12 Places You’re Most Likely to See Wild Elk in Pennsylvania This Winter

Pennsylvania has an abundance of wild elk across the state. In fact, the wild elk herd in Pennsylvania is the largest in the northeastern United States. However, this teeming abundance has not always been what you see today. These impressive antlered animals only rather recently made a comeback, following years of unregulated hunting and habitat loss.

Rapid settlements and exploration by early immigrants had almost completely wiped out free-roaming wild elk from the state in the mid-1800s. The state’s dwindling wild elk population was then revived by introducing 177 Rocky Mountain elk from Yellowstone National Park and a private reserve in Monroe County, Pennsylvania between 1913 and 1926. The restoration of the wild elk population in Pennsylvania has brought with it, exciting opportunities to view these large terrestrial mammals in the state. In this article, we will talk about some of the best spots to view wild elk in Pennslyvania this winter.

Elk Viewing in Pennsylvania

Before delving into the prime locations for wild elk viewing in Pennsylvania, however, it is essential to highlight the optimal time for viewing elk. The most opportune period for viewing the majestic elks is during the elk mating season, commonly referred to as the ‘rut’. This season starts in September and begins to wind down by the month of October. Regardless of the season, however, for the best chances of spotting elk, it is important to plan your viewing excursions at least an hour or two after dawn or before dusk, as elks tend to be most active during these times. Midday is when they often rest to evade the heat of the day.

The Best Places for Elk Viewing in Pennsylvania This Winter

1. Benezette

With a population of more than 1,400, Pennsylvania’s wild elk range covers nearly 3,000 square miles, spread over nine counties. The highest sub-concentration of elks in the state can, however, be found in the town of Benezette which has earned the nickname of “the Elk Capital of Pennsylvania”. In the winter especially, this small town located along State Route 555 in Elk County is where you will find these animals congregating in large numbers. Particularly, keep an eye out for elk as you pass the road between Weedville and Driftwood along this route.

2. The Elk Country Visitor Center

Located on Winslow Hill in Benezette, this premier elk viewing center is probably the next best place to start off your elk-viewing adventure in Pennsylvania. The center features interactive exhibits and educational programs about elk and wildlife conservation, a 4D immersive story theatre, well-maintained trails, observation areas for wildlife viewing, and viewing blinds that offer panoramic views of elk-feeding areas.

3. The Winslow Hill Viewing Area

The Winslow Hill Viewing Area is situated near the intersection of Winslow Hill Road and Dewey Road. It sits atop a spectacular mountain and overlooks a large meadow where elks often gather. But elks are not the only animals that frequent this area. If you are lucky, you may spot white-tailed deer, foxes, wild turkeys, bobcats, and even black bears.

4. The Dents Run Viewing Area

Located three and a half miles from Route 555 on Winslow Hill Road, this vantage point offers magnificent views of fields where the sounds of bugling bull elks and the sight of elk cows wandering along, are not uncommon. The area has a handicap-accessible walkway, interpretive displays to teach visitors about the elk herd, and plenty of off-road parking.

5. The Woodring Farm

The Woodring Farm in Pennslyvania encircles more than 80 acres of prime elk-viewing habitat and can be explored through a 3/4-mile interpretive hiking trail. The trail has informational placards placed along the way, featuring artwork done by local high school students. They also have scheduled tours to facilitate learning and engaging conversations with local experts.

6. The Hicks Run Viewing Area

A short stop at the Hicks Run Viewing Area will afford you a front-row view of elks through a covered handicapped-accessible viewing blind. It is located about eight and a half miles east of Benezette on Route 555,

7. The Quehanna Wild Area

Spanning nearly 50,000 acres, this protected wildlife area in Pennsylvania is not just home to the majestic elk but is also a great place to spot deer, coyotes, and several species of birds. A particularly good spot for elk viewing here is the Beaver Run Dam Wildlife Viewing Area, located at the intersection of the Quehanna Highway and Beaver Run Road.

8. The Sinnemahoning State Park

The Sinnemahoning State Park spread across 1,910 acres in the Cameron and Potter counties is another great place for viewing wild elks in Pennsylvania. The park is just a short drive from the Elk Country Visitor Center and has a wildlife viewing platform that opens out to a grassy area planted with forbs such as clover and trefoil which are elk favorites.

9. The Hoover Farm Viewing Area

At the intersection of Wykoff Run Road and Quehanna Highway, is an elk-viewing area called the ‘Hoover Farm Viewing Area’. This site in the Moshannon State Forest has a viewing blind that overlooks food plots and wildlife openings, all maintained by the Game Commission. The viewing area attracts elks annually from the big nearby woods and is handicapped-accessible.

10. The Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail

Prefer an elk-viewing experience on horseback? The Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail, a 26-mile loop that runs through the Elk State Forest gives you a chance to see elks as you ride your horse through the trail. The trail itself is beautiful with sweeping mountain views. If you’re riding in the winter, however, know that it can be challenging as footing can be an issue.

11. The Elk Trail on the Elk State Forest

If you don’t mind leaving the road behind and traipsing along more challenging routes, the Elk Trail offers a relatively challenging trek through decent portions of Elk Country. The trail is relatively new and extends for nearly 19 miles in the Elk State Forest. It has camping locations available along the way.

12. The Elk Scenic Drive

The Elk Scenic Drive, best known for its scenic vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities is another popular route for elk-viewing in Pennsylvania. There are 23 viewing sites along this 127-mile route. It starts and ends at the I-80 and winds through three state forests and three state game lands.

Elk Viewing Etiquette and Safety

As you venture into popular elk viewing areas, there are a few important things you need to remember. Most importantly, do not stop in the middle of the road. If you happen to spot elk along the way, for everyone’s safety, make sure you pull over to the side first. Also, remain at a respectful distance from elk at all times. Elk are fast and unpredictable wild animals and you should never attempt to touch, approach, or feed them.