Excerpt: “With more than two million acres spread out over 12 counties — including 29 state parks and 8 state forests — the Pennsylvania Wilds are actually larger than Yellowstone National Park. So how come you’ve never heard of them? That’s probably because the Wilds, an organized tourism entity, only date back to the early 2000s. The land itself, of course — part of the vast Allegheny Plateau of north central Pennsylvania, about 250 miles from Long Island — has been there forever.”

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Excerpts: “Kettle Creek State Park: One November night, I pitched a tent in Kettle Creek State Park, about 240 miles from Philly, in the wilds of Clinton County. I was the only person there to enjoy the jaw-dropping vista and fall foliage, the only person who heard what I hope were just bobcats screaming in the woods. One campsite there sits along the creek while another, where I stayed, sits high above Kettle Creek Reservoir. While it would undoubtedly be more crowded in the summer, Kettle Creek is probably never too jammed. You could see bear, otter, even Pennsylvania’s rare elk herd.

Cherry Springs State Park: Cherry Springs State Park is in Potter County, known as “God’s Country,” but this little park about 250 miles northwest of Philly is known all over the United States for one thing. It’s dark. Potter County is far from everywhere and relatively untouched by “light pollution.” That makes it one of best places in the country to stargaze and see the Milky Way. That’s what drew me there. The campground is no-frills, mostly just a big, empty field, but again you go there to look upward. The campground was near-empty when we went one summer night, but crowds are dependent on astronomy and the lunar cycle. If there’s no moon on a clear night, you’ll see the heavens. The astronomy observation field, across from the campground, is often more crowded, filled with telescopes that likely cost more than your car.”

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(Photo at right taken by Curt Weinhold.)

Excerpt: “Everybody likes an ‘underdog wins’ story, including the Appalachian Regional Commission. On Wednesday, the ARC released a report called ‘Strengthening Economic Resilience in Appalachia.’ It tells the success stories of 10 counties out of 420 in Appalachia that have rebounded from the 2008 recession — including the tourism industry in McKean County and the Pennsylvania Wilds tourism initiative. The research includes a statistical analysis of key factors common to economic resilience, as well as a guidebook featuring ten communities that have rebounded after experiencing significant economic shocks… ‘A rural and sparsely populated county on the New York border, McKean County’s economy has traditionally been based on oil, timber and tourism,’ the ARC’s report stated. ‘The Pennsylvania Wilds program, in particular, has heightened McKean County’s profile as a tourism destination and base of operations for artisans.'”

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Excerpt: “Also known as the Pennsylvania Wilds, the northern section of the Keystone state offers motorcycle riders a little slice of heaven. From villages that transport you back in time to incredible scenery with expansive overlooks, you’ll be captivated at every turn. Speaking of turns—this region has more twists than an M. Night Shyamalan movie that’ll satisfy most any rider’s need for excitement. If that wasn’t enough to visit this area, here are … hidden gems for you to explore while you’re there.”

• PA Route 6
• Austin Dam Park
• Coudersport Ice Mine
• Benezette

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Excerpt: “Regardless of what you seek from dense hardwood canopies, wildflower-lined streams and rugged stretches of the wilderness, the landscapes of Pennsylvania are sure to wow you. You’ll also have numerous opportunities to enjoy swimming, kayaking and canoeing, that’s if you aren’t already busy viewing massive old forest hemlocks, breathtaking waterfalls, photographing wildlife, etc. Just be warned, those of us who’ve been here have never gotten our fill of what the Pennsylvania Wilds has to offer. If you visit once, I guarantee that you may as well put it on your yearly schedule.”

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Excerpt: John Hecker pointed out the window of the truck as it passed oak, maple and birch trees in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Up ahead was a fork in the road.

“That’s the road we’ll go to, to the new tower,” said Hecker, manager of the Moshannon Forest District, nodding to the right on day in late April. “The old tower is right up here.”

The lookout towers are two miles apart, sticking out high above the treetops. One is brand new, used for the first time this spring along with 15 others across the state. Pennsylvania doesn’t have massive wildfires like out West, but several hundred smaller ones take place here each year. The state has decided one of the best ways to spot them in places like the Moshannon State Forest is to go old-school.

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(Photo at right by Ellen Matis.)

Excerpt: “Other than simply walking amongst the rocks, the main highlight of any visit to Beartown Rocks is the view. In the middle of the outcropping, a set of wooden stairs has been constructed to create a viewing platform atop of the largest rocks here. From the top of this large rock, you can see for miles and miles along the forested valley surrounding the Clarion River in the Pennsylvania Wilds. This is truly a spectacular view and shouldn’t be missed if you are in the area.”

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(Photo at right by Rebecca Thomas.)