Spring `06 - Visiting the PA Great Outdoors

Let’s
GO!
Northwest
Pennsylvania
Great
Outdoors
Area Magazine of People, Places & Events
Angler’s Guide page 3
Top Fishing Spots
page
page 88
page
page 16
16
Golf Course Preview
Take A Hike
page 12
Wee Bit O’Ireland
page 4
On Wings Of Spring
Birdwatching Areas and
Flightpaths
Bikers Guide
page 10
Horseback
RidingLet’s
Trails
GO!
page 6
visitPA.com
Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
PA greatOutdoors.com
1
Welcome to Northwest Pennsylvania Great Outdoors
Thousands of Acres of Forest
Hundreds of Miles of Winding Rivers...
(It’s Fun for People Too!)
Nature in its endless variety and glorious color is what
Northwest Pennsylvania is all about. Enjoy hiking, biking,
boating, camping, fishing and more. See wild free-roaming
elk, meet the world-famous weathercaster Punxsutawney Phil,
or explore the Allegheny National Forest.
There’s lots of HISTORY too, and plenty of
ARTS, beautiful HAND-CRAFTS and GREAT PLACES
TO STAY
STAY, indoors and out!
2
© PGO Spring 2006
For one stop shopping and FREE
GUIDES to Northwest PA, including attractions,
hotels, cabin rentals, and bed & breakfasts—
call TOLL-FREE today:
Visit our WEBSITE at: PAgreatOutdoors.com
800-348-9393
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
visitPA.com
catch of the Day
OAn Angler’s
ur Great Outdoors region
is crisscrossed with moun
tain streams and dotted
with sparkling lakes. The Allegheny and Clarion Rivers also cut
mighty swaths through our territory and are designated national
Wild and Scenic Rivers. You’ll find
over 70 species of fish in our rivers, lakes and streams, including
the most popular game fish—walleye, largemouth and smallmouth
bass, muskie, northern pike, yellow perch and trout. Simply put,
our neck of the woods has some of
the best freshwater fishing you’ll
find anywhere on the planet.
Guide
To Top Fishing Spots
Opening Day
Trout Season April 15
Discover
these hot
fishing spots
Cameron County has a variety of
great trout fishing. The Driftwood
Branch, East Fork and First Fork
of Sinnemahoning Creek are
stocked and the First Fork is a hot
spot for smallmouth bass too. The
George B. Stevenson Dam at
Sinnemahoning State Park is filled
with stocked trout, bass and
panfish.
Small trout streams are everywhere throughout Elk County.
They’re perfect if you’re a hike-in
angler looking for wilderness fishing.
If you prefer large waters, the
county has reservoirs and the West
Branch Clarion River. The Ridgway
Reservoir holds trout and panfish
and is an ice fishing hot spot.
East Branch Dam in Elk State
Park has many kinds of fish but is
known mostly for its smallmouth
bass, musky and trout. Laurel
Run Reservoir a.k.a. St. Marys
Reservoir is great for shore fishing. Twin Lakes in the
northern
part of the county holds stocked
trout.
Jefferson County offers great
fishing and boating opportunities
too. Kyle Lake is open to electric
motors and unpowered boats for
pan fishing. A fishing pier makes
fishing accessible for anyone with
disabilities. Channel catfish and
walleye fingerlings are stocked in
the lake as well.
Cloe Lake is another local hot
spot. Look for trout,
saugeye and bass on
this impoundment.
Other good trout
streams include the
Mahoning Creek and
Little Toby Creek from
Brockway to Ridgway in Elk
County. You can fish for smallmouth bass and trout from a canoe or by wading. The Tionesta
Sand and Gravel pool located in
Tionesta is one of the best areas
of the Allegheny River to fish for
walleye this time of year.
Spring Creek and Salmon
Creek in the Allegheny Forest and
Maple Creek in Clear Creek State
Park are all stocked with trout.
Tionesta Lake located outside of Tionesta is
good for crappies
in the spring. We
recommend fishing
with minnows, jig
and a bobber along
the
shoreline.
Bluegills and perch
are also abundant.
Many anglers do
well around the
dam area and main
boat launch.
Buzzard Swamp near
Marienville is a series of impoundments that contains panfish and
largemouth bass. You must walk
in to fish. Boats without motors
are permitted, but you’ll have to
carry your boat in.
Fly-Fishing
If you’re a fly fisherman, the
Tionesta Lake Outflow has substantial caddis and mayfly
hatches. The outflow is stocked
every spring and the trout hold
through the summer months because of the cold water from the
lake. The area is open to all tackle,
so you can use live bait and lures.
East Hickory Creek (Delayed
Harvest Artificial Lures Only Area)
is located outside of East Hickory.
It’s an excellent fly fishing area.
In May, you’ll find caddis flies and
green drakes. Fishing in the
evening and early morning is best.
In the morning, you may find
some blue wing olives. Wooly
buggers and bead heads are
always productive
in the area. If
you use an artificial lure, try using
rooster tails and panther
martins.
The North Fork of Redbank
Creek is one of the best trout
streams in Jefferson County. and
fly-fishing is very popular there.
Family Fun
Nebraska Bridge located on
Tionesta Lake is fun for family
fishing. You can fish from the
bridge and there is plenty of parking. You’ll catch crappie, bluegill,
perch, smallmouth bass, musky
and maybe even an occasional
trout. If you have a boat, a launch
is available at the bridge.
Beaver Meadows Lake just
outside of Marienville is also a
good family fishing area. The Forest Service has a campground next
to the lake and a boat launch is
available. (But no motors are permitted on the lake.) Expect to
catch a variety of panfish and bass
here.
Toms Run Children’s Pond in
Cook Forest is for kids 12 years
and under. The pond is stocked
continued on page 18
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
3
come fly Away
On Wings Of Spring
How to Reach Us
Let’s GO! is a travel magazine published
quarterly by the Pennsylvania Great
Outdoors Visitors Bureau.
It is available free at
interstate
rest stops,
hotels and
popular destinations in Cameron,
Clarion, Forest, Elk, and Jefferson
Counties in NW Pennsylvania.
The magazine contains feature
articles, photos, interviews, travel tips,
a calendar of events, and more.
Advertising Sales
Carla Wehler - (814) 834-1267
Articles & Features
Bill Lechner (814) 459-6291
Joni Sadley (814) 594-0090
Art Department
Chuck Benson (814) 459-6291
PGOmagazine@aol.com
PGO Board of Directors
Rusty Snyder, President
Double Diamond Deer Ranch
Dick Garrard, Vice President
Foxburg Canoe Rentals
Linda Burney
Gateway Lodge and Cabins
Bob Hargenrader
Clarion Quality Inn
Marlene Lellock
Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce
Ellen O’Day
Clarion River Lodge
Frank Polovich
The Forest Lodge
Lou Smith
Scottish Heights Golf Club & Lodge
William Sprague
Lee-Simpson & Associates
Jamie Williams
The Winery at Wilcox
Sally Wilson
St. Marys Chamber of Commerce
O
ne sure sign
of spring is
seeing and
hearing the birds again.
From the warblers
singing in the hedges
to the woodpeckers
drumming on the tree
trunks to whippoorwills
calling out at twilight,
there’s a lot to enjoy in the Great Outdoors.
Spring and summer are the best seasons for birding. Early morning is particularly good,
especially during the breeding season. Peak spring migration in our region is mid-April to the end
of May. Raptors, including hawks and bald eagles, arrive as early as the beginning of March.
The National Audubon Society has designated Cook Forest State Park as an important
birding area. Other noteworthy locations include the Allegheny River at Tionesta, Buzzard Swamp
near Marienveille, and the Clarion River from Wilcox to Cook Forest.
Bald eagle sightings are common along the Allegheny River in Foxburg and Tionesta, on
the George B. Stevenson Reservoir at Sizerville State Park, along the East Branch of the
Susquehanna River in Benezette, and at Buzzard Swamp. But there are hundreds of different
kinds of birds to discover throughout the Great Outdoors region.
4
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
Check out these lively
birding areas in our
Great Outdoors region
Cook Forest
This 7,200-acre state park is designated as an important birding
area by the National Audubon Society. Many migratory songbirds
return each year to Cook Forest
to breed. Its old-growth forests of
white pine and eastern hemlock
provide an ideal environment for
raising young. There’s an abundance of food in the form of pinecone seeds and insects. Because
the Clarion River is close by, there
are also birds that favor river and
pond habitats. Cook Forest is free
and open to the public dawn to
dusk, year-round.
Directions: From I-80 take Exit
79 [Brookville]. Follow Route 36
north directly to the park in
Cooksburg.
Buzzard Swamp
Buzzard Swamp is an important
link in the Atlantic flyway. During spring migration, the ponds
are teaming with waterfowl including wood ducks, hooded mergansers, American coots, buffleheads, double-crested commorants
and blue- and grey-winged teals.
Birds that prefer meadows, grass-
lands and open water can be found
at Buzzard Swamp as well such as
American woodcocks, house
wrens, eastern bluebirds, cedar
waxwings, redwing blackbirds,
black-throated green warblers,
wood thrushes, ovenbirds, indigo
buntings, bobolinks, wild turkey,
osprey and bald eagles. The hiking trails at Buzzard Swamp are
wide, flat, clear and dry.
Directions:
From I-80, take
Exit 78 and take
Route 36 north to
Route 899. Take
899 north to
Marienville
and turn right
onto Loleta
Road. Drive
1.2 miles to a
sign on the
left. Turn left
onto Forest
Road FR 157
and
drive
about 2 miles to
the dead end and trail head.
Brady’s Bend
Hawk Watch
Brady’s Bend Hawk Watch test site
is located at Brady’s Bend Scenic
Overlook on Route 68. At 1,351
feet above sea level, the overlook
provides good sight lines for 10
to 15 miles. Brady’s Bend is one
of the best locations to view hawks
and eagles migrating along the Allegheny River. Brady’s Bend is also
noted for its updrafts or thermals
on which the raptors glide.
Directions: From the bridge
crossing the Allegheny in East
Brady, travel 2.7 miles east on
Route 68.
Little Drummer
Historical Pathway
The Little Drummer Historical
Pathway gets its name from the
male ruffled grouse, who beats his
wings against fallen trees to create a loud drumming sound to
attract females. The pathway
winds over wetlands, through
a forest and by a pond. In the
a spring and summer, look for
common yellowthroats. Search
Cole Run Pond for waterfowl
and water birds. The pathway
is part of the Allegheny National
Forest.
From I-80 take Exit 97. Follow 219 north to Ridgway. Traveling west on West Main St. in
Ridgway go up the hill. Turn left
at the “Y” at the top of the hill
onto Spring Creek Road. Follow to
the trail head.
Sizerville State Park
This 386-acre park is made up of
hardwood and pine stands and
features two great trout streams.
It’s surrounded by almost a halfmillion more acres of the Elk and
Susquehannock State Forests. In
Sizerville Park there are five loop
trails for bird and wildlife watching. Nesting birds found in the
park included American redstarts,
magnolia warblers, ovenbirds, indigo buntings, wild turkeys and
northern waterthrushes. Yearround birds include pileated woodpeckers, ruffled grouse, and eastcontinued on page 18
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
Watch The Birdie
Here’s a sampling of the
varieties of birds you’ll find
throughout our region:
American woodcocks
Bald eagles
Belted kingfishers
Blackburnian warblers
Blue-headed vireos
Bobolinks
Canada geese
Cooper’s hawks
Cliff swallows
Dark-eyed juncos
Eastern bluebirds
Eastern kingbirds
Great Blue Herons
Great-horned owls
Henslow’s sparrows
Indigo buntings
Killdeers
Kingfishers
Kinglets
Northern harriers
Northern ravens
Ospreys
Parula warblers
Red-breasted nuthatches
Red-tailed hawks
Ruby-throated hummingbirds
Short-eared owls
Tundra swans
Turkey vultures
Vesper sparrows
Whippoorwills
Wild turkeys
Wood thrushes
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers
A Great Place To Stay
Benezette, PA
www.elkcountryhideaway.com
724-388-1007
5
horsing Around
Saddle Up and Hit the Trails
T
he arrival of spring means
it’s time for equestrians to
saddle up and hit the trails
in the Wilds of Pennsylvania. But
before you do, read the following
excerpts from Carolyn Cook’s latest book called Ride Pennsylvania
Horse Trails-Part II, the Western
Half of Pennsylvania. Her book
profiles over 40 horse and shareduse trails. Five of those trails are
located in our Great Outdoors region: Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail System & Elk State Forest; Quehanna Region; Cook Forest State Park; Kellettville Region;
and Kelly Pines & The Duhring
Marienville Region.
Here’s a bit of what she has
to say:
Thunder Mountain Equestrian
Trail System & Elk State Forest
The region is one of my absolute
favorites to enjoy on horseback.
The landscape of the country and
the wildlife are reminiscent of my
travels out west. In addition to the
wonderful beauty of the area, the
thrill of seeing elk while on horseback, especially a big bull, is
breathtaking.
The surrounding mountains
and state forest offering countless
trails to explore are why this area
is one of our most loved. Many of
the formally designated trails have
been established over the years by
locals, visitors, logging equipment
and mining operations. This trail
system can accommodate day
rides; weekends; or week-long adventures with lots to explore in
or out of the saddle. Over 100
miles of trails are available to riders in these 200,000 acres of state
forest.
The trails can vary from easy
to difficult with some steep sections, but are usually moderate.
The Thunder Mountain Trails are
mostly easy to follow with clear
markings and the occasional help
of a map. This area is full of peaks
and valleys through open fields
and thick forests. Horse camping
is available as well as non-horse
camping. There are no fees for
it is very picturesque. We did not
find any significant “on the edge”
trails, but it is mountainous so
horse and rider need to be fit and
trail use and no permits are required to ride, although permits
are required for camping. When
we visit this area, we enjoy staying at the nearby Big Elk Lick
Campground in Benezette, where
the elk come right through camp
almost every morning.
experienced with this type of terrain. We explored and found many
fun, wide trails that traveled up
the side of the mountains in numerous directions. Many of the
branches of trails lead to a main
double tract section at the top of
the mountain and provide a nice
overlook of the valley below. You
can venture past this point or
travel back down the mountain
and try different branches.
We really enjoy our visits to
this region and plan to revisit in
the future. We like staying at the
Flying W Ranch because it offers
a variety of camping locales in a
scenic setting, a choice of amenities or primitive camping.
Kellettville Region and
Allegheny National Forest
This area has much undeveloped
land with forests, dirt roads,
streams, and open fields. Many
sections permit riding. There are
two trails we truly enjoy in this
region. One is the loop of snowmobile trails which can be accessed off of Route 666, just west
of Whig Hill and indicated by
markers number 2 and 21 on the
snowmobile map.
The other section is on the
opposite side of the Tionesta
Creek. When the rains had not
been heavy, we crossed the
Tionesta Creek and rode on the
other side which offers some challenging but beautiful trails with
nice views. Although unmarked
and rugged, we have enjoyed exploring this sector of the ANF as
6
Kelly Pines & The
Duhring/Marienville Region
(Allegheny National Forest)
This is an old time favorite and
well-known destination for equestrians and equestrian campers.
These trails are located in the
southern section of the Allegheny
National Forest in Forest County,
in the town of Duhring, near
Marienville.
The surface is diverse and in-
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
cludes single dirt tracts winding
through mountainous country,
trails that pass interesting rock
formations and old quarries,
double tract logging roads, and old
railroad grades of dirt and fine
stone dust surface. There are many
nice sections in this area. Horse
camping is permitted. There is
equestrian camping available at
Kelly Pines, an ANF campground,
and Summers Campground, a privately owned facility open to the
public.
Whether you stay at Kelly
Pines or nearby Summers Campground, just head out and follow
the hoof prints and the many
branches of the trails. There are
many loops that travel the
mountainside. You can even link
with the old railroad corridor
which returns to both Kelly Pines
and Summers Campground. The
rail-trail is a nice, easy ride and
passes many homes in a rural setting along the path.
In contrast to the rail-trail,
the single paths that traverse the
mountainous terrain of this region
offer a more challenging landscape
About The Author
SPRING
Happenings
Carolyn Cook has had a lifelong love for travel, horses, and exploring
trails. Her book, Ride Pennsylvania Horse Trails-Part II, the Western Half
of Pennsylvania is a comprehensive guidebook to horse and shared-use
trails in our part of the state. Organized and practical, it includes trail
locations, directions, description, lengths, levels of difficulty, equestrian camping accommodations, interesting area history, and emergency vet and farrier contacts, plus color photos and more. Carolyn has
ridden over 100 different trail systems in Pennsylvania and also has put
together a guidebook to trails in the eastern half of the state. Both
books can be purchased online at www.PAtrail.com or
www.RidePennsylvania.com, and at book stores and sport stores throughout the region. A list of store locations is available online.
COOK FOREST
Scenic Trail Ride
Backwoods Adventure on Horseback
• One, Two & Three-Hour Rides or Ride All Day
• Daily or Weekly Dude Ranch Packages
• Bunkhouse with Modern Restroom Facilities for Rent
• Heated Pool, Jacuzzi, Pool Table, Basketball
Steak & Rib Rides
Breakfast Rides
Wiener Roast Rides
Clarion River All-Day Scenic Ride
Rt. 68 Clarion to Miola Road onto Scott Drive
814-226-5985 • 814-856-2081
with some steep and sometimes
difficult sections. However, along
these paths, there are dramatic
rock formations and picturesque
terrain to view. The terrain is
mostly dirt with rocky patches.
Except for the rail-trail, the ride
is mostly shaded as it travels
through the woods and pine forests. There is some beautiful scenery in this area offering many
hours of enjoyable riding.
Cook Forest State Park
Cook Forest State Park is well
known for its dark, dense forests
and has been called the “Black
Forest.” Beautiful clusters of giant hemlocks and mature white
pines have earned this area our
nation’s Natural Landmark status.
At one time, this was Seneca Nation territory. In the 1900s, early
conservationists created the Cook
Forest Association aimed at preserving the dwindling virgin forest. These old growth clusters can
be seen today at the Forest Cathedral, Seneca, and Swamp Area
FEBRUARY
1st Annual Coyote Hunt
February 10 - 12, 2006
Call for rules and more details.
Cameron, Centre, Clearfield,
Clinton, Elk, Potter and Tioga
Counties. Contact Ray Savel
(814) 546-2061
www.sinnsport.com
An Affair to Remember
Gala Event
Elegant evening of jazz, drinks,
food, and silent
auction benefitting the Elk
County Arts Council
February 17, 7 p.m.
Royal Inn, Rt. 219, Ridgway
For tickets call (814) 772-7051
www.eccota.com
Snowman in the Forest
Snowman building, ice skating,
wagon rides, hot chocolate and
other refreshments, camp fire.
February 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cook Forest, Cooksburg
Call (814) 927-8340
www.cookforest.org
Ridgway Chainsaw
Carvers Rendezvous
Wood and ice carving demonstrations and exhibits
by chainsaw carvers from around
the world.
February 18- 25, 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Ridgway Firemen’s Grounds,
Ridgway, (814) 772-0400,
chainsawrendezvous.org
continued on page 13
Horse Camping Available If You Have Your Own Horse
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
7
into the Woods
Hiking in PA’s
Great Outdoors
A
fter a long winter’s nap,
nature wakes up. The trees
start to bud, the songbirds
return, the chipmunks scurry
about, and the wildflowers start
to bloom. There’s no better way
to greet the new season than by
taking a hike in the Allegheny National Forest or one of the beautiful state parks in the region.
The Clarion/Little Toby Trail
runs from Ridgway to Brockway
through state game lands. From
Ridgway, the trail follows the
Clarion River to the ghost town of
Carman. From there it follows
Little Toby Creek to Brockway. You
can hike the entire distance without ever crossing a highway.
En route, you’ll find at least six
ghost towns, a swinging bridge
over a creek, and the remnants of
a December 1932 train wreck.
There is lots of wildlife too includ-
ing deer, wild turkeys, herons and
bald eagles.
One of the best ways to get
closer to nature and enjoy the
Great Outdoors is to hike in beautiful Cook Forest. The Cook Forest
Trail is about 6 miles long. The
scenery is outstanding every season and the trail will lead you to
Seneca Point, a magnificent natural vista overlooking the Clarion
River.
The Cook Forest fire lookout
tower, which you can climb, is located here as well. From the trail
you can enter the area of the forest damaged by the tornado of
1976.
There are about 25 miles of wellmaintained trails throughout Clear
Creek State Park. The Clear Creek
State Park Trail itself is just over
5 miles long. Wild rhododendron
and mountain laurel bushes pep-
Open Year Round
per the path and many kinds of
wildlife including deer, bear, turkey and grouse can be glimpsed.
A large boulder along the way provides a great view of the valley.
Just outside of Marienville, Buzzard Swamp is a landscape of forests, meadows and ponds. The area
Longer Trails
For backpackers there are a
number of longer trails to follow. The 140-mile Baker Trail
extends from Pittsburgh
through Cook Forest and on to
the Allegheny National Forest
and winds up in New York state.
The Bucktail Path is a 30
mile stretch from Sizerville
State Park to the village of
Sinnemahoning. The Armstrong Trail is a 52-mile trail
that follows the west bank of
the Allegheny River south from
its trailhead at East Brady.
Backpackers can also trek
on former Native American territory on the 12-mile Tionesta
Dam Trail near Tionesta.
provides many wildlife and waterfowl sightings. The trail is about
5 miles long and most junctions
are marked with a map on a post.
Maps of the trail can be picked up
at the Marienville Ranger Station
directly north of town.
A Place for All Ages,
A Treat for All the Senses!
For over a quarter of a century, the Farmers Inn
has been a stopping point for thousands of area
residents and tourists who enjoy the
scenic beauty of Clear Creek State Park.
And over this time, the little place has grown
and grown and grown! In the early days, it was
a rustic dining spot; today, it is a fullfledged family resort.
The Farmers Inn is bursting at the seams with
plenty to see and do. Stop in and enjoy some
old-fashioned country fun!
• Country Gift Shops
• Restaurant
• Ice Cream Parlor
• Bulk Food Store
• Mini Golf
• Animal Exhibits
• Petting Zoo
Call for Hours (814) 752-6334
Bring your dear family,
to meet our deer family
Visit our new
Buck Barn
8
Route 36, 3 Miles South of
Cook Forest State Park
Weekend Flea Market (May - Oct)
Visit us online at:
www.doublediamonddeerranch.com
Loc
a
Cle ted ne
ar
a
and Creek r
For Cook
est
Par State
ks
2 Miles North of Sigel on Rt. 949 • 752-2942
Spring and Fall: Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! THRU THE SUMMER
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
Directions To Hiking Trails
Clarion/Little Toby Trail
Clear Creek Trail
From downtown Ridgway turn south
on PA 949 and follow it for 7.7
miles to the signed turnoff on the
left. Follow this road south for 0.8
mile and park just beyond the old
CCC camp. From Brockway, go
south on PA 28 (Main Street) and
turn right on 7th Avenue. Drive
north for 2.8 miles to the parking
lot at Jenkins Run.
From I-80 take Exit 78. Go north
on PA 36 for 7 miles to the village
of Sigel. Turn right (north) on PA
949 and go 3.9 miles to Clear Creek
State Park. The trailhead begins at
the beach house parking area.
Cook Forest Trail
Cook Forest State Park is on PA36
about 15 miles north of exit 78 on
I-80. The hike starts from the parking area at the Log Cabin Inn Visitor Center on Vowinckel Road, 1
mile north of the junction with PA
36 in Cooksburg.
Think Outside The Wrapper
Buzzard Swamp Trail
From downtown Marienville go
south on Loleta Road (SR 2005).
At 1.3 miles turn left on Forestry
Road (FR) 157. Drive east for 2.3
miles to a large parking area at the
trailhead. If you use two cars, leave
one car here and return to
Marienville in the other. Turn right
on Spruce Street, which is the road
between the Uni-Mart and the
Bucktail Hotel. Drive east for 4.4
miles on FR130. After you pass
FR559 which is on the left, park
on the right.
N
ot everybody thinks “Hershey” when it comes to chocolates made in
Pennsylvania. Dan Smith’s Candies has been making kitchen fresh
candy in historic downtown Brookville for over 50 years, and people just
love it.
Every spring, Dan Smith’s whips up a sweet batch of Easter specialties including milk and white chocolate rabbits, ducks, hens and eggs. In
recent years, it has added some fun new shapes as well such as biker
bunnies, a ballerina, and a dinosaur.
Chocolateer Dan Smith began making chocolates in 1953. His secret
formulas have been passed along to Frank Decker and Lennea Darrin, Dan
Smith’s niece, who owns and operate the candy factory today. But mum’s
the word, the pair still won’t say what makes their blend of chocolate so
creamy smooth and delicious.
You’ll find Dan Smith’s Candies in Brookville on Barnett Street. The
company has delightful, old-time candy stores in Clarion and Ridgway as
well that enhance the charm of these first-rate downtown districts.
Along with solid chocolates, the candymakers at Dan Smith’s handmold jumbo filled eggs weighing a pound each. There are six different
fillings—peanut butter, French vanilla cream, French chocolate creme,
coconut, fruit and nut and maple nut. The company tops off its smorgasbord of Easter treats by offering a colorful assortment of foil eggs, jelly
beans, meltaways and flower mints to celebrate the season.
A good way to try a little bit of everything is to buy Dan Smith’s
pretty cellophane gift bag filled with Easter grass, chocolate bunnies,
Easter eggs, jelly beans and lollipops. For the health-conscious, dark
chocolates and an excellent sugar-free assortment are also available.
For more information call 800-393-1323 or log on to
dansmithcandies.com.
Look no further for your perfect
getaway spot with family, with
friends or with the one you love
Six rustic and charming guest
cabins yet clean and modern
- ready for your WILDS escape!
5186 River Road, SR 555
Benezette Twp., Elk County
Weedville, PA 15868
814-787-7525
www.wapitiwoods.com
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
9
pedal Power
Bicycling Is Fun W
And Good For You Too!
ith beautiful scenery all around,
bicycling is one of the most popular
activities in the Great Outdoors region.
It’s a fun, social and scenic activity, plus it’s good
for your health and gentle on the environment.
The bike trails in our state parks cover a
wide variety of terrain—from meandering
pathways through the woods to challenging,
uphill rides. In the Allegheny National Forest,
biking is allowed on its 600 miles of trails, plus
on gated and open roads. You can buy a trail map
at any Ranger District Office to help plan your
route. Also, many former railway right-of-ways
throughout the region have been converted to
scenic hiking and biking paths. So there’s a place
for everyone from sociable weekend pedalers to
sport cyclists and mountain bikers.
You can get an outdoor discovery map of the
Allegheny National Forest by calling the Great
Outdoors Visitors Bureau toll-free at 800-3489393. Trail maps are also available at state park
and national forest offices. Plus you can download printable directions and descriptions for
each trail including mileage logs and landmarks
at PAGreatOutdoors.com under “Recreational
Trails” in the Site Map.
Gateway Lodge
Pennsylvania’s 2004 Innkeeper of the Year
Biker’s Trail Guide
BEAR CREEK
This 16.7 trail is a mix of dirt roads
and doubletrack. It follows a 3-mile section of Bear Creek. The trail has great
scenery but some sections have heavy
brush and the trail can be obscured.
There is a large creek to cross, which
can be a challenge in the winter and
early spring. You can bypass the creek
on nearby roads. Bear Creek Trail is located in the Allegheny National Forest
in Elk County.
Directions: From Ridgway take
Route 3002 (Laurel Mill Road) west for
15 miles. This road passes the Ridgway
Country Club and Sandy Creek Park. After crossing a wooden bridge, turn right
at the intersection and follow the signs
to the parking lot at the Bear Creek Recreational Facility.
BEAVER MEADOWS
This 11.3 mile trail is an easy loop with
no major hill climbs. It has a variety of
trail types and enough miles to make a
great afternoon outing with families
10
Makes a Great Gift!
and friends. The ride goes through prime
deer and turkey country and winds past
several ponds that attract anabundance
of waterfowl. The trail is marked with
orange diamond blazes. Beaver Meadows is located in the Allegheny Forest
in Forest County.
Directions: From Marienville take
Job Corps Road north for 5 miles. Turn
right at Beaver Meadows Recreational
Area and park.
COOK FOREST
The Cook Forest State Park bike route
is 11.5 miles long and follows lightly
traveled roads within the park and
Heffern Run Trail. The route has a moderate level of difficulty with some rolling hills but has long flat areas as well.
Highlights en route are a leisurely 4mile flat stretch through scenic Tom's
Run Valley; white pine plantations
along Forest Drive; and a challenging
descent along the Heffern Run Trail.
Directions: Rt. 36 in Cooksburg.
Experience Australia
and New Zealand at a
Down Under Weekend
March 4th
Special price for
second night stay
• Open All Year
• Indoor Heated Pool
• Fireside Jacuzzi Suites
• The Woods Spa
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Served Daily
• Special Winter Packages
www.gatewaylodge.com
Cook Forest • Box 125, Rt. 36 Cooksburg, PA 16217
814-744-8017 or 800-843-6862 ext. 40
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
Biker’s Trail Guide
DUHRING TRAIL
This ride is a back road, back country
tour of Spring Creek and some fine forest scenery. The trail is 17 miles on
mostly dirt roads. The trip is easy cycling and easy to follow since it’s
marked with orange diamonds. The trip
begins on an old railroad bed and passes
through the village of Duhring. About
a mile north of Duhring, there was a
prisoner of war camp for German soldiers during WWII. Less than mile into
your ride you’ll see the stone quarry and
boulder field where the German inmates
labored.
Directions: The Duhring Trail is in the
Allegheny National Forest in Forest
County. (From Marienville take Route 66
north six miles. Just before the Forest
Ridge Motel turn right onto Forest Road
FR 131.1. Stay on FR 131.1 for 5 miles.
Kelly Pines Recreational Facility, where
the trail starts, will be on the left.)
SPRING
Happenings
after cresting a hill or entering a vista, scan the area
closely. The Elk Viewing Ride
starts in the town of
Benezette in Elk County.
Directions: (To get to
Benezette from St. Marys
take Route 255 for 10 miles
to Route 555. Turn left and
follow 555 for 10 miles east
to the village of Benezette.
Park at the grocery store.)
BUZZARD SWAMP
This short loop of hiking trails, just 5.9
miles, is suitable for families and novice bike riders. The trail has a relatively
level and smooth surface of dirt and
grass roads, so it’s great for a leisurely
ride
Directions: Buzzard Swamp Trail is located in the Allegheny National Forest in
Forest County. (From Marienville take
State Route (SR) 2005 south toward
Loleta State Park. Go 1.2 miles, turn
left onto Forest Road (FR) 157. Follow
FR157 for 2 miles and park in the lot.
GAMELANDS RIDE
This is an enchanting ride
whose attractions include
tree-arched tracks, caves, scenic overlooks, boulders to climb on, Little Toby
Creek, and a stretch of one of the finest rail-trail around. There is also a
stone quarry where you can see a massive, historical steam engine that was
used to lower rocks down the mountain. The ride cover 8.7 miles across
dirt roads and manicured rail-trail. It
requires a lengthy climb at the start,
but after you reach the top, it is loaded
with one rewarding surprise after another. The ride is across Game Lands
No. 44 in Elk County.
Directions: (From Ridgway follow
Route 949 west for 7.9 miles. Turn left
onto a gravel road 100 yards before you
come to the Little Toby stream. Follow
this road for 1 mile. Pass the state game
lands yellow and brown service garage
and park at the gate.)
ELK VIEWING RIDE
Nowhere else in the eastern United
States will you find such a scenic, easy
ride that also offers the opportunity to
see elk. This 10-mile course is on paved,
dirt and grass roads. The best times of
day to observe elk are early morning
and evenings. To improve your chances
of viewing elk, bring along binoculars,
ride quietly and slowly, and immediately
ISLAND RUN
This ride offers a quick aerobic workout and a hair-raising descent. The ride
begins with a 1 mile climb up a seldom
used gated road. The other side is a
steep descent.
Directions: The road is on State Game
Lands No. 44 in Elk County. From
Ridgway take Route 949 west for 2 miles.
Look to your left for a dirt/gravel road
that immediately crosses a pipeline. Turn
MARCH
Wine Tasting Walkabout
Sample Austrailian and
New Zealand
wines plus all-inclusive
2-night stay
Mar. 3 & 4
Gateway Lodge& Inn
Rt. 36, Cook Forest, PA
(814) 744-8017,
gatewaylodge.com
onto this road and park at the pipeline.
KELLY PINES
This 6-mile trail begins at Kelly Pines
campgrounds. The ride starts with a
steady climb up a seldom used Forest
Road. It soon turns off onto another
Forest Road and climbs again. At the
top of this second climb is a boulder
field that can be explored.
Directions: From Marienville, take
PA 66 north for 6 miles. Just before the
Forest Ridge Motel turn right onto Forest Road (FR) 131.1. Stay on FR131.1
for 5 miles. Kelly Pines Recreational Facility will be on the left.
LITTLE TOBY EAST
The scenery along with trail is spectacular. Except for one long hill climb,
it’s an easy, 12 mile game lands ride on
gated forest roads and undeveloped railtrail. The ride also includes a swinging
bridge over the Little Toby and a hillside strewn with boulders over
two stories high. The trail is on State
Game Lands No. 44 in Elk County.
Directions: From Ridgway follow
Route 949 west for 7.9 miles. Turn left
onto a gravel road 100 yards before you
come to the Little Toby stream. Follow
this road for 1 mile and park at the
state game lands service garage.
OWL’S NEST RIDE
This is a fairly easy 14-mile loop over
gated forest roads along the banks of
beautiful woodland streams. The trail
has a 1-foot deep stream crossing, so
it’s better to ride it in warm weather.
The ride also has a 4-mile side loop.
The trail is located on State Game
Lands No. 28 in Elk County.
Directions: From Ridgway take
Route (TR) 686, 8 miles west to Forest
Road (FR) 136. Make a right onto
FR136 and continue north for 5 miles
until you see a large brown sign on the
left for Owl’s Nest. Park there.
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
Ridgway Fire Department
Annual Gun Bash
March 11, 4-8 p.m.
Central Station,
North Broad St.
Ridgway, PA
(814) 772-3665, ridgwayfire.org
APRIL
Farmer Smith’s Spring Fling
Family fun, Easter egg hunt
and games for kids.
April 14 & 15
Famer Smith’s Gift Store
& Garden Center
Brookville, PA, (814) 849-8014
farmersmiths.com
Coolspring Power Museum
250 historically significant
internal combustion engines
that once powered industry.
April 15 -16, 2006
Coolspring, PA,( 814) 849-6883
coolspingpowermuseum.org
Campus Fest
Celebration with national
entertainers.
Apr. 21-23
Clarion University
Clarion, PA, (814) 393-2312
clarion.edu
Earth Day
April 22, all day
Allegheny National Forest
Warren, PA, (814) 723-5150
www.fs.fed.us
MAY
Clarion Spring Fling
Food, crafts and live
entertainment
May 1-6, downtown Clarion, PA
814-226-9161
11
Wee Bit O’ Ireland
Get in the Irish mood this St. Patrick’s Day with a visit to Sligo just
south of Clarion. This small community, named after the seacoast
town in Ireland that inspired poet William Butler Yeats,
has a strong Irish heritage of its own. The street names, such as
Shamrock Drive and Colerain, have an Irish flair and even
the street signs have four-leaf clovers on them.
Although the town is small, with a population of just 800, it has
earned the reputation of being one of Clarion County's most active
and well-organized boroughs. Through a unified effort, Sligo is now
host to a magnificent pool park, complete with Olympic size pool,
pavilions, ball fields and playground. Sligo supports a full service
bank, several eateries, grocery stores, a 24-hour convenience store,
craft shops, and antique shops. The town is rounded out with
a recreation center and four community churches.
If you can’t make it on St. Patrick’s Day, Sligo also hosts an Irish
festival each summer. The town is located 9 miles south of I-80,
Exit 62. For more information call 814-745-2691.
EVERGREEN CABINS & Mercantile
Open year round.
Cabins even the
ladies will love!
Brand new log cabins
in the heart of Cook Forest.
Including 2 new private
fire-side jacuzzi cabins.
• Oak kitchens with stoves, refrigerators, coffee pots,
toasters & microwaves
• Silverware, glasses & linens
• Satellite TV available upon request
• Every cabin has a campfire area which includes a
charcoal grill, picnic table, fire ring & firewood
• Dogs are welcome at a $10 per night additional charge
• Sorry, no tents or RV’s
Our brand new mercantile & office is done in
the style of an old time general store. You can
find everything you need, including:
• Black Bear items
• Unique items and gifts
• McCalls candles and specialty candles
• Candy, ice cream, snacks & ice
• Groceries
Get your picture taken with
“Barney” the big, big bear!
Call our toll-free number for reservations & information 800-561-6463 or 814-752-2247
P.O. Box 11, Cooksburg, PA 16217
www.evergreencabins.com
Located on Rt. 36, 2 miles south of the Cooksburg Bridge
12
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
Horseback Riding
continued from page 7
locations. These untouched woods
consist of oak, black cherry,
beech, maple, white pine, hemlock, and many other varieties,
along with the remains of American chestnut trees which were
destroyed during the blight in the
early 1900s.
This is best suited for a day
ride, as the park consists of almost 7,200 acres and there is
roughly 10 miles of riding plus adjoining dirt roads. The level of difficulty is mainly easy and leisurely, only one short section was
more challenging and can be
avoided. The terrain is mostly wide
and gradual, with gravel and dirt
double tract paths, wonderfully
groomed grass stretches, and dirt
roads.
The trails which equestrians
are permitted to ride are multipleuse trails. These trails are usually
scattered with light activity, both
in the parking areas and on the
trails. It was very relaxing on the
trails and we did not feel congested, due to the nice, wide
width of the trails leaving plenty
of room to share. The multiple-use
areas that permit horseback riding
travel the outside perimeter of the
old growth section.
Maps are available through
the PA Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources by calling
814-744-8407 or writing P.O. Box
120, Cooksburg, PA 16217; and at
www.dcnr.state.pa.us or by emailing cookforestsp@state.pa.us.
If you enjoy horse trail riding
and want to learn more about the
regions outlined in this article or
others in the state, visit
www.RidePennsylvania.com or
www.PAtrail.com.
In The Wilds
Equestrian Camping
Cook Forest Scavenger Hunt
If you’re looking for a wilderness
getaway in the heart of elk country (with access to Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail), check out Big
Elk Lick Campground. Rt. 555 in
Benezette. Call 814-787-4656 for
information.
Cook Forest’s Second Annual Scavenger Hunt will take place on
Saturday, May 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at shelter #2 in
the state park. The event is free but registration is necessary
and limited to about 75 participants. Prizes will be awarded to
winning teams. Get a registration form by calling (800) 5311545 or e-mailing cabins@starband.net. You can also visit Cook
Forest Vacation Bureau website at www.cookforest.org for a registration form and more information.
New Hotel
In The
Heart of
the Forest
Friendly greetings, beautiful views,
and unique decor are just a few
things visitors can expect from Forest County’s newest hotel. Guests
will return time after time to enjoy
clean, affordable accommodations
complimented by new-world conveniences and outdoor-themed charm.
Just a stone’s throw from the Allegheny National Forest and Cook
Forest State Park, located in the
heart of the snow-mobile/ATV capital of the Great Outdoors Region,
guests will find the new Microtel Inn
& Suites is “the place to be.”
A canoe-shaped coffee table is
the centerpiece of the lobby that is
highlighted in a woodsy motif with
wallpaper borders that feature black
bears and trees. Even the fish-print
upholstery chairs and hunting and
fishing scenes framed on the walls
will make you long for nearby adventures in the Great Outdoors. The
area has incredible natural beauty
and is home to some of the most
scenic hiking trails and premier outdoor recreation in the nation, mak-
Your Favorite Host for Lodging
in “THE PA WILDS”
Microtel Inn
& Suites
252 Cherry St., Route 66
Marienville, PA 16239 (814) 927-8300
SPRING
Happenings
ing it perfect for family gatherings
and reunions.
The new 60-room Microtel Inn &
Suites offers single, double and
suite accommodations, all with
queen beds. the suites also have a
queen-sized pullout bed, table and
chairs, microwave, refrigerator, TV,
and a bar sink. Guest amenities
include free local and free long-distance phone calls anywhere within
the continental U.S., free high
speed wireless internet access in all
guestrooms, expanded cable television with CNN, HBO, ESPN, and
complimentary continental daily
breakfast. The inn also has a number of rooms outfitted for persons
with disabilities.
The Microtel Inn & Suites is family-owned and operated. Clean
rooms and friendly staff are a reflection of the top-notch customer
service that comes from pride of
ownership.
"The Marienville market has a
real need for the new economy hotel, and we look forward to providing a quality hotel at affordable
prices to business and leisure travelers,” said owner Diane Habjan.
The new Microtel Inn & Suites
is located on Rt. 66 just as you
come into Marienville. Several
good restaurants are located
nearby along with top hiking,
fishing, hunting, and outdoor
activity. For reservations or
information call (814) 927-8300.
Visit www.nwpalodging.com
and check into the newest
lodging facility in Pennsylvania’s
Great Outdoors—the Marienville
Microtel Inn & Suites.
www.nwpalodging.com
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
Hazen Flea Market
Opens first weekend of May
Warsaw Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept.
Rte. 28, Hazen PA 15825
(814) 328-2536
Peddler’s Ridge Flea Market
Every Sat. & Sun.
May thru mid-Oct.
Rt. 322 between Brookville
& Clarion
Family Fun Flea Market
Over 20 vendors. New and used
items, handmade crafts, food.
May 1 thru Oct. Oct. 16.
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Flea market building at
the Double Diamond Deer Ranch
Cook Forest, PA, (814) 752-6334
Cook Forest Scavenger Hunt
May 13, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cook Forest State Park
Shelter #2
Cooksburg, PA
(800) 531-1545
cookforest.org
New Bethlehem
Community Yard Sale
May 19 and 20,
New Bethlehem, PA
(814) 275-3929
Tour-de-Forest
Marienville ATV ride through
Allegheny National Forest
Benefits Marienville
Volunteer Fire Co.
May 20 & 21, Marienville, PA
(814) 927-6609
13
fair weather Friends
Fun Sculptures
Will Adorn Sidewalks
This Summer
CLARION COUNTY
14
Watch out! Forty or more bears
with distinct artistic personalities
will be turned loose in Clarion
County. The a once-in-a-lifetime
event for Clarion County will
transform the county’s downtowns
and sidewalks into beary art parks
this spring and summer.
The project called, “Clarion
County: A Beary Good Place,” will
bring the wonders of bears, art and
fun to life. The free outdoor event
will showcase life-sized fiberglass
bears that have been meticulously
decorated by artists. Each sculpture is sponsored by a local business, organization or resident.
You will be amazed and amused
by these imaginative and whimsical works of art, which will be located in public parks, on sidewalks
and in front of buildings.
As each new sculpture is unveiled, its location will be listed
on the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau website at
www.pagreatoutdoors.com. (Click
on Wild Bunch.) The website also
will provide information about the
artists and sponsors, plus photographs of the bears and a map.
Several of the bear sculptures are
already in place, but look for lots
more to come.
rade", which attracted over 2 million additional tourists and an
estimated $500 million in additional tourist related revenue.
Since then, dozens of cities
have done their own sidewalk arts
projects including nearby Erie,
whose “Go Fish” and “Leap Frog”
projects stirred up a 20 percent
increase in downtown business.
Children especially love the sculptures.
Clarion County chose bear
sculptures to celebrate those venerable creatures that wander
through its beautiful mountain
and forest regions. The artists use
the bears as their canvas to express their vision of Clarion
County’s unique history and culture. Each sculpture is sponsored
by a local business, organization,
school or individual.
Some of the Clarion Bear
sculptures already in place are:
“Community Hero” by Gretchen
Mason; “Callensburg’s Beary Best
Courage Under Fire,” “Jester,” and
Clarion County Is Super Bear” by
Jake Yale; “Beary Sweet Freedom”
by Ruth Hirsch; “Autumn Leaf
Bear” by Steve Jaworski; and
“Fabulous Foxburg Fun” by Rosemary Kalinowsky.
Such An Idea
Free Every Day
The idea to create these one-of-akind sidewalk sculptures began
several years ago in Zürich. Eight
hundred fiberglass cows, decorated and painted by Swiss artists, were displayed throughout
the city and then auctioned off
to raise money for charity. Soon
after, Chicago had its "Cows on Pa-
The dozens of whimsical bear statues being installed around Clarion
County will be a fun and free thing
to do any day, all summer long
and beyond. Locator maps will be
available by calling the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau at 800-348-9393.
Part Of
The Wild
Bunch
The Clarion
County
bear sculpture projects
is an initiative
of the Clarion
County Room Tax Project
Review Committee and part of the
Northwest Pennsylvania’s Great
Outdoors Wild Bunch public art
project. The project includes the
Clarion Bears sidewalk art display,
as well as the
Phantastic
Phils
of
Punxsutawney and
the Enchanted
Woodlins of
Ridgway.
The idea of
the Wild Bunch is to encourage people to rediscover the
charm of local downtown districts
and give everybody reason to
smile and feel good.
Clarion Named Top Spot For Kids
C
larion County was recently
named one of the 100 Best
Communities for Young People.
The honor recognizes the
support children receive and the
educational and developmental
resources open to young people
and their parents in communities throughout the county.
The award was bestowed by
America’s Promise, a national organization founded by Collin Powell in 2001. The group aims “to
strengthen the character and competence of America’s youth and
provide them with the fundamental resources they need to be ready
for the future.”
America’s Promise applauded Clarion County’s four family centers, which are open to all income levels, offer home visits to parents of young children, and promote social opportunities for families through special events, story hours and playgroups.
Clarion County Commissioner Dave Cyphert said, “We have a lot
to be thankful for,” referring to the great after-school programs
developed by local school districts, which he feels also contributed
significantly to winning the honor.
Across the country, the winning 100 communities ranged from
small towns to urban neighborhoods that have succeeded in providing healthy, safe and caring environments for young people.
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
Experience specialty shopping, fine
dining, antiquing and celebrate the
arts in beautiful Ridgway, Elk County
Clarion River
Trading Co.
223 Main Street Ridgway, PA 15853
PRESCRIPTIONS • GIFTS • CARLTON CARDS • RUSSELL
STOVER CANDIES • RIDGWAY SOUVENIRS • OLYMPUS & KODAK
CAMERAS • FILM & PHOTOPROCESSING • AMERICAN EXPRESS
MONEYGRAM • COMMUNITY FAX SERVICE
Antiques,
Clothier and
Mercantile
Michael & Nancy DePanfilis
19 N. Broad Street
(814) 773-3131 • Fax (814) 772-3444
814-772-5908
Jennylyn Antiques
814-772-4711
jennylyn@alltel.net
& Gifts
It’s the
Sweetest Thing!
219 Main St.
Ridgway, PA
(814) 772-4707
Visit Elk County’ s Largest
Speciality Gift Shoppe
Ridgway’ s Premier Florist
Call for Tea Times
in our Garden Conservatory
814-772-9660
Elk County Council on the Arts
Featuring all local and regional art work
237 Main St.
Mon - Fri, 10 am - 5 pm.
Sat 10 am - 2 pm
814-772-7051
www.eccota.com
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
15
links Preview
Some of the Best Golf & Scenery Anywhere
ake to the links in
Pennsylvania’s Great Out
doors and you’ll experience
some of the best golf and most
spectacular scenery you’ll ever
come across. The varied landscapes
and changing seasons truly are a
challenge and an inspiration.
What’s more, the courses are affordable, easy to get to and superbly kept. Here’s a quick look
at some area courses. Get swinging!
FALLS CREEK
Beechwoods
This mountain course makes its
home among the rolling hills of
Pennsylvania. It features treelined fairways with small greens
and hazards enough to challenge
golfers of all skill levels. The
course also has a driving range,
putting green, fully stocked pro
shop, and a full-service restaurant
and relaxing lounge. It’s located
in Falls Creek, PA (near DuBois).
814-371-7611.
BROCKPORT/BROCKWAY
Scottish Heights
This course offers spectacular
views, Scottish style bunkers, tree
lined fairways, undulating greens
and water hazards on five holes.
In 2006, the course will have new
lodge suites where you can spend
the night. The suites are just a
short walk from the club’s
Bagpiper’s Restaurant and a fully
stocked pro shop. All inclusive golf
packages are available. Affordable
luxury condominiums are also being created on site. Located in
Brockport, PA. 814-265-4653.
scottishheights.com
EMPORIUM
Emporium Country Club
Built in 1953, this 18-hole course
features a varied terrain and
wooded setting in the Wilds of
Pennsylvania. There are both open
and narrow fairways featuring rye
grass turf, water hazards, sand and
grass bunkers, and putting greens
of poa annua. Between golf shots,
you may even get the chance to
take snapshots of wild, free-roaming elk grazing on the fairways.
The course is located 10 minutes
east of Emporium, PA on Rt. 120.
814-486-7715. Emporium.com.
T
Owens-Brockway
A 9-hole course with a beautiful
waterfall and rolling landscape.
Known as a player friendly course,
it’s a great place for golfers to work
out the kinks in their game. The
course has a casual atmosphere to
set your mind as ease as you
take on a short par three
over a sparkling pond
on the 8th hole.
Country Line Rd.,
Brockway, PA. 814268-4325.
BROOKVILLE
Pinecrest Country Club
Nestled in the rural hills outside the historic town of
Brookville, this semiprivate facility offers a well conditioned
course featuring watered poa
annua fairways and outstanding
bent grass greens. The course will
challenge your golfing skills. Fine
dining and pro shop on site.
16
Scottish Heights
Pinecrest is located just off of the
Brookville exit of I-80. 814-8494666. pinecrestcc.com
CLARION
Clarion Oaks
This 18-hole course features a
unique version of championship
golf, offering golfers two distinct
experiences. First, the front
nine curves through a
beautiful oak forest
with tree-lined fairways. Then, the
back nine is more
reminiscent of a
British Open link
course, with no trees,
unpredictable winds,
wide rolling fairways, and extremely large greens. Clarion Oaks
also has a clubhouse and restaurant to quench your thirst and
satisfy your appetite. The course
is located at the intersection of I80 and Rt. 68 in Clarion, PA. 814226-8888. www.clarionoaks.com
Hi-Level
Named for its elevation, Hi-Level
Golf Course unfolds across a flat
plateau where the Allegheny and
Clarion Rivers begin. The course
features wide fairways and forgiving manicured greens. You will be
best served on this course by
keeping your scores low in the
short front nine before taking on
the challenging back, which
boasts two holes over 600 yards.
Big hitters can really power-drive
off these tees. Hi-Level is located
in Kossuth, PA, 10 minutes west
of Clarion on Route 322.
814-797-1813
Emporium
FOXBURG
Foxburg Country Club
This is the oldest golf course in
continuous use in the U.S. The 9hole course is tucked into a grove
of ancient oaks high above the Allegheny River. The course itself
isn’t long, but fairways are narrow, the rough is deep, and the
greens are small and fast. A beautiful 1912 clubhouse has a wonderful view of the river valley. The
country club is also the home of
the American Golf Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame has a priceless
collection of golf clubs and other
golf memorabilia showcasing the
400- year history of the sport. For
dinner and drinks, the Foxburg
Inn is nearby. Harvey Road,
Foxburg, PA. 724-659-3196.
KNOX
Timberwolf
This course is located within a
campground, so everybody in the
family can have fun. The course
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
has a casual atmosphere, and golfers of all ages and skill levels are
welcome. There’s also a swimming
pool, adult hot tub, miniature golf
course, baseball field, volley ball
courts, arcade and a lake for
paddle boating and fishing. The
golf course and campground are
located off I-80, Exit 53 in Knox,
PA. 800-950-9252.
PUNXSUTAWNEY
Hemlock View
This is a great mountain golf
course in the hometown of worldfamous weather forecaster
Punxsutawney Phil. Set in the
shadow of the region’s plush
mountains, this 9-hole course has
a rolling terrain and natural water hazards fed by Big Run Creek.
Every Groundhog’s Day (Feb. 2),
local golfers gather with thousands of others at Gobbler’s Knob
to witness Phil’s prediction of an
early spring (yeah!) or six more
weeks of winter. Sprankles Mill
Rd., Punxsutawney, PA. 814-9399294.
RIDGWAY
Laurel Mill
Nestled along the eastern rim of
the Allegheny National Forest near
Ridgway, this course is all about
having fun in the Great Outdoors.
The terrain provides some challenging shots, but overall, you’ll
find it a relaxing 9-hole course
with beautiful landscapes. The
course also has a driving range
plus a relaxing lounge and veranda
overlooking the course. Laurel Mill
Rd., Ridgway, PA. 814-772-1015.
ST. MARYS
Bavarian Hills
USA Today called this course the
top value public course in Pennsylvania. The 18-hole course
frames the beauty of the countryside with plush fairways and quick
greens that earned it 3.5/4 stars
from Golf Digest. This course has
plenty of tight spots and hazards
to keep your mind on your game
even though your eyes want to
take in the spectacular view.
There’s also a restaurant, lounge,
and a fully stocked pro shop on
site. The course is
located near the
Straub Brewery
at 1 Milligan Rd.,
St. Marys, PA.
814-834-3602.
SIGEL
Laurel Run Golf
Course
This executive
18-hole course
offers pre-paid
discount coupons
up to 50% with
senior, student
and group disHunter’s Station
counts. It’s the
closest course
you'll find to Cook Forest and Clear deep in the Allegheny River ValCreek Sate Parks that offers this ley. But don’t let the stunning
level of family fun with plenty of views distract you from your game.
challenging holes. Rt 1, Sigel, PA. This course is a worthy test for
814-752-2872
any golfer. It has a host of waterways, bunkers and long, tree-lined
TIONESTA
fairways. There’s luxury lodging
Hunter’s Station
and a club house on site, and allThis scenic and challenging moun- inclusive packages are available.
tain course is located on the edge Located in Tionesta, PA. 814-755of the Allegheny National Forest, 4558. hunterstation. com.
Planning Your
Golf Getaway?
Golf Club & Lodge
• One of the most scenic
golf courses in PA
• 18 hole course
• All inclusive golf packages
• Lodging, Lounge and
Inn At Hunter’s Station
Restaurant
• 2 bedroom condos and
rooms available
3 Miles South of Tionesta on Route 62 South
814-755-4558 or 800-227-9067
www.hunterstation.com
Don't let the thought of organizing multiple
courses and finding lodging for your next
golf vacation put you in the weeds!
Order the New Golf Trail Map now
available from the PA Great Outdoors
Visitors Bureau. This free brochure
highlights the 14 courses nestled in the
mountains and valleys of our natural
landscape. The complete list of lodging
options and golf packages listed in the
brochure will make finalizing your group
or individual hacker's holiday a breeze!
The new trail guide outlines recommended golf trails
based on course difficulty to ensure you choose the right
courses for your skill level. If you've never planned a golf tour,
this user-friendly guide makes it easy.
Schedule a round of golf on each course along a selected
trail for the opportunity to experience a nice variety of courses
and terrain. Then come and enjoy some of the very best
mountain and valley golf in the state of Pennsylvania.
Order Your Golf Trail Map Today!
1-800-348-9393
PaGreatOutdoors.com
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
visitPA.com
17
the rest of the Story
Fishing continued from page 3
Birding continued
from page 5
ern screech owls. Migratory and
summer birds include warblers,
broad-winged hawks, flycatchers
and scarlet tanagers. Entrance to
the park is free and open all year.
Directions: From Emporium
follow Route 155 north to the park.
Sinnemahoning
Situated in the steeply sided
Sinnemahoning Valley, the varied
habitats of woodland, fields, wetlands, and open water cover
Sinnemahoning State Park. Pontoon boat tours of the lake (JuneAugust) and bald eagle watching
are just two of the wildlife viewing attractions. During the summer months, a large cliff swallow
colony takes up residence at the
George B. Stevenson Dam. A walk
on the park’s Lowlands Trail during spring and early summer affords views of swamp sparrows and
nesting great blue herons. Entrance to the park is free and open
to the public.
Directions: From the village of
Sinnemahoning, take Route 120 to
Route 872 and travel north for 8
miles.
from the Knox Exit of I-80 (Exit
53). Grassland sparrows such as
Henslow’s, vesper, and savannah
are present in the shrubby habitat. Short-eared owls, northern
harriers, bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks, and eastern kingbirds are
often seen.
Directions: From the Knox Exit
of I-80, take Canoe Ripple Road
south. Cross the Clarion River and
take the first dirt road to the left,
Elliott Road, and turn left. Go
about a mile on Elliott Road to the
Y intersection with Mt. Zion Road.
Turn left at the Y and go to the top
of the hill. Park here and walk the
road to the right (south) where cars
are not permitted.
Hicks Run
Viewing Area
This stop along scenic Route 555
may provide a glimpse of elk or
grassland bird species. Part of the
Elk State Forest, the viewing area
provides high-quality forage for
elk, which generally feed in the
meadows in the early morning and
the late afternoon. Parking is currently along the road, so use care
when entering and exiting vehicles.
Directions: From Benezette,
travel 12 miles east on Route 555.
Piney Tract
Wykoff Run to
Quehanna Highway
(Mt. Zion Grasslands)
This reclaimed strip mine is located in Piney Township on the
other side of the Clarion River
Driving in Pennsylvania’s elk
country is a chance to see some
the state’s most remote and rugged forestlands. This picturesque
The Forest Lodge and Campground
Ride Your ATV Directly to the Trails
ATV*, Dirt Bike* and Snowmobile
enthusiasts can now RIDE the trails
from their rooms or campsite
In most cases, there’s
no need to trailer to the
trail head. Ride 106 ATV or 300
Snowmobile Trail Miles through the scenic
mountains, valleys, forest and meadows
of the Allegheny National Forest*
drive follows Wykoff Run, a wellknown trout stream. Several pulloffs allow for streamside viewing
with the sound of babbling water.
Year round resident birds include
wild turkeys, black capped chickadees, and eastern blue jays in
spring and summer. Red-tailed
and broad-winged hawks can be
seen perched on tree limbs along
the roads in spring. Listen for
whippoorwills singing around
dusk.
Directions: From the village
of Sinnemahoning, drive south on
Wykoff Run Road. At the intersection with the Quehanna Highway,
10 miles south of Sinnemahoning,
turn right for a 10-mile drive
through the Quehanna Wild Area
and an easy return to Medix Run
on Route 555.
with trout through spring and
summer. The Clarion River also
runs through Cook Forest for more
family fishing. The rivers holds
smallmouth bass, trout, and an occasional walleye. Try live bait and
lures in the early morning and
evening.
Fishing Licenses,
Maps & Regs
Anglers 16 years or older need a
fishing license in PA. There are
tourist and resident licenses from
one-day permits up to lifetime licenses. Buy fishing licenses at
sporting and outdoor supply
stores, at county courthouses or on-line at
fish.state.pa.us.
Winslow Hill
The most popular elk viewing site
in Pennsylvania is Winslow Hill.
But it’s also great for bird
watching. There are two viewing areas with off road parking.
Wild turkeys, eastern towhees and
a wide variety of songbirds are
found in the area.
Directions: If traveling east on
I-80 take Exit 111 Route 153 north.
Drive 8 miles to Route 255 turn
right (north) on Route 255 and
travel six miles to Weedville. Then
take Route 555 to Benezette and
watch for signs for the viewing
area. From the I-80 going west,
take Exit 101. Turn left on to Route
255 north to Weedville. Then take
Route 555 to Benezette.
The Towers
There are also
printable boating and
fishing maps plus season dates, limits, stocking and biologist reports. Waterways can be
found in the PA Fishing & Boat
Commission NW Region Guide. Get
your guide at the Tionesta State
Fish Hatchery visitor center on Rt.
62 north of Tionesta; the Forest
Service visitor station in Tionesta;
or at the ranger headquarters located on Rt. 66 north of
Marienville.
Victorian Inn
We invite you to visit us at the finest landmark lodging in the Pennsylvania
Wilds region and Elk County.
• Within minutes of Clarion River / Little Toby Trail
• On “Millionaires Row” in the “Lily of the Valley” National
Historic Register District
• Walk to historic downtown specialty shops and restaurants
• Six historic guest rooms with private baths
*some restrictions apply, call for details.
For more info call: 814-927-8790
The Forest Lodge and Campground and General Store
Route 66, six miles north of Marienville, PA
www.theforestlodge.net
18
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
For reservations please call:
814-772-7657
Visit us online at
www.towersinn.com
330 South Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
Half Dozen
Things
We Love
About Spring
1
Watching the ice
break free on the
chilly Allegheny
River from the warm
comfort of the
Foxburg Inn.
Making your
first cast of the
new fishing season at
East Branch Lake.
Riding your
motorcycle on a
warm spring day
through elk country
on Route 555 around
Hicks Run.
Canoeing on
the Clarion River
through Cook Forest
on Mother’s Day
weekend.
The day the wild
rhododendrons
bloom in the Allegheny National Forest.
Strolling
through the
weekend flea market
in Leeper.
2
3
Get a Full Year
of GO! Travel
Magazine
Your Link To Fun, Adventure, Travel Deals And More
Clarion, Forest, Cameron, Elk and Jefferson Counties
There’s lots going on in the PA’s Great Outdoors region. We track all the special events, travel
deals and outdoor activities happening every season—Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
Get all four issues by subscribing today for just $5 a year!
____Yes, I want to know what’s going on in the Great Outdoors all year long.
Name
Address
City
State
Zip
Phone
E-mail
Don’t Miss An Issue—Subscribe Now!
Fill out this coupon and send it along with your check for $5 payable to PGO Visitors Bureau,
175 Main St., Brookville, PA 15825.
4
5
6
THE
CLARION
HOUSE
Bed & Breakfast
• Exquisite Home & Grounds
• Private Baths
• Close to Clarion University
77 South 7th Avenue
Clarion, PA 16214
(814) 226-4996 or 800-416-3297
Cow elks usually give birth to a single calf in late May.
The calves are speckled with spots to provide natural
camouflage. A short time after giving birth, the cows and
their new calves rejoin their family group comprised of
cows, calves and yearlings.
www.chouse.com
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com
19
20
Let’s GO! Discover more things to do and fun places to visit at PAgreatOutdoors.com