Pine Creek Challenge
Wellsboro, United States • 12 Sep 2026
Pine Creek Challenge
The Pine Creek Challenge is a trail running event near Wellsboro, PA, organized by Tyoga Running Club. It uses the Pine Creek Rail Trail and an out-and-back layout that includes 25 miles of the upper "Canyon" section through the Pine Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark.
The rail trail surface is fine crushed stone, roughly 20 feet wide, and allows no motorized traffic. The route has a barely perceptible grade to the south, losing about 900 feet over 63 miles. Wildlife is common along the corridor, including bald eagle nesting sites, river otters from a reintroduction effort, deer, foxes, and coyotes. The event takes place in early September when leaves begin to change color.
Distance options offered:
- 100 Miler
- 100K
- 50 Miler
- Marathon
Course formats vary by distance: the 100 mile course makes multiple passes through the canyon, 100K and 50 mile courses reach Blackwell, and the marathon turns at Tiaghdaton. The organizer notes the event is beginner friendly due to the trail surface and low grade, but strongly recommends that 100 mile entrants have previously completed a 50 mile or longer run. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.