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.
3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath country home located in the town of Benezette. Sleeps 6. Local attractions within walking distance. Smoke free, no pets. Recently renovated. WIFI.
Newly remodeled rooms. Full-menu restaurant. Perfect atmosphere for a business lunch, family dinner, small get-together, or just drinks with friends. Open 11am daily, Closed Monday.
53-mile trail through the 200,000-acre Elk State Forest with two loops for shorter rides. Trailhead is off Hicks Run Road (near Route 555).
38 miles of trails. Connects to the Marienville ATV Trail. Camping is permitted along the trail and at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area. Motorbikes and snowmobiles also permitted. 2025 Trail Detour Map Below:
Voted "Best in Elk County" 5 years in a row. Featuring specialized blends with spirits made from all- natural ingredients. Conveniently located on Route 255. Choose to Shine!
Campground, Black Cherry National Recreational Trail, and fishing pier. Bathhouse pavilion, swimming, and picnic areas open from March through October.
Impressive geological formation, formed by the effects of wind and water over millions of years, accessible by a hiking trail. Directions to Umbrella Rock
Mural by Liz Dippold that raises awareness about the importance of protecting our local streams, river, and aquatic life.
Public mural by Mickayla Poland to promote water-quality. Remember storm drains run directly into water sources like the Clarion River without being filtered or cleaned.
Public mural by Liz Dippold to raise awareness about stormwater. Remember, healthy waterways start with healthy practices around our homes and workplaces.
