One of the largest expanses of green between New York City and Chicago, the Pennsylvania Wilds is largely rural and forested, and it offers a rich history and culture. Here, the way of life is intertwined with nature and stewardship.

Designated as a Conservation Landscape by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and a Tourism Region by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for its unique natural and cultural assets, the PA Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land.

Part of Appalachia, the PA Wilds encompasses 13 counties in the most rural part of the Commonwealth, including Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren, and northern Centre Counties. It is home to the greatest concentration of public lands in Pennsylvania.

 

29 state parks | 8 state forests | 50 state game lands | 1 national forest

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Conservation Legacy
Our Assets
Our History

Our Assets Include

The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to the greatest concentration of public lands in the Commonwealth, including 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 50 state game lands, and Pennsylvania’s only National Forest; 16,000 miles of streams and rivers, including two National Wild & Scenic Rivers; the largest wild elk herd in the Northeast; and some of the darkest night skies in the country.

This large rural region of Pennsylvania offers unique outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re looking to stand on a glass floor at the end of an old train viaduct, to witness thousands of stars in the dark night sky, to paddle a scenic waterway or hike below the canopies of the old-growth forest,, or see the wild elk herd, you will leave changed for the better. We promise you, the road less traveled makes all the difference.

To make it easier to explore some of the headliner experiences of the PA Wilds, we’ve broken it down into thematic sub-regions, called Landscapes. We invite you to explore the assets within each landscape in all their grandeur, up close and personal, today.

Some Highlights

More than 2 million acres of public land – including 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 50 state game lands and the 500,000-acre Allegheny National Forest. We’re the biggest block of green between New York City and Chicago. Fifty million people live within a day’s drive of the Pennsylvania Wilds, and a growing number are coming here to do everything from hunt and fish to paddle and bike — enriching experiences that also leave behind valuable dollars in our communities.

Two National Wild & Scenic Rivers, the Allegheny and the Clarion. Many other rivers, lakes and cricks (yes, many call them cricks here) attract visitors, too, including the mighty West Branch of the Susquehanna, which was recently named a Best Adventure Destination by National Geographic.

The largest wild elk herd in the Northeast. The Elk Country Visitor Center, a premier elk conservation facility in the heart of the region, interprets this magnificent wildlife through interactive displays and programs to more than 400,000 visitors a year.

Some of the darkest skies in the world. Cherry Springs State Park, a certified dark-skies park, draws astronomers and visitors from around the globe who want to explore the galaxy – an experience that’s attracted media coverage from the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, Backpacker Magazine and other media.

Heritage: The Pennsylvania Wilds has a rich oil and lumber history, which is interpreted through state-designated Heritage Areas at a variety of sites throughout the region, from CCC Camps to the PA Lumber Museum. The Route 6 Heritage Corridor runs through four of the region’s 13 counties and is a favorite among touring motorcycle groups and other travelers looking to explore the region’s small town charm. In addition, the entire PA Wilds is a part of the Lumber Heritage Region.

Rural Traditions & Craftsmanship: The Pennsylvania Wilds has a growing community of creative entrepreneurs and artisans who do everything from chainsaw carving to fine paintings to making wine. Many are involved in The Wilds Cooperative of PA program.

Our Communities: From tying local tourism projects into regional efforts, to using the Pennsylvania Wilds brand, to welcoming visitors through race events and heritage festivals, to building memorable businesses that help meet visitor demand, to being good stewards of their community character – communities are at the heart of the tourism experience in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Learn more about our commitment to Stewardship

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