The PA Wilds is made up of over 2 million acres of public land in Potter, Taiga, Lycoming, Warren, McKean, northern Centre, Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, Clarion, Forest, Clinton, and Jefferson Counties. It is said to be the largest green area between New York City and Chicago. It is also home to some of the darkest skies on the East Coast.
There is something about being out in the great outdoors with nothing around you for miles and miles. Towns are sparse in this area of Pennsylvania. All you have around you is wild open spaces, mountain tops, and tons of forest.
The PA Wilds is the perfect place to go and get lost in nature and find yourself. Plan a trip to the Allegheny National Forest or to the PA Grand Canyon (Pine Creek Gorge). Grab a blanket and look up at the sky in Cherry Springs. It really is up to you on how to spend your time out in the Wild.
State Parks
There are over 25 state parks to visit in the PA Wilds. Each one has something special to offer and will have you wanting to visit each and every single one. From the old rail bridge at Kinzua Bridge State Park, watching hang gliders at Hyner View State Park, or seeing elk roam at Elk State Park.
There will be something for everyone in your group. There’s even things for those of you that don’t enjoy the outdoors too much. It really is amazing all the wonderful things that can be found in the PA Wilds.
The table below shows all the state parks located within the PA Wilds.
| Hills Creek State Park | Leonard Harrison State Park | Little Pine State Park | Colton Point State Park | Upper Pine Bottom State Park |
| Susquehanna State Park | S.B. Elliott State Park | Bald Eagle State Park | Black Moshannon State Park | Ravensburg State Park |
| Parker Dam State Park | Elk State Park | Bendigo State Park | Kettle Creek State Park | Sizerville State Park |
| Cherry Springs State Park | Denton Hill State Park | Hyner Run State Park | Hyner View State Park | Patterson State Park |
| Sinnemahoning State Park | Prouty Place State Park | Ole Bull State Park | Lyman Run State Park | Cook Forest State Park |
| Clear Creek State Park | Chapman State Park | Kinzua Bridge State Park |
Many of the state parks offer areas to camp at. Many of them have electrical hookups available for RVs and trailers and plenty of areas to pitch a tent. Some of the state parks even have cabins available to rent if the thought of sleeping in a tent doesn’t appeal to you.
If spending the night outdoors doesn’t sound like your cup of tea but you still enjoy the outdoors why not check out one of the many hiking trails. The Pennsylvania Wilds has over 1,600 miles of hiking trails to explore. Everything from short easy hikes to long challenging hikes.
Kinzua Bridge State park has a short trail going from the visitor center to the end of the bridge that anyone can make. While the Turkey Path trail at Colton Point State Park is a difficult but rewarding hike down to the Pine Creek.
High Lights
You could easily spend a week or more exploring all the wonderful things in the PA Wilds. From awe inspiring vistas to scenic overlooks. One thing that is true, you will want to have a camera at the ready.
Be sure to stop off at the Elk Country Visitor Center. If you are lucky you might spot a herd of Elk roaming the area. Even if you’re not lucky enough to see some elk, the visitor center has plenty to offer.
Did you know that Zippo lighters are made in the PA Wilds? Well if you didn’t you do now. There is a museum located in Bradford that you can visit and see why these lighters are so iconic. Plus learn all about how important zippo is to America.
Another unique, one of a kind museum is found within the Pennsylvania Wilds. This one is all about Little League baseball. After all, the little league World Series is played in Williamsport every year.
Kinzua Bridge State Park is another must see destination while visiting the area. At one point it was the longest and highest railroad viaduct in the world. Back in 2003, it was partially destroyed by a rare tornado. Now it is a pedestrian walkway with some amazing views of the Kinzua Gorge.
If you like looking up at the night sky, you won’t want to miss a visit to Cherry Springs State Park. While there is nothing to see during the day. At night this state park is the place to be.
It is some of the darkest skies you will see east of the Mississippi River. Remember to give yourself 30 miles to adjust to the darkness and NO bright lights.
To be fair, anywhere in the area is great for the night sky. Check out the light pollution map for the areas with the darkest skies. You won’t find a darker sky in PA than you will find in the PA Wilds.
In 1911, 78 people lost their lives when the Austin Dam broke. Today the area of the dam is a Memorial park. It’s really amazing to think of how that small stream that flows today, caused so much destruction over 100 years ago.
Perhaps one of the best places to see a bald eagle is at Sinnemahoning State Park. Even if you don’t witness one in the wild, check out the wildlife center and crawl through a bear’s cave or see what an eagle’s nest looks like up close.
Another must see place in the PA Wilds is the Pine Creek Gorge also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. There are two wonderful State Parks that offer amazing views of the valley below. Colton Point has some great overlooks that are very short walks from the car.
Leonard Harrison State Parks offers many views of the area. Currently (Oct 2023) they are renovating the visitor center and parking lot area. However, the overlooks are still open and offer great views.
When it comes to the PA Wilds, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless hiking trials, vistas, overlooks, and scenic drives you can take. It doesn’t matter if you visit in fall, winter, spring, or summer. You will find something amazing that will make you want to come back.
Have you ever visited the PA Wilds? Do you have a favorite place you go to? Is there somewhere you haven’t visited that you really want to see? Let us know in the comments below.
Kozmo Photos 