 Elk County, PA got its name for a reason. Home to the town of Benezette (nicknamed the “Elk Capital of Pennsylvania”), nearly 1,000 elk roam the woods of Elk State Forest and its surrounding areas. But wild animals are unpredictable, and no one can guarantee you’ll see an elk in its natural habitat. In this article, we’ll share all the tips you’ll need to make getting a glimpse of these majestic creatures more likely, along with a few local hotspots for elk viewing. Why Are There So Many Elk in Benezette? Elk are native to the state, having roamed the primeval forests long before European settlers discovered America. But unregulated hunting and development-induced habitat loss caused by rapid settlement took its toll on the elk herds of Pennsylvania. By 1867, the eastern elk were extinct. Then, in 1913, 117 Rocky Mountain elk were transferred to the northern part of the state by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, hoping to re-establish the species. Having increased in size nearly ten times over, the elk population in Benezette, PA and the surrounding areas draw visitors from across the country, hoping to witness these majestic creatures against breath-taking mountain vistas. The Best Time to See Elk In Benezette, PA The time that you’re most likely to see elk is in the late summer and fall around dusk or dawn. This time of year is known as the Elk Rut - their mating season. It peaks during the period from Labor Day to Halloween. During the fall, you may catch sight of bulls battling it out for the right to mate. That said, it is certainly possible, and even common, to see elk other times of the year. When winter is approaching, elk are constantly on the move. During the cooler months, they will likely find warmth among the trees. Keep your eyes out in heavily-wooded areas, and seek these out opposed to wide open fields. In the spring and summer, elk are frequently spotted in the area as well. However, when the weather gets warmer, they’ll seek out food in the meadows. While the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset are optimal times of the day to see elk, you’ll have a good shot of seeing them other times of the day, too. Because elk are such large animals, they need to eat frequently, meaning they’ll always be out and about looking for food, regardless of the time of year. It’s important to remember that if you plan your trip during September and October (the optimal time to see elk), the area is going to be much more crowded and congested than other times of the year. Where to Spot Elk in Elk County While many travel to the area specifically to get a glimpse of these beautiful creatures, no matter how robust the population, it comes down to being at the right place at the right time. This level of chance is frustrating, but if you explore sites known for their heavy elk traffic, you may get lucky. The Elk Country Visitor Center Directions from Google Maps The Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette is a great place to start your trip. Not only will you be able to familiarize yourself with the area’s attractions and history, but you can see elk! There are three observation trails that wind their way around the visitors center, offering an easy trek through elk’s natural habitat. These paths lead to viewing areas where you’ll see elk in a natural setting. Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area Directions from Google Maps Follow Winslow Hill Road north of Benezette to visit this popular elk viewing area. With an endless view of rolling hills, it’s a beautiful site by itself - but with elk grazing in the nearby fields, it’s something to behold. The visitor-friendly elk hotspot offers a parking lot, but with that comes crowds. If you visit during peak elk times, you’ll likely run into traffic jams. Dents Run Elk Viewing Area Directions from Google Maps Moving on from Winslow Hill, the nearby Dents Run area is a great spot to encounter elk. Known as the most popular place to spot elk in the state, the PA Game Commission encourages elk visitors by planting food they love - winter wheat, oats, grasses, and clovers. Handicap-accessible and with a parking lot, this spot marries convenience with natural splendor. Woodring Farm Viewing Platform Directions from Google Maps Woodring Farm is a short trip from Benezette, located along Winslow Hill Road. This site takes visitors over an accessible ¾-mile trail through an old strip coal mine. The beautiful sites along the path aren’t all you’ll see. At the end is the viewing platform is a viewing platform perfect for spotting elk. Hicks Run Viewing Area With a handicap-accessible viewing blind and plenty of elk-friendly food, this is another great spot to add to your elk-viewing list. Off-highway parking is available, and elk are often seen foraging late in the day throughout the year. Around Benezette Residents and visitors alike often report seeing elk roaming the yards of Benezette establishments and homes. Elk have been spotted from the porch at both the ElkStone Lodge and Elk Terrace Lodge on various occasions. Elk Terrace Lodge itself is surrounded on a few sides by fields that are part of the popular Dents Runs Viewing Area. The best part? You won’t have to worry about the crowds and traffic.  Four elk pass through the front yard of ElkStone Lodge. Benezette Store Campground Directions from Google Maps A great option if you’re looking to camp in the area, Benezette Store Campground is often visited by herds of wild elk. If you’re lodging elsewhere or just visiting for the day, swing by and see if there are any elk to spot. Elk Scenic Drive If you’re feeling adventurous and want to hit all the hot spots and then some - check out the Elk Scenic Drive. This 127-mile loop crosses into five counties and winds through the Allegheny Mountains. While we can’t promise you’ll see elk (though it’s likely) we can promise you’ll come upon some gorgeous vistas and tons of wildlife as you cross through five state parks. Cell reception may be spotty in these remote areas, so be sure to print out this map from PA Wilds. Not only will it help you stay on course, but it’ll keep you tuned in to what’s coming up so you don’t miss any of the great sites. Helpful Tips for Spotting Elk While catching sight of a herd of wild elk is simply a matter of being at the right place at the right time, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Make sure to bring binoculars to spot elk from far away, and cameras to capture your experience. Be prepared to sit and wait patiently for the elk to stumble upon you. When you do spot elk, stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re driving. Don’t stop on the road to watch them, and stay clear of private property if you don’t have permission to pass through. While it’s easy to get excited when you see these beautiful creatures up close, trying to pet or approach them is not a good idea, and feeding them is illegal. Be mindful when deciding whether or not to bring your own furry companion along for the adventure. While many of the area’s hiking trails are dog-friendly (if on a leash), elk are big, wild animals and an encounter between Ben the Bull Elk and Good Ol’ Rover may not be the best. Home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi, Elk Country offers a chance to see these magnificent animals up close and in their natural splendor. Keep these tips in mind, and your trip to Benezette and its surrounding areas may be an experience you’ll never forget.  |