The gorge is also protected by the state of Pennsylvania as the Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area, which is the second largest State Natural Area in Pennsylvania. Within this area, of Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks are designated a State Park Natural Area. The state Natural Area runs along Pine Creek from Darling Run in the north (just below Ansonia) to Jerry Run in the south (just above Blackwell). It is approximately long and wide, with state forest roads providing all of the western border and part of the eastern border.