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Rugged, majestic, pristine — this spectacular stretch of wilderness 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. Take your pick from incredible adventures any way you want them: by foot, raft, horseback, mountain bike, horse-drawn wagon, or hang glider. “IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN AFFORDABLE VACATION AND YOU LOVE THE OUTDOORS, CHECK OUT THE ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST IN NORTHWESTERN PA. EXTENSIVE HIKING, HUNTING, FISHING; ALMOST EVERY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY YOU CAN THINK OF.” — ANNIE FORSBERG ZANNETTI, FACEBOOK 10 HAPPY MOMENTS The dark, cool waters of several mountain streams make Hyner Run State Park in North Bend great for fishing stocked brook and brown trout, along with native brook trout in the upper reaches. Listen for the bugle calls of elk — especially during fall’s mating season — and watch for majestic elk herds grazing the fields or seeking shelter in the woods near the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette. The Kinzua Sky Walk in Mt. Jewett offers stunning views of the gorge while inciting awe for the men who built the original rail bridge in 1882. Kinzua Dam in Bradford created the 25- mile Allegheny Reservoir offering boating, fishing, and swimming. Learn about the Melbury House, a stop toward freedom on the Underground Railroad, and 29 other notable historic homes in the Smethport Mansion District with a free downloadable walking tour guide. Find information and pictures of the world’s Little League programs and see the only complete uniform worn by Babe Ruth displayed at the World of Little League Museum in South Williamsport. In Clarion, try Clarion River Brewing Company’s namesake Imperial Russian stout, thick enough to stick to the glass, or Leatherwood, a brown ale with sweet caramel notes. Ride and play on 41 miles of wooded, mountainous, challenging trails for snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles at Majestic Trails in Rew, McKean County. Bring the whole family for a weekend of swimming, fishing, canoeing, and camping. Explore the 500-acre Tionesta Lake in Forest County by boat, canoe, or kayak, and fish for bass, musky, panfish, trout, sucker, and channel catfish as the lake winds its way through forested hills. Devour juicy burgers at Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield. Finish a loaded two-pounder in one hour for a certificate, t-shirt, and price break — plus the honor of your name posted on the display wall. Enjoy mountain views, flower gardens, and — of course — handcrafted goat cheese aged in the cheese cave and available for sampling in the tasting room at Endless Mountains Cheesery in Wellsboro. KEY: = Adventurer = Arts & Culture = Family = Foodie = History Buff = Party Animal = Shopper EVENTS Feb. 2, 2018 Groundhog Day Each year, thousands of revelers travel to Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney to witness a famous weather forecast from internationally recognized weather expert, Punxsutawney Phil. April 26–28, 2018 Chainsaw Carver’s Rendezvous Chainsaw carvers gather annually in Ridgway to share their art and skill with the public at the world’s largest event of its kind. Aug. 18–19, 2018 Elk Expo The expo will highlight the numerous herds of elk in Benezette and feature activities like an elk-calling contest and horse-drawn wagon rides. September 2018 Kinzua Bridge State Park Fall Festival Celebrate the season with musical entertainment, vendors, food, pony rides, and a terrific view of the Kinzua Gorge in Mt. Jewett. October 2018 65th Annual Autumn Leaf Festival The nine-day, internationally award-winning foliage festival attracts more than 500,000 people to the Clarion area for carnival rides, contests, a parade, and more.
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