Outdoor Recreation

June 29, 2023

Outfitting the PA Wilds: Allegheny Outfitters

Moving back home to rural Pennsylvania and starting a seasonal, weather-dependent small business… it’s not for the faint of heart. However, Piper VanOrd moved home from Alaska in 2006 to begin her journey with Allegheny Outfitters, a family owned and operated outdoors store and outfitter in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds region of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

June 23, 2023

Introducing the PA Wilds Breweries and Outfitters Series

Over the next few months, we’re taking time to highlight the businesses (and the people behind them!) that make our travels in the PA Wilds all the more enriching, thrilling, enjoyable, adventurous… and tasty!

June 22, 2023

Kinzua Bridge Skywalk temporarily closed for assessment

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced it is temporarily closing the Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County to evaluate the structure to ensure it remains safe after the impacts of recent high winds. The skywalk will remain closed until the results of the evaluation determine the bridge remains safe for visitors. Weather permitting, the assessment is set for Thursday, June 22.

June 21, 2023

The magic of Clearfield County Youth Field Day in the heart of the PA Wilds

The magic of Clearfield County Youth Field Day was celebrated by 118 kids aged 7–14, and about 100 of their parents, grandparents and siblings on Saturday, June 3rd at Camp Mountain Run in Penfield, PA. 2023’s Youth Field Day marks the 28th year gathering of kids who flock here to this one-of-a-kind wonder, overseen by Camp Mountain Run’s General Manager, John Drum, to participate in nine different stations that are setup and covered by members of Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited (PWHU), and many volunteers from different walks of life and work.

June 12, 2023

Volunteers still needed for IRONMAN 70.3 at Bald Eagle State Park

The first IRONMAN competition in Pennsylvania is almost here, and volunteers are still needed to help make this event a success! Volunteers are needed June 29 - July 2 at Bald Eagle State Park and Beaver Stadium, among other places along the journey. Athletes will take on their race with a 1.2-mile swim in Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park, a scenic 56-mile bike ride through the beautiful rolling hills of Centre and Clinton Counties, and a 13.1-mile run on the campus of Penn State University.

June 7, 2023

PA Wilds artisan designs maps for West Creek Recreation Trail, Elk County

Taking a hike, bike or even a cross-country ski journey in Elk County? New maps, created by a local PA Wilds artisan, at trailheads on the West Creek Recreational Trail in Elk County will offer travelers the ability to get to know the trail and how to best use it.

June 6, 2023

Down Life’s Crazy Road: East Brady

It’s called the “Playground of the Allegheny” for good reason. East Brady, 54 miles northwest of Pittsburgh at the border of Clarion and Armstrong counties, has been a summer getaway for campers and boat enthusiasts along the Allegheny River for generations. Pittsburgh area families for years have escaped the hustle and bustle of the city on weekends and holidays to enjoy the more peaceful natural vista that East Brady offers.

May 30, 2023

Stay protected with free sunscreen while exploring some of PA’s state parks

Don't get burnt! Once again for the summer, free sunscreen is being offered in battery-operated dispensers for visitors at state park beaches and swimming pools throughout Pennsylvania, including Bald Eagle, Black Moshannon, Chapman, Clear Creek, Hills Creek, Parker Dam and Sizerville State Parks in the PA Wilds.

May 24, 2023

Planning a trip to the PA Grand Canyon? Here’s what you need to know for summer 2023

While the Pine Creek Valley and the PA Grand Canyon landscape within the PA Wilds region will be just as picturesque as ever, ongoing renovations at one of the state parks mean that you’ll want to see the views of the PA Grand Canyon from a different perspective this year. You’ll also need to visit the PA Wilds Conservation Shop mobile unit in a new location for this summer if you’re looking to pick up some special souvenirs to celebrate your trip.

May 12, 2023

Share your big fish photo! PA Great Outdoors’ Big Fish photo contest open until end of June

Want to show off your big fish? If you've snapped a photo of a fish you caught while angling in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region (part of the Pennsylvania Wilds that includes the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Elk, Forest and Jefferson), that photo could win you some great prizes! Whether you live in the region or have taken a photo while traveling here, you're invited to enter the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau's Big Fish Photo Contest!