Northwest Pennsylvania's Great Outdoors Destinations Ridgway

Destinations: Ridgway

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Ridgway When you drive into Ridgway, you enter one of Pennsylvania's Hidden Secrets. Built in the late 1800s, buildings and homes display the grandeur of the Victorian Era. A stroll down the streets of town gives visitors a sense of magnificent times gone by. Throughout the years, Ridgway has maintained it's friendly small-town atmosphere. The area is graced with unique specialty shops, quaint restaurants, charming bed and breakfasts and motels. Whether you live here, or have never visited, you are always welcome. Avoid the hustle and bustle. There is no need to travel any further to enjoy the great outdoors. Nearby resides the largest wild, free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi numbering more than 700. Here, in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, there is an abundance of trails for hiking, biking and cross country skiing; the scenic Clarion River for canoeing, rafting and fishing; and a multitude of outdoor activities. Wild and Scenic Clarion River The Clarion River meanders for more than 100 miles past undisturbed forests and steep-sided hillsides, providing spectacular views and a sense of isolation. The Clarion is located in northwestern Pennsylvania and a major tributary to the Allegheny River. The East and West Branches of the river originate in McKean County and flow southerly before merging at Johnsonburg in Elk County. The East Branch Dam located northeast of Johnsonburg controls the headwaters. From the confluence at Johnsonburg, the river flows 95 miles before emptying into the Allegheny just south of Foxburg. From Ridgway in Elk County to the backwaters of the Piney Reservoir in Clarion County, 51.7 miles is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River with recreational and scenic segments. The Clarion has a unique picturesque quality with diverse and mature vegetation, sinuous channels and varying water conditions. This river is truly a wild and scenic waterway. The Clarion is popular for family canoeing, as well as for trophy brown trout and small mouth bass fishing. Public access locations are available at Portland Mills and Irwin Run Bridge.

Accommodations Allegheny National Forest Camping reservations 1-877-444-6777 More than a half-million acres of outdoor recreation! Includes a marina, 6 boat launches, 6 canoe access sites, a marina, 11 picnic areas, 4 beaches, and more than 600 camp sites.See also, Recreation below. Elk County Elk Farm/B & B 12 miles W of Ridgway on Rt. 949 (814) 772-6810 Elk county's only working domestic elk farm. Remodeled 1800s barn B&B. Private baths, continental breakfast. elkrazr@yahoo.com Faircroft B & B 1181 Montmorenci Road Ridgway, PA 15853 814-772-8642 Enjoy the hospitality in this country bed and breakfast. Visit the Allegheny National Forest and view the elk, while enjoying the relaxation evident throughout the region. Royal Inn Boot Jack Road, Ridgway (814) 773-3153 Share our "hometown" brand of hospitality in this charming country inn. Lodging, dining & banquet facilities The Towers Victorian Inn 330 South St., Ridgway (814) 772-7657 Finest elegant, historic lodging with unmatched hospitality. We now have carriage house condo-style two bedroom suites for families with children. A picture perfect Romantic getaway! Six beautiful guest rooms with private baths. Near the Pennsylvania Elk Herd and Allegheny National Forest.

Attractions Elk County Historical Society 109 Center St., Ridgway (814) 776-1032 Museum houses an interesting collection of historical artifacts pertinent to the history of Ridgway county. Replica doctor's office and pharmaceutical equipment on display. Ridgway Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous Downtown Ridgway Ridgway, PA 15853 814-772-0400 Chainsaw carvers from across the country and around the world gather each February for this gathering. This is the largest gathering of chainsaw talent you will find. Event features a charity auction of tremendous carvings and highlights include an ice sculpture demonstration along with the various wood sculptures. The Ridgway Heritage Council P.O. Box 285 Ridgway, PA 15853 (814) 772-7657 The Ridgway Heritage Council is a volunteer based non-profit corporation dedicated to downtown revitalization with a focus on historic preservation.

Recreation Allegheny National Forest Camping reservations 1-877-444-6777 Ranger Station 222 Liberty St., Warren. (814) 723-5150 More than a half-million acres of outdoor recreation! Includes a marina, 6 boat launches, 6 canoe access sites, a marina, 11 picnic areas, 4 beaches, and more than 600 camp sites. The 12,080-acre Allegheny Reservoir is 27 miles long with 90 miles of shoreline. Segments of the Allegheny and Clarion Rivers have been designated as National Wild and Scenic rivers. Hickory Creek and Allegheny Islands are nationally designated wilderness areas. Clarion / Little Toby Creek Trail - A Wild and Scenic Experience! Ridgway & Brockway (814) 772-7657 (G2/3) http://pavisnet.com/tcrtt/ One of the most scenic rail-trails in Pennsylvania stretches19 miles from Ridgway to Brockway. Get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and enjoy a real wilderness experience! You will enjoy unparalleled natural beauty winding along the Clarion River and Little Toby Creek. Spectacular river vistas, mountain scenery, and wildlife await you along this easily accessible corridor. Experienced hikers, mountain bikers and cross country skiers will appreciate the length and variety of the trail, while novices will love the easy grade! Lumber era history abounds along the trail, including remains of ghost towns, old logging dams, railroad bridges, quarries and a “stone crusher”. For a great picnic lunch, make your way about halfway down the trail and take in the scenery at Swinging Bridge. The entire trail is surfaced with crushed limestone. This is a non-motorized recreational trail. Horses are also not allowed at this time. The majority of the trail is located on Pennsylvania State Game Lands, so plan to wear orange during spring and fall hunting seasons. Trailheads are located in Ridgway on Water Street (behind Ridgway Record on Main Street) and in Brockway at Taylor Park, 7^th Avenue. For more information or a map contact Tricounty Rails to Trails at PO Box 115, Ridgway, PA 15853 Cross County Skiing Ridgway is just a few minutes away from three exceptional cross county skiing opportunities on public lands. Laurel Mill This 14.6 kilometer (9.1 mile) groomed trail system is located in the Allegheny National Forest, just a few miles from Ridgway. There is accessible parking, a warming hut and restroom at the trailhead. Trails are well marked and range from easy to difficult. The trailhead parking lot is located three miles west of Ridgway on Township Road 307, often called Spring Creek Road. Follow Main Street west out of Ridgway. Brush Hollow This extremely scenic trail along Big Mill Creek is a favorite among local skiers, and offers three loops of ungroomed trails totaling 12.4 kilometers (7.6 miles). The trailhead offers accessible parking and a restroom, and is located ten miles north of Ridgway on State Route 948. Clarion-Little Toby Rail Trail If you want a perfectly flat trail for skiing, this is the spot for you! A 19-mile ungroomed trail, with unbeatable scenery. See description under Clarion/Little Toby Creek Rails to Trails. Trail maps for Laurel Mill and Brush Hollow can be found on http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/allegheny/recreation/snow_page/ski.html. Laurel Mill Golf Courses 230 Bonifels Lane Ridgway, PA 15853 814-772-1015 Formally Elk County Country Club. Mountain top location, 9-holes with scenic views surrounds this course equipped with a lounge. The fairways are tree lined, and the greens are medium in size and speed. Timberline ATV Trail N of Ridgway on Forest Rd. 232, 1 mile S of Rt. 948 & Rt. 66 intersection (814) 772-7388 (F1) 38 miles of interconnecting trails traverse scenic forested hills of the Allegheny National Forest. Connects to the Marienville ATV Trail. Camping is permitted along the trail and at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area. Beginner/ intermediate level. Motor bikes, mountain bikes and snowmobiles also permitted.

Restaurants Royal Inn Boot Jack Road, Ridgway (814) 773-3153 Share our "hometown" brand of hospitality in this charming country inn. Lodging, dining & banquet facilities Ridgway Sheetz #96 132 N. Broad Street Ridgway PA 15853 814-776-0531 Sheetz offers an extensive menu of fresh Made·To·Order Subz, Saladz, and Burgerz, convenient touch-screen monitors for ordering, an open kitchen where customers can watch their food being prepared, and an endless array of more than 350 varieties of delicious coffees, popular bottled drinks, Fizz City® fountain and FREEZ Way® frozen beverages.

Services Ridgway-Elk Chamber of Commerce 300 Main Street Ridgway, PA 15853 (814) 776-1424 Provides business and professional services to it’s member businesses. In addition, we pursue economic development initiatives not only for benefiting our members, but the local area as a whole. Whether you are a visitor, business or resident we are eager to assist you.

Shops & Specialties Ridgway BiLo Foods 1 Baker Alley, Route 219 Ridgway, PA 15853 814-772-1334 A Full-Service supermarket that features the best in quality Meat and Produce. We offer an excellent selection of Deli and Bakery Items. Cliffe's & The Prescription Center 223 Main St. Ridgway (814) 773-3131 FAX # 814-772-3444 Prescriptions, gifts, cards, Russell Stover candies, souvenirs, film processing, photo copies, fax & moneygrams. Dan Smith's Candies & Gifts 219 Main St. Ridgway, PA 15853 (814) 772-4707 www.dansmithscandies.com Kitchen fresh candies made with pure milk chocolate. Available in many varieties. Also our famous holiday mints, sugar-free assortment. Open Monday - Saturday 10am to 4pm. Elk County Council on the Arts 15 N Broad Street, Ridgway (814) 772-7051 Encouraging public participation in the arts. Gallery, artwork, sales, exhibits. M-F 10:00 – 5:00 Sat. 10:00- 2:00 Performances, cultural events, classes. V/MC Ridgway Sheetz #96 132 N. Broad Street Ridgway PA 15853 814-776-0531 Sheetz offers an extensive menu of fresh Made·To·Order Subz, Saladz, and Burgerz, convenient touch-screen monitors for ordering, an open kitchen where customers can watch their food being prepared, and an endless array of more than 350 varieties of delicious coffees, popular bottled drinks, Fizz City® fountain and FREEZ Way® frozen beverages.

Side Trips Discover Pennsylvania's only free-roaming elk herd (300+) near Benezette. I-3 30 minutes Tour a winery or shop for antiques nearby Saint Marys is also known for antiques, a brewery, Benedictine convent and national historic chapel. H-2 20 minutes Rent a bike and trek a Rail-to-Trail system just off Main Street. Feeling adventurous? It extends 18 miles to Brockway. 10 minutes Hike, bike or drive through Pennsylvania's only National Forest - the Allegheny. I-4 10 minutes A drive along the Wild & Scenic Clarion River from Ridgway, Rt. 949, is particularly lovely en route to Clear Creek State Park. F-5 45 minutes See the towering trees, a national treasure, in historic Cook Forest State Park.E-3 60 minutes

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