Pennsylvania was practically made for scenic drives, whether we’re up for a short jaunt or want to set off on a multi-day journey. Elk Scenic Drive, perhaps the best scenic drive in Pennsylvania, meanders through several state parks and natural areas, showcasing some of the best natural scenery in the state. Even better, you can drive it all in one go or take it in stages. Whatever you do, add it to your Pennsylvania nature bucket list.

Elk Scenic Drive meanders 127 breathtaking miles through the Pennsylvania Wilds, passing some of the most stunning scenery in the state. Along the way, you’ll pass numerous natural areas and state parks.
Flickr/Nicholas T.
The journey, in fact, begins at Simon B. Elliott State Park in Penfield. Nestled in Moshannon State Forest, the cozy state park spans just 318 acres. It’s popular for hiking, picnicking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Google/Charlie Coleman
Passing nearly two dozen natural attractions, Elk Scenic Drive also winds through Benezette, tucked in the heart of Elk Country. In this small town, you’ll drive alongside wandering elk.
Flickr/Mark Testa124
Carve out some time to explore Benezette, starting with a visit to the Elk Country Visitor Center. Check out the interactive exhibits indoors, and follow one of the outdoor trails, which offers stunning up-close views of the resident elk.
As you make your way along Elk Scenic Drive, you’ll have a variety of natural areas at which you can pull over. Keep an eye out for beavers at Beaver Run Dam Viewing Area, and journey up the mountain at Bucktail Path in Johnson Run Natural Area.
Google/Gary Tripodi

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If you plan to drive the entire route in a single outing, consider camping at one of the Pennsylvania state parks along the way. Kettle Creek State Park allows both tent and RV camping.
Google/Chuck Cooper (Chuck)
The final attraction along Elk Scenic Drive, the Karthaus Canoe Launch signals the start of another adventure. Slip your canoe or kayak into the Susquehanna River for a scenic float through Sproul State Forest.
Google/David Sergeant
One recurring theme throughout the drive is elk. Be prepared to see a lot of them, so take care when driving, especially in Benezette.
Flickr/marktesta124
It's definitely one of the best PA scenic drives, and a grand adventure for anyone who wants to explore the Keystone State's natural beauty!
Pennsylvania Wilds
Learn more about Elk Scenic Drive on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website. You can also download a map of the scenic drive on the DCNR page linked above.

Want a taste of exploring Elk Scenic Drive, even if you don’t have time for a road trip right now? Check out this video from Wandering Over Yonder, posted on YouTube in early 2023, for an up-close live look at the beauty of this road trip.

Have you followed Elk Scenic Drive, the best scenic drive in Pennsylvania? Did you drive the whole 127 miles or just part of the way? Share your experience in the comments! Consider saving some time on your journey, too, to visit Benezette, where the elk roam free. If you’re planning a longer road trip, make sure to stock up with all the road trip essentials, thanks to Only In Your State’s packing guide!

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More to Explore

Best Hidden Gems In Pennsylvania

Raymond Goldfield | August 20, 2023

What Are Some Of The Best Hidden Gems In Pennsylvania?

Elk Scenic Drive is one of those under-the-radar destinations that even many Keystone State residents might not know about. Here are three more worth the time to explore.

  • Beck's Land & Sea House is an underrated restaurant in Nazareth that specializes in high-end seafood and cocktails. It's far away from the sea, so this might take some people by surprise - but its cooking puts many shore restaurants to shame! Start with a selection from the raw bar before moving on to some of the best crab cakes in all of Pennsylvania. The landlubbers can come too - the steaks and chops here are expertly grilled and the banana cheesecake is a perfect indulgent finish.
  • American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks, Pennsylvania might just be the most unexpected attraction in the state, located in a busy shopping area near Regal Cinemas. But this isn't your ordinary strip mall attraction - it's a massive 100,000-square-foot pop culture museum filled with memorabilia from just about every era of Hollywood and TV imaginable. Everything from Raggedy Ann to The Simpsons is here, along with surprising items from music and automotive history. You'll want to plan a few hours to fully explore this museum.
  • Columcille Megalith Park may be one of the most unique hidden gems in Pennsylvania - dating back to the early 1960s, but calling back to roots thousands of years old. A Celtic-inspired outdoor garden and shrine, it was built by William Cohea and started with a single stone chapel. That still stands today but has been joined by dozens of other stone sculptures and rock formations. It's an amazing place for sightseeing and quiet reflection in the small town of Bangor.

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