Elk
ParkPennsylvania, US
Quehanna Wild Area
Quehanna Wild Area is a vast wilderness renowned for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
About
Quehanna Wild Area is a vast wilderness renowned for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. This protected expanse, spanning nearly 50,000 acres across parts of Cameron, Clearfield, and Elk counties, offers an unparalleled escape into the heart of Pennsylvania's "PA Wilds." It's a place where diverse forests, pristine streams, and sweeping meadows create a captivating landscape, providing a true backcountry experience for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
The wild area is crisscrossed by an extensive network of trails, most notably the 75-mile Quehanna Trail, leading adventurers through a mosaic of habitats and scenic overlooks. Visitors can marvel at the unique Marion Brooks Natural Area, home to the largest stand of white birch in the eastern United States, or discover the cascading beauty of Table Falls and Wykoff Run Falls. Wildlife viewing is a prime attraction, with dedicated spots like Beaver Run Dam and Hoover Farm offering opportunities to observe majestic elk, white-tailed deer, and a rich diversity of birdlife, including nesting osprey.
Quehanna Wild Area provides a memorable experience for hikers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its remoteness ensures a profound sense of tranquility, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in an untamed natural environment. Whether seeking the vibrant colors of fall foliage, the delicate blooms of mountain laurel in spring, or the thrill of spotting a black bear or bobcat, Quehanna offers a unique and authentic wilderness adventure that leaves a lasting impression. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.
The land comprising the Quehanna Wild Area was historically home to Native American tribes, including the Susquehannock and Iroquois. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, extensive logging clear-cut the virgin forests, dramatically altering the landscape. A notable chapter in its history began in the 1950s when the area was leased to the Curtis Wright Corporation for nuclear jet engine research, leading to radioactive and toxic waste contamination. Following the project's abandonment and subsequent cleanup efforts, the land was returned to the Commonwealth in 1966. In 1970, it was officially designated as the Quehanna Wild Area, marking it as Pennsylvania's first state forest wild area. The early 1990s saw the significant expansion of the state's elk herd into this 50,000-acre tract, further enhancing its ecological importance.
What to do here
Hiking and backpacking on the Quehanna Trail and various side trails.
* Wildlife photography and viewing, particularly for elk, deer, and diverse bird species.
* Fishing for native brook trout in the pristine streams.
* Exploring unique geological features and dense forests of hemlock, rhododendron, and hardwoods.
* Visiting scenic overlooks and waterfalls.
Seasonal info
Spring: High water for waterfalls, wildflowers, and bird migrations.
Summer: Lush greenery, good for hiking and fishing.
Fall: Peak fall foliage, elk rut, cooler temperatures ideal for hiking.
Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and opportunities for tracking wildlife. Trails can be wet and muddy in many seasons, so be prepared.
Hunting seasons: Visitors should wear at least 250 square inches of blaze orange during hunting seasons on State Game Lands.
Accessibility
Quehanna Wild Area is generally rugged wilderness. However, some roadside attractions like Marion Brooks Natural Area, Table Falls, Wykoff Run Falls, and various vistas require little to no hiking.
* The Beaver Run Dam Wildlife Viewing Area features a flat, forested trail leading to a viewing blind. Specific trails like the Robber David Lewis Trail are described as gentle.
Don't miss
1
Quehanna Trail
A 75-mile loop offering extensive backpacking and hiking opportunities.
2
Marion Brooks Natural Area
Features the largest stand of white birch in the eastern United States.
3
Beaver Run Dam Wildlife Viewing Area
Offers a blind for observing elk, waterfowl, and other birds, including nesting osprey.
4
Hoover Farm Wildlife Viewing Area
Known for elk habitat and observation.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
Loading map…
Good to know before you go
Carry detailed maps
The Quehanna Wild Area has an extensive trail system; a good topographical map is essential as cell service can be spotty.
Dress in layers and prepare for wet conditions: Trails can be wet and muddy, especially in spring and after rain. Waterproof footwear is highly recommended.
Wear blaze orange during hunting seasons: If visiting during hunting seasons, especially on State Game Lands sections, wearing at least 250 square inches of blaze orange is legally required and always encouraged for safety.
Bring binoculars and a camera
The area is a prime spot for wildlife viewing and photography, so be prepared to capture sights of elk, deer, bears, and various bird species.
Visit wildlife viewing areas at dawn or dusk: For the best chances of spotting elk and other animals, plan your visits to Beaver Run Dam or Hoover Farm during these peak activity times.
Practice Leave No Trace principles
Pack out everything you pack in, stay on marked trails, and minimize your impact on this pristine wilderness.
Frequently asked questions
- Quehanna Wild Area is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including a thriving elk herd, white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot wild turkeys, various birds such as osprey, and even native brook trout in its streams. Rattlesnakes are also present, so visitors should be vigilant.
- The Quehanna Trail is a prominent 75-mile (121 km) loop hiking trail that winds through the Quehanna Wild Area, as well as portions of Moshannon and Elk State Forests. It's a popular choice for backpackers and offers numerous side and cross-connector trails for shorter excursions.
- Yes, Quehanna Wild Area can be enjoyed on a day trip, especially if you focus on its roadside attractions and shorter hikes. You can visit the Marion Brooks Natural Area, see waterfalls like Table Falls and Wykoff Run Falls, enjoy scenic vistas, and stop at wildlife viewing areas like Beaver Run Dam all within a few hours or a full day. Longer backpacking trips are also possible for multi-day adventurers.
Recent snaps at this place
Sep 12, 2025
i
Photo attribution
(c) Matt Schenck, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 30, 2026
May 30, 2026
May 30, 2026
.jpg&width=800)
May 30, 2026
More park guides
View all ›.JPG)
Park30 sightings21 species
Massachusetts, US
Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens
You might spot Virginia Bluebells and Great Golden Digger Wasp.
View guide →
.jpg)
Park30 sightings20 species
Maryland, US
Herring Run Park
You might spot White-Tailed Deer and Japanese Knotweed.
View guide →
Park22 sightings20 species
Illinois, US
Sauganash Trail
You might spot White Mulberry, House Finch, and Scissor Grinder.
View guide →
Park166 sightings19 species
Maryland, US
Rock Creek Regional Park
You might spot Great Blue Heron, Eastern Bluebird, and White-Tailed Deer.
View guide →