Fall Driving Tours
Autumn in the PA Great Outdoors region is a special time of the year. The air is cool and crisp and our forests are dancing with bright orange, yellow and red leaves blowing in the breeze. If you go on a leaf drive, Mother Nature’s crazy quilt of colors can be enjoyed around almost every bend in the road wherever you go. We have put together several recommended routes with a number of our favorite stops along the way. This is second of four driving tours that will be posted to this blog on upcoming Saturdays.
Elk Country Loop
(76 miles, 2 hours)
Take a self-guided tour of Elk Country on this scenic loop. The drive includes an excursion through a magnificent river valley along Rt. 120 from St. Marys over to Emporium and down to Driftwood. In Emporium, stop by the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce (A) to see the PA Wilds Artisan display and get information about the area. The loop also leads through the heart of the elk range from Driftwood to Weedville on Rt. 555. The Fred Woods Trail (B), near Driftwood on Rt. 555, offers a magnificent scenic overlook, known as
the “Top of the World.” (Turn onto Castle Garden Road, which turns into Mason Hill Road. Parking is on the left.) If you have time for a side-trip, you should check out the new Wildlife Center (C) and the Stevenson Dam (D) located in Sinnemahoning State Park. The center has interactive exhibits and displays and the dam has beautiful scenery and many bald eagle sightings. The side-trip will add about 30 miles to your drive. Rt. 555 winds along the Bennett Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek. It travels through small towns such as Benezette, where
the Elk Country Visitor Center (E) is a popular attraction for kids and adults. You’ll be glad you stopped at the new Old Bull Cafe (F) for hand-dipped ice cream, s’mores around the campfire, or a sandwich and a great cup of coffee. The little town of Weedville is just a few miles down the road. We recommend stopping at the Weedville Hotel (G), where you can enjoy great homemade Italian food and fresh dough pizza.
For more information on fall events in the region and fall foliage driving tours, go to VisitPAGO.com/scenic-drives/ or call the PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau at (814) 849-5197.
