Free Things To Do
Take A Hike
There are hundreds of miles of trails here where you can stroll beneath giant ancient trees in Cook Forest, hike through the restored Climax Tunnel on the Redbank Valley Trail, see waterfalls in the Quehanna Wild Area, explore the vast Allegheny National Forest and cross a swinging bridge on the Clarion-Little Toby Trail.
Kayaking
Enjoy endless opportunities for cooling off from the hot summer heat. The Clarion River, Allegheny River, Sinnemahoning, and Little Toby Water Trails are perfect for spending the day floating along by canoe, kayak, tube, or raft.
See Eagles Soaring
The bald eagle is the proud symbol of American Freedom and can be seen along many waterways in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region. The Sinnemahoning watershed is blessed with a thriving eagle poplulation and a great place for spotting these majestic birds of prey hunting for fish. Cameron County has a new guide with 9 eagle watching hotspots throughout the county.
Bat Factory Tour
Swing into the BWP Bat Factory in Brookville for a FREE tour. Get your name laser engraved on your very own baseball bat, just like the pros use!
Fish Hatchery
Enjoy a free tour of the Tionesta Fish Hatchery and see where muskellunge, walleye, and steelhead fingerlings are raised for stocking Pennsylvania’s waters.
Take A Ride
Designed by bikers, for bikers featuring four distinct rides cruising through some of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region. Cars are welcome too!
Learn About Wildlife
Explore the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park and crawl through a bear’s den and other exhibits including wildlife watching, camping, and a park ranger’s office.
Elk Viewing
Everyone will love the hands-on exhibits and activities. Feel the weight of an antler, hear the sounds of a bugling bull, step on a scale to see how you weigh up to an elk, and more!
Panoramic Views
Located along Route 68, the Brady’s Bend Overlook provides a spectacular 8-mile panoramic view of the entrenched meander, standing over 500 feet above the Wild & Scenic Allegheny River.
Weather Capital of the World
Punxsutawney is the home of the world’s foremost weather prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil. Make sure to visit the new Groundhog Visitor Center at Gobbler’s Knob and Phil’s Burrow at the library. No trip to the weather capital of the world would be complete without posting some great selfies with one of the dozens of Phantastic Phils sculptures throughout town.
A Perfect View
Appreciate a commanding view up to 20 miles of the Clarion River Valley in Cook Forest. The 87′ fire tower in Cook Forest provides an unforgettable observation more than 1600 feet above.
Tall Trees
Did you know Cook Forest is home to some of the tallest trees in the northeastern United States? Hike the Longfellow Trail and experience the Forest Cathedral.
Umbrella Rocks
Trek the short hike to an impressive arrangement of rocks. This area within the state gamelands near Ridgway also features geocaches, caves and other large rock formations.
Beartown Rocks
Best kept secret in Clear Creek! House-sized boulders are scattered throughout the area with breathtaking scenic views, hiking trails, and they’re great for climbing!
Scripture Rocks
Short hiking trail to view over 70 engraved boulders carved in the early 1900s scattered throughout the 4-acre park. Information guides available, picnic area, pet friendly, and 1-mile walking trail.
Top of the World
Take in the views from Mason Hill Overlook, known as “top of the world.” Unique rock formations and scenic vistas along the Fred Woods Trail in Cameron County.
Beer Tour
Enjoy a free tour of the Straub Brewery in St. Marys and a drink from the Eternal Tap. Family-owned, Honestly Fresh and Fiercely Independent brewing since 1872.
Feed the Fish
The Heath Twp Sportsman Club raises trout for a kids fishing derby held each May and stock five local streams for the annual fishing seasons. Stop in and feed the fish at the nursery!
Golf Hall of Fame
Priceless collections of over 400 years of golf history including golf clubs and other exhibits at the American Golf Hall of Fame on the oldest golf course in continuous use in America!
Helen Furnace
Cold-blast charcoal stone furnace and iron works built in 1845 with eight-foot bosh 32 feet high. Originally called “Hieland” or “Highland” in Scottish.
Swift Safariland
Come see 100 different exotic animal mounts from around the world including a life-size grizzly bear, elephant, hippo, lion, cape buffalo, crocodile, and many more.
Lighthouse Island
23-acre island in Tionesta featuring the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse and a Peace Park with a Cross of Freedom, Statue of Liberty, Veterans Memorial, Chapel, and replica scale model of 1893 Timber Crib dam.
Lily of the Valley
Includes 730 homes, businesses and churches featuring Millionaires’ Row. Structures built from 1855 on, in an incredible variety of styles. Maps at Ridgway-Elk County Chamber Main Street.
Public Art
Cameron County Canvas murals throughout Emporium depict county residents and military personnel. Painted by Michael Pilato and Yuri Karabash and funded by the Sylvan Heritage Council.