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.
Public mural by Mickayla Poland to raise awareness about the effects stormwater can have on our waterways.
Mural by Liz Dippold featuring Brook Trout, Green Drake Mayfly, and the Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly that are all native species and extremely sensitive to water quality.
Public mural by Mickayla Poland art to promote water-quality improvements throughout Elk County and the importance of keeping drains clear of garbage and toxic chemicals.
New scenic 9-hole disc golf course with red and blue tees, new cornhole boards and bocce courts at the Jay Township Community Park.
Charming, fully furnished two bedroom (queen beds), one bath, patio, chiminea and grill. Covered pavilion and picnic area all in the heart of Elk Country.
Large, fully furnished family home nestled in beautiful Elk Country. Four bedroom (queen beds), two bath, screened & covered porches, fire pit, grill and more.
Lodge for 8 plus 10 modern Guest Cabins for 1-6 people each. 5 Cabins w/whirlpool tubs. Fully equipped and private. Creekside, wooded and clean.
Five clean, comfortable rooms with a shared bath. Free WIFI. Located along the Elk Scenic drive. Serving homemade Italian dinners, fresh dough pizza and Stromboli, plus burgers, subs, and sides.
19-mile rail-trail from St. Marys to Emporium for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Open year round.
Walking trail with wooden observation deck and interpretive educational signs providing information on wetland functions and species. Pavilion with picnic tables and benches. Open dawn to dusk June-October.
