PA Wilds Stays: Overnight accommodations in the Elk Country landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds

Thousands of visitors come to the Elk Country Visitor Center to see the elk herd year round, and learn about elk and other wildlife in the Pennsylvania Wilds, conservation practices and our amazing ecosystem. Not only will you get a chance to appreciate Elk in their natural habitat, but you will depart inspired by the dedication of people who act as daily stewards of the natural habitat and inhabitants of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Although the Elk Country Visitor Center is a great place to visit any time of the year, visitors say their favorite times are during the Elk Expo in August and the elk mating season known as the “fall rut” in September and October.

A little bit north of the Elk Country Visitor Center, you’ll find another place to welcome and orient you: the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park. Located in the “heart” of the PA Wilds region, Sinnemahoning State Park encompasses 1,910 acres of beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can stop by the Park Office and Wildlife Center, a LEED-certified green building that provides state of the art exhibits designed for park visitors to explore and learn about the history and ecology of the First Fork Valley. Sinnemahoning State Park is shouldered by Pennsylvania’s Elk and Susquehannock State Forests providing boundless recreational opportunities.

Time for a cold one or just want to unwind in a place full of interesting history? Located in St. Marys, PA, Straub Brewery is one of the oldest and most historic breweries in the United States, and is still owned and operated by its founding family, now into its sixth and seventh generations. Fodor’s Travel named Straub Brewery one of the “5 Best Places in America to Drink American Beer.” Be sure to take a drink from the “Eternal Tap” at Straub’s. Long before beer samplings were common everywhere, the most popular visitor’s site at Straub Brewery was the Eternal Tap, dating back to the early 1900s.

Elk Country has trails galore! The Clarion-Little Toby Rail Trail meanders along the scenic Clarion River Trail and Little Toby Creek. Hike or bike past lofty shale formations and waterfalls and natural spreads of Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron. Wetlands and wildflowers abound, and visitors may see wildlife. Bring a camera! Both waterways are popular trout streams.

Nicknamed “Top of the World” by locals, make a stop at the Bucktail Overlook for one of the PA Wild’s most stunning views. Located nearby the Bucktail Overlook, the Fred Woods Trail is 4.57 miles long and marked in yellow paint. The trail includes incredible rock formations and two stunning vistas along the way.

The Quehanna Wild Area is another place for a great hike. One particular favorite is a hidden waterfall! One of Pennsylvania’s most photographic waterfalls, discover Table Run Falls in the Quehanna Wild Area near Benezette. Located 1.5 miles off Quehanna Highway on Red Run Road, visitors will find parking located at latitude – longitude of 41.27055,-78.247065. Be sure to bring your camera too! Professional and amateur photographers alike travel to the Quehanna Wild Area and elsewhere in the Pennsylvania Wilds to capture stunning wildlife photography. 

Are your legs tired from all of that hiking? You can still see the beauty of nature from your vehicle on the 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. Known for unparalleled wildlife viewing, you can start from the west end (Rt. 144) or east end at Lock Haven (Rt. 120) via easy access points off I-80.

Traveling in Elk Country in late winter? Check out the Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous! This week-long event in Ridgway is one of the largest chainsaw carving events of its kind, drawing carvers from all corners of the globe and thousands of visitors. Held at the very tail end of winter, the Rendezvous is the perfect way to ring in spring in mid-March annually! But bundle up. Watch carvers’ live demonstrations all day, purchase carving art, enjoy vendors and don’t miss the exciting auction on the last day.

However, autumn in Elk Country simply can’t be beat. Fall is the perfect time for both leaf peeping and elk viewing. Explore the 127-mile Elk Scenic Drive, with vibrant views of autumn leaves and scenic landscapes. Catch the famous “Fall Rut” elk mating season, and you will likely hear the famous “elk bugle” mating call – a long bellow that ascends to a long high note. You may also see competitive bulls locking antlers and fighting for cows until the weaker one gives way!

Elk Crossing Getaway in the PA Wilds is a short-term vacation rental house between Weedville and Benezette on the Elk Scenic Highway 555. This allows visitors in the area to have a cozy stay at a house that feels like their home. The place is fully furnished and includes amenities to make your stay easy while hiking, elk viewing, hunting, fishing, and other activities within the PA Wilds.

Located in the heart of PA Wilds Elk Country, In The Sticks Cabins offers vacation rentals offer excellent scenery and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. Two of the cabins sleep up to eight, and the third cabin can accommodate up to 15. Located directly across the street from the Elk Country Visitor Center and just a quick drive to four elk viewing locations located along the popular Elk Scenic Drive, you won’t have to go far to see the majestic elk herd.

Experience a restful evening with the possibility of an elk sighting while staying at  Medix Run Lodges & Cabins, which offers 12 cabins that can accommodate up to eight occupants. Located conveniently off of Route 555 near Benezette in Elk Country, outdoor recreation and sightseeing destinations abound. In addition to the Elk Country Visitor Center and Sinnemahoning State Park Wildlife Center mentioned above, visitors can check out Straub Brewery and explore trails and vistas at Fred Woods Trail and Overlook or Hyner View State Park. Travelers can easily access Medix Run Lodges & Cabins using the Elk Scenic Drive or the Bucktail Scenic Byway.