Counties
Welcome to the
Pennsylvania Great Outdoors!
The PA Great Outdoors region is a big, beautiful part of Pennsylvania and the perfect destination for family fun and outdoor adventure. It’s home to the rolling Appalachian Mountains and more than a million acres of forestland including the Allegheny National Forest, Cook Forest and other state parks, plus natural and wild areas. Spectacular rivers carve three water trails through the mountains and there are fish-filled lakes, scenic overlooks, and wildlife galore including bald eagles and the largest wild, free-roaming elk herd in the Northeast.
Here you’ll find lots of great things to do, places to stay, eat and explore. But wherever you go and whatever you do in Cameron, Elk, and Forest Counties – the vibe here is always relaxed and vacationing here is very affordable.
Cameron County
There are three state parks are in the county which all offer outstanding natural beauty, miles of trails and waterways, and endless outdoor recreation possibilities along with numerous wildlife species including Pennsylvania’s elk herd and bald eagles. Cameron County is known for spectacular scenic vistas and incredible stargazing opportunities.
• Driftwood
• Emporium
• Sinnemahoning
Elk County
Elk County is a unique area of Pennsylvania known for the large wild elk herd in Benezette and wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the county. Visitors can enjoy more than 200 miles of trails and two state parks. Ridgway is home to the Lily of the Valley National Historic Register District which is known for Victorian lumber baron mansions. In the city of St. Marys you will find the iconic Straub Brewery and Decker’s Chapel which is one of the smallest churches in America. Johnsonburg is gateway to Wild & Scenic Clarion River, East Branch Lake, and Twin Lakes Recreation Area.
• Benezette
• Johnsonburg
• Ridgway
• St. Marys
• Wilcox
Forest County
In the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, lies a picturesque wild landscape, yet offering all the amenities travelers need but without the hurry and worry. Float on the Wild & Scenic Allegheny and Clarion rivers, go wildlife watching at Buzzard Swamp, explore hundreds of miles of ATV and horseback riding trails, see the giant ancient trees at Cook Forest State Park, and boat at Tionesta Lake.
- Marienville
- Tionesta
Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of miles of trails designated for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dirt bike, and ATV riding. Outdoor recreation includes camping, kayaking, boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking, and photography.
Cook Forest
Cook Forest State Park is ranked one of the top state parks in the nation and is a National Natural Landmark. Famous for its stands of old growth forest, the “Forest Cathedral” is a collection of towering white pines and hemlocks. The park is also known for commanding views from Fire Tower and nearby Seneca Point. The Wild & Scenic Clarion River flows through the park as well
