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Pine Creek Rail Trail User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis

The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a 62.6-mile trail in north-central Pennsylvania that passes through the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania”. In 2006, 82% of trail users surveyed purchased hard goods in conjunction with their trail use with an average expenditure of $354, and 86% purchased food at an average purchase per person cost on their most recent trail outing of $30. Fifty-seven percent of survey respondents had an overnight stay in conjunction with a trail excursion.

Survey & Economic Impact Findings:

  • In 2006, 82% of the sample responded that their use of the trail had influenced a purchase of "hard goods" items including bikes, bike supplies, auto accessories, shoes, clothing and camping gear.
  • The average of these "hard goods" purchases was $354.
  • 86% of the sample responded that their use of the trail had influenced a purchase of "soft goods" including drinks and food items on their most recent visit to the trail.
  • The average of these "soft goods" purchses was $30.
  • 57% of the sample indicated that their trail visit included an overnight stay.
  • The average expenditure per night was $69.08.
  • The average number of nights per stay was 3.34.