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.
Big Maple Family Farm is a generational family farm striving to serve the local area with fresh products that will help make food plates healthier.
BMFNT is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help enhance the daily lives of individuals through positive interactions with equines.
We stock and sell Rambo E-bikes from Winslow Hill, Benezette, PA. A great way to see the elk herd and explore the local trails.
Cabin rental on private lane as well as a tent/small camper lot.
Easy 1.4 mile well marked and maintained self-guided providing access to Twin Lakes Hiking Trail, connecting the Mill Creek and Brush Hollow Trails.
Monthly craft and vendor market & gift shop featuring a wide array of unique handmade products from Central and Western PA artisans as well as local small businesses.
Specializing in homemade ice cream, soup, sandwiches, salads, paninis, specialty coffees.
Fly fishing shop & guide service specializing in fully-guided all tackle float trips for trophy brown trout on the Clarion River and other Pennsylvania waterways.
Scenic trail along Big Mill Creek with three loops totaling 7.7 miles for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The trail-head offers parking and restrooms.
Minutes to trails, viewing areas, waterways, and attractions, this convenient location also has a generous private yard, firepit area and pavilion.
