Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials Wednesday reminded hikers, bikers and other users of Pine Creek Trail in Lycoming County that a section of the trail will be closed in early September to facilitate required pipeline maintenance.

Effective September 2, a portion of trail will be closed between the Torbert and Ramsey bridges, north of the village of Tombs Run, Lycoming County. Maintenance on the Transcontinental (Transco) natural gas pipeline is expected to be completed by September 20.

“It should be emphasized almost the entire 62-mile trail will remain open during the pipeline maintenance work, and angling, boating and other popular Pine Creek activities will not be affected,” said DCNR Deputy Secretary of Parks and Forests Dan Devlin.

Pipeline work to combat corrosion was completed east of the trail in 2013. An existing structure, the pipeline is part of a 10,200-mile system, extending from South Texas to New York City and providing natural gas from the Gulf Coast to major metropolitan areas in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“The pipeline work has to be done and this is the best time-window -- coming after the summer crush of trail visitors and before the peak fall foliage season and eventual winter weather,” said Devlin. He noted advance notice of the closing has been posted along the trail and in area businesses.

The pipeline crossing is in the Tiadaghton State Forest District, north of Jersey Shore, where the Pine Creek Trail terminates. The other terminus is just north of Wellsboro, Tioga County. The trail travels along Pine Creek Gorge, passing through two state parks and two state forest districts. A multi-use trail, it is enjoyed by hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers.

For more trail details, visit the Leonard Harrison State Park webpage. For more information on the pipeline project, contact the Tiadaghton State Forest District Office at 570-753-5409.

8/25/2014