sites along the trail, but require permits be obtained in advance from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The next phase of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail, in neighboring Clinton County, will link to the southern terminus in Jersey Shore.