Elk County
Discover Elk County
Elk County certainly lives up to its name. The town of Benezette is the heart of Pennsylvania’s wild elk herd, now numbering nearly 1,400 majestic animals. Paddlers and fishermen will love the Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Hikers can explore the Quehanna Wild Area and a swinging bridge on the Clarion/Little Toby Trail. Straub Brewery has been handcrafting beer in its original location in St. Marys since 1872 making it the third oldest brewery in the country. Ridgway’s “Lily of the Valley” National Historic Register District features stunning mansions and homes, and “Millionaires Row”.
Benezette
Benezette is the ”Elk Capital of Pennsylvania” and is located in the heart of the state’s wild elk herd, now numbering nearly 1,400 majestic animals. The best spot to start an elk viewing adventure is at the Elk Country Visitor Center on Winslow Hill. The Mt. Zion Historical Park near Benezette is a beautiful and quiet place with an honor walkway and Civil War, Veterans, and Boy Scout memorials. The nearby Quehanna Wild Area features a spectacular White Birch grove in the Marion Brooks Natural Area.
Johnsonburg & Wilcox
Johnsonburg is nicknamed “Paper City” for the town’s rich paper production heritage. The Domtar Mill has a working trout hatchery on site and tours can be scheduled. Wilcox is best known for its winery and beautiful views along the Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Here, visitors will find great camping and endless outdoor activities at nearby Bendigo State Park, East Branch Lake, Twin Lakes Recreation Area, and Allegheny National Forest.
Ridgway
The town of Ridgway was founded in the 1800’s and has done a remarkable job of preserving the grandeur of its Victorian past with the “Lily of the Valley” National Historic Register District featuring stunning mansions and homes, including a beautiful courthouse and “Millionaires Row”. Each spring, hundreds of artisans from around the globe demonstrate their skills at the annual Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous. Tasting in the Wilds is a popular food, wine, beer, and art festival held each July. Hikers and cyclists can explore Clarion/Little Toby Trail and kayakers enjoy peaceful paddling on the Wild & Scenic Clarion River.
St. Marys
St. Marys is a city with a strong German Catholic heritage. Straub Brewery has been handcrafting brews in its original location since 1872 making it the third oldest in the country. Visitors can take a brewery tour and sip from “The Eternal Tap”. The lively downtown, known as “The Diamond”, and the “Million Dollar Highway” offer travelers the perfect place to spend time browsing the unique shops and restaurants. Decker’s Chapel is one the smallest churches in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest boasts over a half-million acres of public land with hundreds of miles of trails designated for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ATV, and horseback riding. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, and camping. Some of the more popular trails in Elk County include Brush Hollow Ski Trail, Laurel Mill Trail, Little Drummer Historical Pathway, and Timberline ATV Trail.
276-acre stand of old and very large white pine in Elk State Forest with the interpretative Pine Tree Trail and Hicks Run Camping Area.
Stocked fishing area on St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club property with fishing limited to children 15 years of age and under and disabled anglers only.
Nearly 50,000 acres. Many winding turns along a beautiful mountain stream make Wykoff Run Road a favorite for motorcyclists. Beaver Run Dam's pond and wetlands and Hoover Farm's fields are wildlife viewing areas.
Features Route 219 Welcome Center. Includes information for members and tourists including cards, maps, and a small variety of local and hand crafted souvenirs.
Includes 730 homes, businesses and churches featuring Millionaires' Row. Structures built from 1855 on, in an incredible variety of styles. Maps at Ridgway-Elk County Chamber Main Street.
Lodge in Historical Ridgway with exquisite river view along the scenic Clarion River, minute walk to trailhead, private bank trout fishing and canoe launch.
Family restaurant, extensive menu for all. Pizza, pasta, salads, wraps, wings, nuggets, fries, famous burger bundle, gluten free items available, private parking, spacious dining room.
The Ridgway Heritage Council supports economic development in Ridgway through the preservation of our precious heritage and natural resources that were the original foundation of our community.
Situated on the peaceful banks of the Clarion River, yet only minutes from Downtown Ridgway. Fire rings and picnic tables are provided at ALL sites.
A former president visited this property. A stunning beautiful six-bedroom lodge that sleeps 20 alongside the Clarion River. "A fisherman and sportsman's paradise."
