Explore Elk County’s Scenic Views, Forests and Streams

One of the great areas to explore and hike in Pennsylvania is what’s known as the PA Wilds. This beautiful, remote part of north-central Pennsylvania is home to vast forests, magnificent mountain ranges, running streams, and even wide-ranging herds of elk. One wonderful place to visit is a 1,500-acre property protected last year by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and now transferred from the Conservancy to the Commonwealth — Moshannon State Forest’s newest addition.

It’s located in Benezette Township in Elk County, along what the maps call Bennett Branch Sinnemahoning Creek — more simply known as Bennett Branch. The Conservancy has protected more than 10,000 acres in recent years along Bennett Branch and in the valley surrounding the stream. This property has beautiful hilltop views, steep forested slopes, and it borders both Bennett Branch and a mountain stream that feeds into it, Johnson Run. The property is within the elk range, and it’s close to the Elk Country Visitor Center for those wanting to stop there, too.

For anyone desiring an easy quarter-mile hike or to fish on the property, a parking area to use is the one for State Game Land 311 located across the road from the property off Route 555 just south of Summerson Road. The property also offers stunning views for more experienced hikers comfortable with traversing more than six miles off Quehanna Highway on unmarked Jeep trails. Those trekkers are encouraged to contact the Conservancy to get detailed maps and directions prior to their trip.

For more information about exploring this property or other places to visit in the PA Wilds, please call the Conservancy at its Pittsburgh office at 412-288-2777 or at its Allegheny Regional office in Ridgway at 814-776-1114.