Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Elk?

The 127-mile Elk Scenic Drive offers 23 points of interest in the Elk Range of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Located directly off I-80, the Elk Scenic Drive can be accessed from the west at the Penfield Exit 111 at PA Route 153 or from the east at the Snow Shoe Exit 147 at PA Route 144. Although the Elk Scenic Drive will take you around a broader loop, you may see elk within the borders of Parker Dam State Park, which is a short distance from Exit 111 of I-80, or you may take SR 879 from Clearfield to Shawville, and see them as close by as Surveyor, about six miles north of Exit 120. Most of northern and western Clinton County is a part of the original elk range established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The Pennsylvania Elk herd numbers between 700 and 800. Winslow Hill is the most visited elk viewing site with two established off-road parking, portable restrooms (early August through October) and a pavilion for weekend presentations during the fall viewing season. Viewing site is located on Winslow Hill Road three miles from its intersection with Route 555 in Benezette.

When is a good time to see the Mountain Laurel Blossom?

Mountain Laurel blossoms will vary dependant on the weather, but normally June and July are good viewing times of year.

When do the leaves peak?

The first two weeks of October are typically peak color.

When to the hang gliders meet in Hyner?

You must be a member of the local hang gliding club to use the Hyner View StatePark launch site and private landing zone located 1,300 feet below on the south side of the West Branch Susquehanna River. Information about how to become a member and a calendar of when they meet can be found at www.hynerclub.com . Normally the club gets together during long holiday weekends- Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and in October.

Where is the Woolrich Store?

Woolrich Outlet Store is located next to Woolrich Mill, in operation since 1830. The Store contains a museum about the Rich Family and Company operations. The store is located on Park Avenue in the village of Woolrich, 7 miles east of Lock Haven. It is open year round, Monday through Thursday 9am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 9pm and Sundays 12pm to 5pm. For more information call 570-769-7401. An estimated 400,000 people find their way to Woolrich every year to visit the flagship store of the business that calls itself the “original outdoor clothing company”. Those making the trek to the rural Clinton County village that bears the company name will find something new in the 30,000-square-foot store.

Where are the ATV Trails?

Rock Run Recreation Park, a 6,000 acre ATV park which is located in southern Clearfield and Northern Cambria Counties. There are all trail levels, plenty of trailer parking. There is camping nearby, or you can stay in Clearfield, which has the closest lodging near I-80.

Allegheny National Forest (Warren, McKean, Elk and Forest Counties) offers a wide variety of ATV trails. Travel is on designated routes only. Motorized trails open from the Friday before Memorial Day to the last Sunday of September. Trails may be closed during adverse conditions. Permits are required in the ANF for motorized riding. Call ahead for trail conditions at 814-723-5150. For ATV Permit information call the Bradford Ranger Station at 814-362-4613.

Denton Hill State Park (Potter County) offers 43 miles of summer trails. A loop trail located south of the Park. Access to the trail is from Lyman Run State Park, on SR 44 north of Cherry Springs, or the intersection of Rock Run Road and the Ridge Trail (ATV trail). Registered Class II ATV's are permitted on this trail that are less than 58" in width and less than 1,200 pounds. Phone: 814-274-3600

Whiskey Springs ATV Trails (Clinton County) near Kettle Creek State Park offers 45 miles of summer and winter trail. Winter use begins after muzzle loader deer season in mid January. Check with the district office for exact date. Access is from the Two Miles Road 1-1/2 miles west of Westport toward Kettle Creek State Park. Phone: 570-923-6011

Bloody Skillet ATV riding area, located in Centre County, consists of 37 trail miles (Phase 1 & 2) and is accessed from SR 144 approximately 18 1/2 miles north of Snow Shoe. Turn right onto DeHaas Road and travel 5 miles south to the Northern Terminus Trailhead. Phone: 570-923-6011

Tiadaghton State Forest (Lycoming County) offers 17 miles of summer and winter trails. Trails are located near Haneyville and include the Button Road and a network of wooded trails built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. Access to the trail is from a parking area located at the former parking area located at the CCC Camp along Route 44 one mile south of Haneyville. Phone: 570-327-3450

What lakes are in the Pennsylvania Wilds?

The largest lakes are Tioga-Hammond Lakes are located on Rt. 287 about l5 miles north of Wellsboro and Cowanesque Lake is further north on Rt. l5 near Lawrenceville. Both areas offer camping, boating, swimming etc. Hills Creek Lake (State Park) is located approximately 7 miles from Wellsboro. Nessmuk Lake is 1 mile south of Wellsboro on Rt. 287. Hamilton Lake can be reached by traveling east on Rt. 6. Beechwood Lake is located in nearby Sabinsville.

Curwensville Lake offers many recreational opportunities: boat or water ski with no horse-power restrictions; lake stocked with walleye and other trophy fish; several hiking trails; and camping sites available. Located three miles south of Curwensville off of SR 453. From SR 879 south follow signs for approximately 13 miles. From I-99 Tyrone, follow SR 453 North for approximately 26 miles, follow blue signs.

Allegheny Reservoir is the heart of one of the largest and most popular yearround outdoor recreation complexes in the northeastern U.S. With more than 100 miles of shoreline, the reservoir is the perfect place for motorboats and paddlers alike. There are numerous boat launches, boat liveries, houseboat rentals and a full-service marina. Great fishing opportunities for walleye and large mouth bass.

East Branch Lake & Dam is situated in the upper reaches of the scenic Clarion River Valley. Unlimited horsepower boating is permitted on the 1,160 acre lake, which is surrounded by Elk State Park and Forest. Boating is very popular at East Branch. All types and sizes of watercraft can be found on the lake. Waterskiing is a popular activity. There are two boat launching ramps located at either end of the lake. One is situated near the dam and the other is at Elk State Park. Both provide easy access to the water. Camping and boating user fees are required from the first weekend of May until Mid-October. Fishing at East Branch can be an exciting and rewarding experience. A wide variety of fishing conditions and the clean and fertile waters have lured many anglers to the area.

The meandering Clarion River, tumbling mountain streams, and placid lake have yielded fine catches of muskie, trout, walleye and small mouth bass. The cold weather enthusiast will also enjoy the excellent ice fishing available at East Branch during the winter months Tionesta Lake offers a unique setting for a diversity of outdoor recreational opportunities. The lake and its miles of unspoiled shoreline offer unlimited opportunities for water-based recreation. Watercraft of all types and sizes can be found on Tionesta Lake, from powerboats of unlimited horsepower with water skiers in tow, to sleek canoes and small fishing boats plying the inlets, coves and  backwater areas of the lake. Easy access to the water is provided by boat launches at either end of the lake with ample trailer parking available. Fishermen have found the variety of fishing waters in the area enticing and productive. The clear mountain streams, Placid lake and glistening Allegheny River have yielded many fine catches of trout, muskie, walleye, bass and panfish.