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 & Kersey
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. A short drive-up Boot Jack Mountain is the community of Kersey. It is home to Elk County Fair and features the beautiful Fox Township Park, Fox Tail Trail, and the Elk County Riders ATV organization.
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.
Spanning 15.3 acres, this community space features a pool, ADA playground, 10 bathrooms, 2 pavilions, 3 tennis courts, 5 baseball fields, and rental building.
Mountain cabin located minutes from local attractions. Sleeps four, has porch, fire pit, and DirecTV. Sit and have coffee with the elk. Follow on Facebook.
190,031 acres in Elk, Cameron, and three other counties. Named "Moss-hanne" or "moose stream." from Native-American descriptions of the waterway that runs through it.
Stone walkway featuring 600-plus granite plaques honoring local veterans, a Civil War monument, a special "Veterans' Walkway" and "Citizens' Walkway" informational kiosk, and antique gristmills.
One stop shop for all things bike - new bikes, repairs, parts, accessories. Your bikepacking base camp - gear, routes, knowledge.
Demonstration forest dedicated to two state foresters James Noble and Lester Chambers who died in the line of duty during an explosion in September 1967.
A rustic clean cabin in the prime elk viewing area near the bottom of Gray Hill, spacious kitchen, sleeps six. Watch elk from your porch.
Live chainsaw carving, sculpture, walking sticks, pottery, paintings, jewelry, heirloom toys and cutting boards by Martin, Kathleen, and Vic DePasse. Details on Facebook at Nuthatch Studio.
The Borough of Ridgway works tirelessly to provide various recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors alike. All new playground equipment and restroom facility.
Vacation Rental: Right on the Bennett Branch Creek, right on the Trail of Dreams ATV System, and right in the heart of Wild Elk Country.
