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Writer's pictureDaniel Landon

Top Vistas: Elk Country

There's a special place in Pennsylvania where massive Elk rule the mountains. Hear the echoes of their wailing bugles as they call out to potential mates. Watch the male bulls charge at each other with fierce and deadly antlers to assert their dominance. One of the best vistas in the state lies ahead. Tread carefully—you're in Elk Country.


The outside of the Elk Country Visitor Center on a sunny day

Just North of The Nature Inn lies the Quehanna Wild Area—nearly 50,000 acres of pristine wilderness dedicated to preserve its diverse ecology. Here you will encounter fascinating wildlife and rich history. Just outside of the Quehanna Wild Area, discover another Top Vista that you won't want to miss on your next trip to the inn. The area also hosts a thriving herd of over 1400 elk.


The ideal place to start exploring is the Elk Country Visitor Center. From its viewing areas, you might catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. To get to the center from the inn, you'll embark on an 80-minute scenic drive through prime elk habitats along the way.


The inside of the Elk Country Visitor Center showing an educational display about elk

Take a look inside once you arrive to find interactive educational exhibits and knowledgeable staff. Often times they can provide updates on where elk have been spotted most recently. The captivating history of elk in Pennsylvania is well-worth taking your time to learn before heading to the "Top of the World" vista.


When you're ready, check out some of the viewing areas in the area like the one pictured below. They provide a wide view of cleared out areas where elk have been spotted consistently.


A wide angle of an open field for viewing elk
An aminita Mushroom poking though the leaves in a forest

Elk aren't the only interesting animals to be seen from these viewing areas. On my most recent trip I spotted a porcupine, several deer, and a group of turkeys. I also spotted this young Amanita mushroom pictured below. You definitely wouldn't want to eat it, but it makes a great snack for some of the grazing locals! These are perfect places to see the wildlife and have nice views, but the best view in the area is unquestionably The Bucktail Overlook. It's nickname "The Top of the World" will make complete sense once you take in the view from the vista. Just off of Route 555 near Driftwood, Mason Hill Road leads directly to the Overlook. Please note, the road is not maintained in winter, but as long as there’s no snow, any car can navigate the winding dirt road.


The Bucktail overlook offers nearly 360 degree views of the neighboring mountains fighting amongst each other to be higher than the rest. They form a flat line on the horizon—revealing no winner in the competition to be the tallest. The green folds ripple through the valleys bellow. This would be a perfect place to have a picnic or simply to relax while hearing the distant bugling of elk.


Rolling hills with the tops all lining up and forming a flat line on the horizon
A bench with an American flag on it that overlooks the vista
Another view from the top of the bucktail overlook that shows rolling hills and trees






















I hope you take the opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures and see this Top Vista soon. Bugling season is right around the corner and will be over before you know it. My journey to this vista and exploration of Pennsylvania's elk history has been truly rewarding. As I leave elk country and return to The Nature Inn, my mind races about the towering antlers and symphony of bugles, I rest easy, knowing I made the most of my day.

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Lamb Herman
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