West Rim Trail - History

History

The Pine Creek Gorge is believed to have been formed at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation, when retreating glaciers provided large amounts of water and dammed Pine Creek's northward flow. The creek flowed south instead, carving the gorge in a few thousand years.

Portions of the trail follow old abandoned logging roads and railroad grades. These are left over from the 19th and early 20th century when the lumber industry cut down almost all the trees in the area. The state of Pennsylvania purchased the land, often at tax sales after it was abandoned and clear-cut. In the 1930s, some Civilian Conservation Corps work was done in the state forest and state parks, building recreational facilities and making roads.

The Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area was originally 8,153 acres (32.99 km2) and extended from Ansonia south to Jerry Run, and from rim to rim of the canyon, plus 300 feet (91 m) on each side. In 1968 the Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area was designated a National Natural Landmark. This was expanded to 13,100 acres (53 km2) in 1993, to include land up to Claymine Road on the east rim and West Rim, Paiter-Leetonia, and Colton Roads on the West Rim. The natural area extends 18 miles (29 km) along Pine Creek.

The West Rim Trail opened in 1982, originally as a 21 miles (34 km) long trail from the current southern terminus at Lloyd Run and Rattlesnake Rocks to the Refuge Trail. The final 9 miles (14 km) of the trail were completed in 1985, extending it to the current northern terminus near Ansonia.