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
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.
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.
A vacation rental renovated to its original 1910 decor and beauty in this craftsman-built home.
A vacation rental renovated to its original 1907 decor and beauty. Enjoy all modern amenities in this craftsman-built home.
Big, beautiful log cabin on the Clarion River. Brand new direct access to the river and room for a couple families.
A home away from home. Three queen bedrooms, two full baths, natural gas fireplace, full kitchen, two stall garage. 5-Stars Reviews. Book through Evolve.com.
Private, modern, hillside vacation rental overlooking historic Ridgway. Roku TV, free wireless internet, linens and towels provided, fully equipped kitchen and laundry, outdoor fire ring.
This all-volunteer organization was founded in 2016 to create and maintain hike, bike, and ski trails in the southeastern portion of the Allegheny National Forest.
Along with the rich variety of outdoor adventures, many camping opportunities are available with equestrian, RV, and backpacking campsites. Camping reservations (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov.
Year-round cabins in Elk Country. One and two bedroom, full amenities, spectacular views, elk viewing. Near Elk Country Visitor Center, bottom of Gray Hill Road.
Fresh gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and soft serve ice cream. Outdoor seating available. A must stop for lots of great eats and treats.
Art gallery offering chainsaw carvings and pottery. Family artisans showcase their work at our gallery. Offering classes in chainsaw carving and pottery.
