PA WILDS TOUR

PA Wilds is a brand new tourism initiative to showcase 5 million forested acres of Northwestern Pennsylvania by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This area is one of the largest continuous untamed wilderness land masses in the Northeast. The forested area is home to seldom seen Pennsylvania mammals and birds that were once considered extirpated or rare within the Commonwealth. Now you can see sizable herds of elk and white tailed deer along a scenic drive. With a little luck in the back country, you can witness coyotes, black bears, beavers, bobcats, and even a rare glimpse of recently reintroduced fishers.

STATE COLLEGE

1. Penn Stater Hotel – Penn State Campus Lv. 8:00 AM 90 miles Travel to Benezette via the Elk Scenic Drive in the PA Wilds Region of Northcental PA. Very scenic drive over mountains and along stream valleys with many opportunities to see native PA wildlife. Witness N.C. PA major industries of timbering and coal strip mining.

2. Benezette – Stop at Elk Viewing Sites and lunch at local restaurant 10AM – 1:30 PM Visit Winslow Hill, PA Game Commission Elk Viewing Site. Amphitheater program about PA. Elk presented by a local Elk Hunter’s Guide. Lunch at Benezette Restaurant and Souvenir Shop.

3. Quehanna Wilderness Area 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 34 miles Drive thru the largest Wilderness area in Pennsylvania, more than 50,000 acres, with stops along the way at natural areas. Learn about the historic Curtis – Wright jet engine testing and nuclear site.

4. Karthaus, Moshannon, Snow Shoe 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM 20 miles Karthaus has a splendid view of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Near Moshannon is an ongoing coal strip mine reclamation project know as the German Settlement. At the unique artic named village of Snow Shoe, we return to I-80 for a quick trip back to State College.

5. Snow Shoe Exit 147 to Bellfonte Exit 161 on I-80, then I-99 to State College 3:30 PM – 4 PM 25 miles

Contact information: Waxwing Associates 140 Queen Ann Drive Hollidaysburg, PA. 16648 Phone: 814-693-6563 Hours: M - F 8AM - 4 PM Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: WAXWINGASSOCIATES.COM