Wildlife Viewing

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

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Wild Elk Herd

Visit the Elk Country Visitor Center

Visit Quehanna Wild Area

PA Audubon Important Bird Area

Spot Wildlife in the ANF

Remain Quiet & Still

Animals of the Wilds

While it is important to respect the amazing, wild creatures of the region and their natural habitats, the opportunities to witness these animals in our backyard is an experience that can't be matched. Gaze into fields and the forest and you might see wild elk, white-tailed deer, bobcat, fox, black bear, beaver, raccoon or other wildlife.

Pennsylvania’s Important Bird Area Program

Visit any of the 13 sites designated by Audubon Pennsylvania as Important Birding Areas or look to the skies and on the water and you may see osprey or bald eagles, or any of the other 375 bird species that live here.

Important tips:

Use binoculars and keep a safe distance between yourself and wildlife.
Sit quietly and remain still.
Please do not attempt to handle or feed any wild animal.
Please do not attempt to handle or feed any wild animal. If an animal does not run away from approaching people, it might be sick or injured. If you observe any unusual behavior by wildlife, please contact a park employee immediately.

Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds

Covering more than 500,000 acres, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only national forest. It dominates the western end of the Pennsylvania Wilds and contains within it and around it some of the region’s most treasured places and experiences.

VISIT

Cook Forest and the Ancients

Known as a land of giants because of the “forest cathedral” of ancient pines and hemlocks, this landscape is an ode to the majesty of the Pennsylvania Wilds and home to many of the tallest hemlock and pine trees in the Northeast. If an adventure among Cook Forest & The Ancients sounds mystifyingly exciting to you, rest assured that you’ll rest well during your exploration. So what are you waiting for? The Ancients are calling. Come see some of the tallest pine trees in the Northeast.

VISIT

Dark Skies

Inspiring awe and delight, Dark Skies is home to the world’s second certified International Dark-Sky Park. Cherry Springs State Park is world-famous for being one the best places in the USA for stargazing and the study of astronomy. But these mesmerizing, star-filled skies are JUST the beginning.

VISIT

Elk Country

Elk Country is a place that lives up to its name. Home to the largest free-roaming elk herd in the northeastern United States, Elk Country features two large visitor centers to welcome you. If you come to Elk Country for the elk, you won’t be disappointed. But if you stick around to see what’s all around you, you’ll be delighted you did.

VISIT

I-80 Frontier

Whether you’re coming from the east, south or west, the I-80 Frontier is the quintessential welcome mat to the Pennsylvania Wilds. With its proximity to Pennsylvania’s southern population centers of Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, not to mention close by New York City, and Cleveland on the western side, it’s easy to plan a trip for each season. Home to forested state parks and storied towns and places, any given exit off the interstate is a surefire way to find and explore the natural and hidden wonders of the region.

VISIT

Pine Creek Valley and The PA Grand Canyon

The Eastern Gateway to the PA Wilds...If it’s your first visit to the region, the PA Grand Canyon is a must see and one of the perfect ways to orient your mind and senses to the wonders of the Wilds. But once you’ve delighted in the Pine Creek Gorge views, you’ll soon discover that this scenic and unique landscape is best discovered from multiple vantage points.

VISIT

Elk Scenic Drive

This 127-mile loop through portions of five counties is a drive-to-believe-it kind of experience. The distinct Elk Scenic Drive road signs are your guide for this journey.

Landscapes

Journeys

Wildlife Viewing