2017-03-24 17:28:48
This is where the wild things roam freely: elk in the fields, bald eagles in the treetops, and trout in the cold streams. Gaze up at the night sky; the constellations are crystal clear here, where it’s so dark you can see the stardust of the Milky Way in the International Dark Sky Park. Adventures beckon, whether by foot, raft, horseback, mountain bike, horse drawn wagon, or hang glider, so take your pick. Millbrook Playhouse, Mill Hall Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney Lock Haven Community Chorus and Orchestra, Lock Haven The Lodge at Glendorn, Bradford Black Bear Cabins, Cooksburg A HAPPY DAY ADVENTURER: Bike the 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail in Pine Creek Gorge near Wellsboro to see dramatic rock outcrops, water, and wildlife. Paddle the scenic and wild 86 miles of the Allegheny River, Pennsylvania’s 2017 River of the Year, between Kinzua Dam and Emlenton. Visit Hyner Run State Park in Chapman Township during a holiday “fly-in” to see hang gliders hover over the Susquehanna’s West Branch as it winds through the mountains. Hike among the centuriesold pines in the Forest Cathedral at Cook Forest State Park in Cooksburg. KID-APPROVED: Ride a horse-drawn wagon beside a herd of wild elk for a closer view at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette. Walk above the treetops of the Kinzua Gorge on the Kinzua Sky Walk in Mt. Jewett, thanks to the bridge builders whose workmanship held countless rail-loads of coal, oil, lumber, and passengers for 121 years. Celebrate the world’s most famous groundhog during the February festivities at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, known as “The Weather Capital of the World.” While you’re here, visit the Weather Discovery Center to learn the science behind weather phenomena such as tornadoes and lighting. HISTORY BUFF: Every engine at Coolspring Power Museum in Coolspring explains how internal combustion engines revolutionized industry. At Straub Brewery in St. Marys, learn why Peter Straub painted red stripes around his wooden barrels, a practice continued to honor Straub’s founder. See the beautiful Victorian, Greek Revival, and Italianate homes of the Warren historic district, built in the late 19th century when money flowed like the oil discovered here. Walk the Smethport Mansion District to see 30 historic properties, including Melbury House, a stopover on the Underground Railroad. GO FOR THE ... WILDLIFE Spot elk foraging the fields and woods — unless it’s fall mating season when they bugle for hours. The Bucktail Trail – Scenic Byway State Route 120 ambles through north central Pennsylvania, and two state forests, near seven state parks and hundreds of miles of remote hiking trails. EVENTS CLARION BBQ FESTIVAL May 20–21, 2017 Enjoy ribs, chops, and pork, with the grilling and barbecue talents of professional pit masters, favorite local restaurants, and backyard masters. Enjoy live music for a “smokin” good time. ART IN THE WILDS June 24–25, 2017 This free-admission juried fine art show is set in a beautifully wooded park in Kane, featuring exhibits, artist demonstrations and food vendors. THE DAM SHOW Aug. 26–27, 2017 The festival brings live music to Austin Dam Park in Austin, where the ruins of a giant concrete dam still stand. The surrounding mountains create a natural amphitheater and at dark, the dam lights up with multimedia projection lighting. LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL® WORLD SERIES Aug. 17–27, 2017 The top 16 Little League baseball teams from across the world gather in Williamsport to compete for the World Series championship title. KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK FALL FESTIVAL Sept. 16–17, 2017 Enjoy this year’s Kinzua Bridge Fall Festival in Mt. Jewett with musical entertainment, vendors, food, and pony rides, along with a terrific view of the Kinzua Gorge.
©Miles Partnership. View All Articles.