Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors Region works so well when it comes to affordable summer family fun. Here, visitors will find more than 1-million acres of forest and public land, including State Forests, State Parks, Wild Areas, and the Allegheny National Forest, which is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. In Cameron, Elk, and Forest Counties there are multiple water trails, hiking and cycling systems, and state parks all within a short drive from each other.

Here are 20 Things to do this Summer in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors Region:

1. Visiting a State Park-Each state park here has something unique and special to offer visitors.

• Bendigo State Park is 100 acres on East Branch of the Clarion River with a pool and cold waters that offer year-round fly fishing for trout.
• Bucktail State Park Natural Area is 6,400 acres near Emporium with 4 major hiking trails.
• Clear Creek State Park is more than 1,900 acres and occupies a scenic portion of the Clear Creek and Clarion River Valleys. Beartown Rocks nearby.
• Cook Forest State Park is 8,500 acres and is best known for its stands of giant old growth forest and Seneca Point.
• Elk State Park is nearly 3,200 acres in the rugged mountains surrounding East Branch Lake and headwaters of the East Branch of the Clarion River.
• Parker Dam State Park is 968 acres with a small lake and old-fashioned charm.
• Sinnemahoning State Park is 1,910 acres with a Wildlife Center and George B. Reservoir. The park features beautiful scenery and outstanding wildlife habitat for elk, eagles, and other wildlife.
• Sizerville State Park is 386 acres with a pool and surrounded by nearly a half-million acres of state forest land.

1. Hiking–there are tons of hiking trails to explore. Everything from short walks to overnight and long-distance trails. The Sensory Trail at Cook Forest is the first ADA/Disabled type trail in PA State Park system.
2. Kayaking & Tubing– There are three designated water trails in the region with outstanding paddling and fishing along with spectacular scenic mountain views. There are canoe/kayak liveries in Cook Forest and Johnsonburg.
3. Cycling– The new Wild Elk Gravel Trail system in Cameron County and new Mountain Bike trail under construction at Sandy Beach Park outside of Ridgway are great places to ride and enjoy nature.
4. Cruise in Style–Ride through the mountains with wind in your hair on Sling Shot rented from Outdoor Recreation Unlimited in St. Marys.
5. ATV Riding–The Allegheny National Forest in Forest County and the new Trail of Dreams ATV system in Elk County are great places to kick up a little dust.
6. Elk Viewing–Elk cows and calves can be seen frolicking and feeding wildflower field meadows. The bulls will be in small groups with velvet covering their quickly growing antlers. Elk are most active at this time of the year with the daytime heat at dawn and dusk.
7. Disc Golf-This is one of the hottest growing sports in America. There are fun courses to play at Tionesta Lake, Clear Creek State Park, and the new Valley Disc Golf at the Bennetts Valley Community Center in Weedville.

9. Go Chasing Waterfalls-There are many waterfalls and numerous unnamed cascades in the mountains of Cameron, Elk, and Forest Counties. Some are only active during spring runoff and after recent rains. Here are some of the more well-known waterfalls in the region.

• Brooks Run Falls is located off Route 872 on Brooks Run Road.
• Henry Run Sawmill Dam in Cook Forest State Park. It is manmade waterfall but still worth the hike.
• Logan Falls is located on Coal Bed Road in the Allegheny National Forest about 9 miles from Marienville.
• Table Falls is located on Paige Run just off Red Run Road in the Quehanna Wild Area.
• Wykoff Run Falls is roadside waterfall of Wykoff Run Road in the Quehanna Wild Area.

1. Take a Drive–Fill the tank, turn on the air conditioning, and hit the road to enjoy the spectacular scenery the region has to offer. Historic Route 120 in Elk and Cameron Counties, Route 666 in Forest County, River Road in Cook Forest, Wykoff Run Road, the Elk Scenic Drive, and the many backroads here offer endless opportunities to explore what is around the next turn.
2. Brewery Tour-Straub has been brewing beer in St. Marys since 1872. Visitors can schedule at tour of this iconic brewery and sample from the famous “EternalTap”.
3. Bird Watching-Bald eagles can often be spotted along the rivers and larger streams here.  Ridge Road near Sinnemahoning State Park, Cook Forest State Park, and Buzzard Swamp Wildlife Management Area in the Allegheny National Forest are just a few of popular birding locations in the region.
4. Boating–Hit the water for a day of sun and fun. East Branch Lake and Tionesta Lake are popular places to open the throttle and make some waves.
5. Experience Wildlife & Nature-The Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park, Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, The Farmers Inn in Sigel, and Double Diamond Deer Ranch in Cook Forest are great places for family fun and to learn about some of creatures found here.
6. Go Camping–State Parks and the Allegheny National Forest offer campgrounds. There are also some great family-friendly and equestrian only campgrounds in the region.

• Bear Claw Campground in Marienville
• Big Elk Lick Horse Campground in Benezette
• Cook Forest Scenic Trail Ride & Dude Ranch in Cook Forest
• Elk Country Campground in Driftwood
• Elk Crossing 555 General Store & Campground in Benezette
• Flying W Ranch Cabins & Camping in Tionesta
• Forest Ridge Cabins and Campground in Marienville
• Lake Lucy RV Park in Tionesta
• Lakeview Store & Cabins in Sinnemahoning
• Ridgway Mills Campsites in Ridgway
• Riverview Campsites in Benezette
• Sharon’s Horse Heaven, Equestrian Cabin & Camping in Marienville.

16. Go Fishing-The clear cool waters in mountains of Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors Region provide exceptional trout fishing. Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the larger streams and rivers. The northern Clarion River is famous for big wild brown trout. The Sinnemahoning Watershed is popular for both trout and bass fishing. The mighty Allegheny near Tionesta is also known for big musky and walleye.
17. Take the Pour Tour-Visit the unique Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries in the region.
18. Visit Lighthouse Island–At the confluence of Tionesta Creek and the Allegheny River stands the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse on Lighthouse Island in Tionesta. The 5-acre island is open to public and features a Peace Park, boat launch, fishing pier, and one-mile walk/bike trail.
19. Attending a Festival-The 2026 summer season is packed with fun festivals, fairs, and events. A complete list of upcoming events can be found on our website. Here are just a few of the fun things happening here this year.
20. Seeing Historic Homes–Ridgway’s Lily of the Valley National Historic Register District includes 730 homes, businesses and churches featuring Millionaires’ Row. Structures were built from 1855 on, in an incredible variety of styles. Maps at Ridgway-Elk County Chamber on Main Street.