One of the most scenic and remote regions of Penn’s Woods, northwestern Pennsylvania’s “Elk Country” offers an excellent opportunity to view Pennsylvania elk and other wildlife. The following destinations, as suggested by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, are some of the best places to view Pennsylvania elk safely.
Recommended Elk-Viewing Sites
- Winslow Hill – The most visited elk-viewing site in Pennsylvania, featuring two established viewing areas, off-road parking, and portable restrooms. Other wildlife is also commonly seen. Location: Winslow Hill Road, 3 miles from its intersection with Route 555 in Benezette.
- Sinnemahoning State Park – Enjoy watching the small resident elk herd from the viewing platform while engaging in other activities and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including nesting bald eagles. Overnight camping is available. Location: Viewing area along Route 872, 14.5 miles north of the intersection with Route 555 at Sinnemahoning.
- Hicks Run Viewing Area – This small area near a cemetery offers an excellent location for photographing elk and other species. Location: Along Route 555 about 12 miles east of Benezette.
- Elk Trail – This 19-mile non-loop trail provides the chance to enjoy elk and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Location: Parking only along Dents Run Road, about 2 miles north of the intersection with Route 555, 10 miles east of Benezette.
- Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail – 26-mile loop that allows for sightings of elk in remote habitats, with connector loops for shorter and varied rides. Location: Trailhead and day-use parking for equestrians along East Hicks Run Road about 3.75 miles from the intersection with Route 555, 12 miles east of Benezette.
- Beaver Run Dam – A shallow water impoundment with a field where elk often graze, also offering alternative wildlife viewing during the day for waterfowl, wading birds, deer, and songbirds. Location: Along the Quehanna Highway, about 9.5 miles southeast of its intersection with Route 555 at Medix Run.
Scenic Elk Watching Drives
- Proposed Elk Scenic Corridor – This route connects “Elk Country” to Interstate 80 and provides the best southern access to the recommended viewing sites. Access from the west via Route 153 at Exit 111. From the east, at Exit 147 via Route 144.
- Route 555 – Travels through the heart of the elk range from Weedville to Driftwood along the scenic Bennett Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek, passing through small towns like Caledonia, Medix Run, Benezette, and Dents Run.
- Bucktail Highway, Route 120 – A stunning 75-mile drive from Emporium to Lock Haven that winds through a magnificent river valley. This route is designated as a state park scenic drive.
- Route 144 – This road traverses the most remote part of Sproul State Forest, recognized as an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area. Spectacular views can be enjoyed at Dennison Run Overlook, about 10 miles south of Renovo, and at Burns Run Overlook, about 15 miles south of Renovo.
- Wykoff Run Road to Quehanna Highway – From the village of Sinnemahoning, drive south on Wykoff Run Road to enjoy a spectacular stream valley. At the intersection with the Quehanna Highway, turn right for a gorgeous 13-mile drive through the Quehanna Wild Area to Medix Run on Route 555.
- Route 6 Corridor – This route covers 400 miles through Northern Pennsylvania’s beautiful natural areas and fascinating small towns. It has been named “One of America’s Top Ten Scenic Drives” by National Geographic Magazine. Follow Route 155 north from Emporium.
Elk Viewing Tips and Safety
To increase your chances of seeing elk, plan your elk-watching activities for the hour or two after dawn or before dusk when they are most visible. For your safety, do not approach the elk for photographs or attempt to pet them. Additionally, it is unlawful to feed elk in Pennsylvania.
