Bohen Run Falls and West Rim Loop Trail

The Bohen Run Falls and West Rim Loop Trail begins along PA Route 414 approximately two miles south of the village of Blackwell, Tioga County, at the Rattlesnake Rock Parking Area. This is the southern terminus of the West Rim Trail, and also, along with Blackwell, a gateway parking area for the Pine Creek Gorge to the north. The trail starts out on a gradual ascent up Lloyd Run, and ends rather gently with a mile and a half stroll on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. In between, expect a steep descent of Bohen Run with tricky footing in wet weather. This moderately difficult, but very scenic loop offers hikers the chance to experience one of Pennsylvania’s most popular hiking trails, the West Rim Trail. It also offers hikers a taste of the rugged Pennsylvania Grand Canyon’s southern section, a gorgeous view up and down the canyon, and the lovely but seasonal falls on Bohen Run. Also along the trail is an old dynamite shack which, many years ago, was used by the Civilian Conservation Corps to store the dynamite used to construct roads and trails. Expect wet trail conditions where the water table is seasonably high and drainage poor, especially on the high and flat mountaintop. Bring bug spray in the spring to help shoo away gnats. Along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, watch for bald eagles and river otters, critters seldom seen elsewhere in Pennsylvania.