Fall has arrived and that means love is in the air – at least for Pennsylvania’s storied elk! And there’s no better time or place to see the East Coast’s largest free-ranging elk herd than in PA’s “Elk Country” during the months of September and October. This is when the region’s fields and woodlands are alive with the distinctive bugling sounds from the resident bull elk as they try to impress and capture the hearts of the herd’s ladies with their vocalizations and antler sparring contests.
The steep mountains and deep valleys of northcentral PA provide the perfect habitat for these majestic animals. While you might spot elk at any time of day, dawn and dusk offer your best chances. We want you to be safe, so please be sure to keep your distance. Those six-foot-wide antlers pack a punch!
1. Elk Country Visitor Center
Benezette
Discover the wonders of PA’s elk at the Elk Country Visitor Center. Nestled on 250 scenic acres, the site has wheelchair-accessible trails leading to elk viewing areas, plus interactive exhibits, live music events, and educational sessions for children. Bonus: The center’s gift shop features the work of local artisans and craft makers.
2. Dents Run Elk Viewing Area
Benezette
The Dents Run Elk Viewing Area is one of Pennsylvania’s premier spots for observing. It’s easy to see why with its magnificent views, fields, and large wooded areas that are frequented by elk. The viewing area has a covered stage, benches, bathrooms, and handicap-accessible parking, too.
3. Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area
Benezette
The Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area is another popular spot for elk viewing. Offering a walk-up viewing area atop a spectacular mountain, guests can overlook a large meadow frequented by elk. There are also numerous trails and dirt roads to explore, and you might even spot some white-tailed deer, fox, and even wild turkeys.
4. Woodring Farm Viewing Area
Benezette
The Woodring Farm Viewing Area is an interpretive 3/4-mile, easy hiking trail. It encircles 81 acres of prime elk-viewing habitat with educational panels featuring artwork from local high school students.
5. Hoover Farm Viewing Area
Driftwood
Tucked away in the heart of the Moshannon State Forest, the Hoover Farm Viewing Area offers an accessible viewing blind overlooking wildlife openings. The farm’s foot plots are a magnet for elk, making it the perfect spot to capture Instagram-worthy photos.
6. Hicks Run Viewing Area
Driftwood
The Hicks Run Viewing Area offers a covered, handicap-accessible elk viewing area, providing excellent opportunities to capture stunning shots. Elk are drawn to this spot all year long, foraging for tasty and high-quality morsels! For the best chance to see the elk in their natural habitat, visit the viewing area early and late in the day.
7. Sinnemahoning State Park
Austin
Sinnemahoning State Park spans 1,900 acres of breathtaking valleys, offering stunning scenery and outstanding elk and wildlife habitats. The park also features a wildlife center with state-of-the-art exhibits, making it the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
8. Elk Scenic Drive
Clearfield
Embark along Elk Scenic Drive for the ultimate elk-viewing road trip. The 127-mile journey travels through five counties, three state forests, three state game lands, and four state parks with 23 designated stops along the way. Complete the drive in a day for the chance to spot many elk, explore over multiple days, plan a full getaway to explore at your leisure, using the Elk Scenic Drive brochure as your guide.
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