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Activities in the pa wilds

Do what you love, PA Wilds style! Known for our two million acres of public land, the Pennsylvania Wilds is famous for outdoor recreation. The region is home to one of the largest block of green between New York City and Chicago, two National Wild & Scenic Rivers, the largest wild elk herd in the Northeast and some of the darkest skies in the country.

Explore PA Wilds Trails

Hiking & Trails

Trailblazers Welcome in all Four Seasons! The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 1,600 miles of hiking trails.

Enjoy

Water Recreation

Explore by Water! The Pennsylvania Wilds is famous for water recreation, with over 16,000 miles of lakes, rivers and streams to enjoy. Water Recreation in the Wilds is an ideal opportunity to disconnect and unwind.… wide open waters surrounded by scenic shorelines and forest land.

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Pennsylvania Wilds Visitor Centers

Nestled amid the region’s 2+ million acres of public land are world-class visitor centers built with clean energy principles. Explore educational exhibits, learn about sustainable energy practices and conservation, view wildlife, and orient to the region with traveler services.

Spend the Night

Camping

Dream under the stars! Enjoy the fresh air and calm of sleeping in nature. From state parks to the Allegheny National Forest, there is a wide range of camping styles and locations to choose from. From rustic cabins, to tent camping or glamping, the Pennsylvania Wilds welcomes you to make your bed in nature.

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Public Lands

The Pennsylvania Wilds encompasses over 2 million acres of public lands, which are protected and set aside for citizens and visitors to enjoy. The region boasts 29 state parks, eight state forests, and is home to the Commonwealth’s only national forest: the Allegheny National Forest.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Travel like a local. When you're exploring the communities and public lands of the Pennsylvania Wilds, look for opportunities to volunteer with local organizations.

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Outfitter Experiences

The PA Wilds is filled with bountiful outdoor experiences, and outfitters and guides in the region provide the expertise and services to help you explore the great outdoors safely!

Ride

Biking

From highway bicycling, to mountain biking, trail biking and even BMX, the Pennsylvania Wilds is paradise for those who love to pedal. With beautiful scenery surrounding, biking is one of the most popular activities in the Pennsylvania Wilds region.

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Wildlife Viewing

The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in the Eastern United States.

Feel the Breeze

Motorized Recreation

Off-road challenges and hundreds of miles of trails for motorized recreation welcome ATV and snowmobile riders to the Pennsylvania Wilds.

experience

PA Wilds Elk Viewing

Seeing majestic elk is an unforgettable experience! Welcome to the largest wild elk herd in the northeastern United States, found in the Elk Country landscape. As part of a major conservation effort, the Pennsylvania Game Commission released 177 Rocky Mountain elk into Pennsylvania between 1913 and 1926. Today, this wild herd has over 1,000 elk!

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Hunting and Fishing

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a game hunter’s paradise and an angler's perfect retreat. The region has nearly 2,100 designated trout streams, 16,000 miles of sparkling waterways, and 2 million acres of public land open for hunting at various times of the year. With dense forestland and a multitude of waterways, the ecosystem is home to a variety of wildlife.

Mix work & play

Working in the Wilds

The Pennsylvania Wilds region is home to more than 2 million acres of public lands. It offers some of the most unique outdoor experiences and plenty of small towns with must-have amenities. Come here for a workcation, or to stay. You'll find the work-life balance you've been searching for.

Saddle Up!

Horseback Riding

With our gently rolling woodlands, the Pennsylvania Wilds has many equestrian trails for horseback riding enthusiasts. The Allegheny National Forest and our State Parks and Forests maintain hundreds of miles horse trails available for public use. Feel the breeze in your air and take in the scenery!

Check out

PA Wilds Trip Itineraries

Take the road less traveled, but already planned for you! There are plenty of trip itineraries already built out for regional fun seekers.

Challenge yourself

Adventure Trail Races

Witness some of the most spectacular views and hidden gems of the Pennsylvania Wilds while challenging yourself to complete an adventure trail race.

Try

Geocaching

This adventure involves the use of a handheld GPS receiver, and based on information provided on the official geocaching website the GPS receiver guides its operators to hidden treasures waiting to be found throughout the natural landscape

Experience

Winter in the Wilds

One of the most beautiful times to visit the Pennsylvania Wilds is wintertime. Although the lush leaves have fallen, the land is often sprinkled with snowy white dust, the air is crisp, and familiar views suddenly have a new aesthetic. New adventures also become possible.

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Fall Leaf Peeping

Experience the magic of fall colors in the Pennsylvania Wilds with a leaf peeping tour.