America and Pennsylvania celebrate the 250th anniversary of signing the declaration of independence in 2026. The beautiful Cameron County Bell is part of the Bell Across America. It was painted by artist Sarah Jane Daley and is on display at Sarah Jane’s Art Studio in downtown Emporium.
Here is a message from the County Commissioners inviting you visit Cameron County in 2026: “Cameron County is the ideal place to retreat to the mountains for a peaceful getaway in the heart of the PA Wilds — a place where the beauty of nature intertwines with the deep, enduring story of those who shaped this land long before it became a county. Visitors seeking to unplug from their busy lives will find lush forests, glaciated valleys, and world-class mountain streams, but they’ll also be walking the same ground first settled by some of America’s earliest veterans.”
A Land First Shaped by Frontier Families and Revolutionary-War Veterans
Long before Cameron County was officially formed in 1860, this region drew hardy pioneers — including several Revolutionary War veterans and their families — who sought opportunity in the dense Allegheny wilderness. Men such as Elihu Chadwick, a documented Revolutionary War veteran, helped carve the first settlements out of the mountains in the early 1800s. These early families brought with them the same spirit of independence that carried them through the Revolution, and they left an enduring mark on the land: they built mills, cleared the first roadways, and opened up the valleys to the generations that would follow.
Though the wildness of the region kept records sparse, oral histories, pension rolls, and land-grant evidence show that numerous veterans of the Continental Army and state militias eventually settled in what would become Cameron County — tying the roots of this quiet mountain region directly to the founding generation.
Natural Beauty and Endless Exploration
Today, that same terrain provides a rich habitat for bald eagles, elk, deer, bear, turkeys, coyotes, bobcats, fishers, and countless species of fish and small game. The opportunity for exploration is endless; this is the perfect place to venture into the unknown.
Emporium, the county seat, is a scenic town filled with public art and immediate access to outdoor adventure. The 18.9-mile West Creek Trail, connected to more than 200,000 acres of Elk State Forest, winds between Emporium and St. Marys. Open to bicyclists, snowmobilers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, the trail flows directly into downtown restaurants, shops, and lodging.
The county’s adventurous spirit shines through signature events like the Sinnemahone Triple Crown — a canoe race, an ultra-trail run, and the Beyond the Dirt gravel bike event, which raises funds for causes such as childhood cancer support and veteran suicide prevention.
Hundreds of miles of forest roads make the wilds accessible to everyone, from casual explorers to committed adventurers. Ridge Road offers sweeping vistas along Route 120, while regular community events bring residents and visitors together for music, food, and celebration — from the annual Sinnemahoning Snake Hunt to Weekend in the Wilds, Bigfoot hunts, duck races, and the famous fireworks that light up the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors region.
A Legacy of Service: From the Revolution to the Bucktails and Beyond
The county’s military legacy did not end with its early settlers. When the Civil War erupted, residents of this region answered the call and helped form one of the most legendary units in American history: the Bucktail Regiment — renowned sharpshooters selected for their frontier skill, marksmanship, and resilience. Men from Driftwood and nearby communities famously rafted downriver to join the regiment, carrying the spirit of the mountains with them into major battles such as Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg.
This tradition of service continued into the 20th century. Despite being one of Pennsylvania’s smallest counties, Cameron County produced over a thousand veterans by the mid-1970s, with residents serving bravely in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. That legacy is honored today by groups like the Cameron County Memorial Detail, who continue to stand watch at ceremonies and community events, preserving the proud heritage of those who served before them.
Dark Skies, Elk Country, and Trails Through Time
The Bucktail Overlook, locally known as the Top of the World, provides breathtaking views, while the region’s dark skies make Cameron County one of the finest stargazing locations in the PA Great Outdoors. A new stargazing and wildlife-viewing park is being developed, currently hosting summer Dark Sky Parties and offering unmatched chances to see the heavens above and wildlife roaming below.
To the east, Sinnemahoning State Park attracts visitors from across the Northeast for its abundant wildlife, educational programs, and pontoon tours along the Stevenson Dam. The Quehanna Wild Area, stretching over 50,000 acres, offers some of the best elk viewing and remote exploration in Pennsylvania. Wykoff Road provides legendary motorcycle riding, while Backcountry Discovery Routes open the region to adventure motorcyclists through winding gravel corridors. Sizerville State Park rounds out the county’s public lands with camping, a pool, and trails ideal for family outings.
Hunting, Fishing, and Four-Season Recreation
Every spring, anglers fill the cold mountain streams in anticipation of trout season, fishing some of the best waters in the state. In the fall and winter, hunters return to camp in the endless mountains pursuing turkey, deer, black bear, and small game — carrying forward traditions that tie back to both the earliest settlers and the famed Bucktail marksmen.
A Place to Disconnect — And to Remember
Cameron County is your ideal place for adventure, tranquility, and community. Amid the endless mountain views, the rugged trails, the state parks, and the quiet streams, visitors also walk in the footsteps of the veterans and pioneers who shaped this region and nation from its earliest days.
Cameron County is more than a destination — it is a living story of nature, courage, and American heritage. It’s a place to disconnect from everyday life, reconnect with the wild, and feel the presence of history written into the forests and rivers.
Come venture the unknown.
Plan your adventure in Cameron County at VisitPAGO.com.
