Did you know that Pennsylvania has the largest wild elk herd in the northeastern US? Estimated at approximately 1,400 individuals, this herd grew out of repopulation efforts that began in 1913 and continue to this day.
Today, these once extinct-in-Pennsylvania animals are a popular draw in the 10 county region that they typically inhabit in the Pennsylvania Wilds. However, spotting wild animals is never easy.
To help with visitors see them, there are several viewing areas set up in and around Elk County, PA where they can often be seen, and I’ve had personal success seeing them at many of these.
So, while you can get lucky while driving or hiking anywhere in the region, here are a few spots where you are more likely to see wild elk in Pennsylvania.
(Note: Many of these viewing areas don’t have addresses, so I have listed coordinates. Click here for information on how to use the coordinates in this article to find your destination.)
When to See Wild Elk in Pennsylvania
Knowing where to go to see wild elk in PA is great, but you also need to know when to see them. While it is theoretically possible to see wild elk anytime of the day and in any season, like most wild animals there are better times than others.
Generally speaking, dawn and dusk are going to provide the most likely times to see wild elk. This is especially true during the warmer months of the year as they tend to hide in the forest during the warmer part of the day.
Seasonally, late summer and early fall provide the best viewing as this is the elk rut (mating season). Because of this, they are out more and also make more noise. If you can, plan your trip for late September or early October for best viewing opportunities.
Of course, this is also the most popular time to visit, so keep that in mind.
It’s also worth noting that you should keep your distance away from wild animals. It’s advisable to bring a pair of binoculars with you so that you can observe them from afar.
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Elk Country Visitor Center
There’s nowhere better to start your visit than at the Elk Country Visitor Center just outside of Benezette, Pennsylvania.
Not only are there several handicap-accessible viewing areas next to the visitor center, but there are also horse-drawn elk safaris that leave from the center seasonally.
This is also a great spot to learn about the story of PA’s wild elk herd through artifacts, videos, photos, and more. There is even a gift shop here to pick up all your elk-related souvenirs.
I definitely recommend this as a starting point for your trip through the area.
The Elk Country Visitor Center can be found at 950 Winslow Hill Road, Benezette, PA 15821.
Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area
The Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area is the closest viewing area to the Elk Country Visitor Center (other than those directly on the property). And, of all the viewing areas on this list, this one provides the most expansive view, ensuring that you have a very wide area in which to see elk.
That being said, this is more or less akin to an overlook, so any elk that you see will almost certainly be quite far away, so this is definitely not to spot to go for close sightings.
Still, given the sheer amount of prime elk habitat in the view, this spot is definitely among the most likely to provide an elk sighting. Plus, it’s simply a stunning place to visit as the views here are incredible.
The Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area can be found here: 41.341028, -78.369222
Woodring Farm Viewing Area
A short distance down Winslow Hill Road from the previous viewing area, you’ll find the Woodring Farm Viewing Area.
Note that compared to Winslow Hill, the parking area here is much smaller and a short uphill hike is required to reach the viewing areas and trail. The trail here is a 3/4-mile loop through an old strip mine that is now prime elk habitat. There are even interpretive signs and a viewing platform along the trail.
If you’re lucky, though, you’ll be able to see elk right away, and I’ve had great success seeing them quite close at the top of the hill. In fact, they once were so close that I couldn’t hike the rest of the trail and leaving proper distance from the wild animals.
The parking area for the Woodring Farm Viewing Area can be found here: 41.342389, -78.359917
Dents Run Elk Viewing Area
The Dents Run Elk Viewing Area is another overlook that’s located only steps from the parking area.
This is actually a great spot to hang out for a bit because there is ample seating and a great view of the Elk County countryside and forests.
Unfortunately, I’ve never seen an elk here for some reason, but I know they are out there as this is one of the most popular places to see them from. However, be aware that like at Winslow Hill, the elk will likely be somewhat far away, so bring binoculars if you can.
The Dents Run Elk Viewing Area can be found at the following coordinates: 41.346038, -78.346834.
Benezette
The first elk I ever saw when visiting the region was right in the town of Benezette in someone’s backyard.
Of course, stopping in town isn’t always possible, and you need to respect private property, but it’s worth keeping in mind when driving through town to get to other spots that you might just see them right in town.
Hicks Wildlife Viewing Area
Hicks Wildlife Viewing Area is located a few miles east of the above viewing areas along Route 555 in Cameron County. This viewing area is a short and easy walk from a parking area, and even features a ramp, making it handicap-accessible.
The viewing area consists of a large blind overlooking a field that is prime elk habitat. This allows you to (hopefully) see PA’s wild elk up close without worrying about interfering with them, though it does mean that it can get crowded kind of easily.
I visited here on a beautiful fall morning and had the opportunity to see a beautiful bull elk only a short distance away as he grazed in the field. Truly a great spot to check out while in the area.
The Hicks Wildlife Viewing Area can be found here: 41.361212, -78.247318.
Miller Run Wildlife Viewing Area
The Miller Run Wildlife Viewing Area is also located along Route 555, just a few miles from Hicks.
This is the most basic of the spots listed here, consisting of just a pull-off with a couple of picnic tables and a view over the Bennett Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Across the creek, there is nice elk grazing habitat, and if you’re lucky, you might see some here.
Sadly for me, during my one visit, I was a little late in the morning to see elk, but I still enjoyed this quick stop while in the area.
The Mill Run Wildlife Viewing Area can be found at these coordinates: 41.345347, -78.210731.
Do you have a favorite place to see elk in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comment below.
[Click here for information on how to use the coordinates in this article to find your destination.]
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