A Road Trip Through Pennsylvania’s Wild Side: Waterfalls, Forest Roads & Elk Country

McConnells Mill & Moraine State Parks: Waterfalls and Lakeside Views

My first day began near Portersville with two of my favorite parks — McConnells Mill and Moraine State Park.

At McConnells Mill, I hiked down into the gorge where Slippery Rock Creek rushes through moss-covered cliffs. The old gristmill still stands by the covered bridge, and the sound of the water echoing through the valley feels like stepping back in time.

Just 15 minutes away, Moraine State Park offered the perfect contrast — a wide, peaceful lake surrounded by trails and meadows. I sat by Lake Arthur and watched the sailboats glide by as the sun dipped behind the hills.

Jennings Environmental Education Center: Pennsylvania’s Hidden Prairie

A short drive north took me to the Jennings Environmental Education Center. It’s one of the few remaining prairies in Pennsylvania — filled with wildflowers, butterflies, and open skies that stretch for miles.

It’s small but stunning, and it feels different from any other park in the region. I wandered the trails, took photos of the late-summer blooms, and left feeling recharged and grounded.

Oil Creek State Park: History and Hiking in One Place

Next stop — Oil Creek State Park, near Titusville. Once the center of the oil boom, it’s now a peaceful valley reclaimed by nature. The paved bike trail follows the creek, and signs along the route tell the story of Pennsylvania’s oil history.

I stopped at a few old sites, explored some forest trails, and ended my visit at a scenic overlook where you can see the entire valley. It’s a mix of nature, history, and quiet beauty all in one place.

Cornplanter State Forest & The Forest Lodge Campground

If you like solitude, Cornplanter State Forest is where you’ll find it. The Hunter Run Trail System winds through the woods and feels wonderfully remote — no crowds, just the sounds of wind and birds.

That night, I stayed at The Forest Lodge & Campground. No city lights, ATV riders a few rooms down, the crackle of the fire and a few cars driving past. It was the perfect way to end the day.

Food: DB’s Smoking BBQ; dbsmokinbbq.com
Food recommendation: Brisket with smoked mac n cheese and baked beans

Chapman State Park, Kinzua Dam & Rimrock Overlook

Heading deeper into the Allegheny National Forest, I spent a day exploring Chapman State Park, Kinzua Dam, and Rimrock Overlook.

Chapman State Park was calm and green, great for a morning hike around the lake. Then I drove to Kinzua Dam, where the reservoir stretched endlessly in every direction — the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way.

Finally, Rimrock Overlook took my breath away. Standing on the edge with miles of forest below, I watched the clouds drift and realized just how wild this part of Pennsylvania still is.

Kinzua Bridge State Park: Walking Above the Trees

One of the highlights of the entire trip — Kinzua Bridge State Park near Mt. Jewett. The skywalk stretches 600 feet over a valley, ending with a glass platform that lets you look straight down.

It’s both thrilling and humbling — especially knowing the bridge once stood as one of the tallest railroad structures in the world before a tornado tore it down in 2003. Now, it’s one of Pennsylvania’s most incredible scenic sites, with a museum and trails below the bridge remnants. Make sure to visit before Oct 31, 2025, it will be shut down for approximately two years for reconstruction.

Where to stay near Benezette: The Cozy Afghan Bed and Breakfast

Elk Country: Bendigo, Elk State Park & Benezette

The final leg of the trip led me to Elk Country, one of the most magical regions in the state.

I stopped at Elk State Park and Bendigo State Park, both peaceful and surrounded by rolling forest roads. But the real magic happened in Benezette, at the Elk Country Visitor Center.

Just after sunrise, I stood quietly as a massive bull elk emerged from the tree line. The air was crisp, the valley silent — and then that haunting bugle call echoed through the hills. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Through Pennsylvania’s Heart

This trip reminded me why I love slow travel — where the drive is as beautiful as the destination. Between the roaring creeks at McConnells Mill, the skywalk at Kinzua, and the wild elk of Benezette, this loop through western and north-central Pennsylvania is pure magic.

If you ever need to hit reset, pack a bag, grab your camera, and take this route. The forests, waterfalls, and quiet roads will do the rest.

Stops & Drive Times

Day 1 – Western PA:
🚗 McConnells Mill State Park → Moraine State Park (12 min / 6.4 mi)
🚗 Moraine → Jennings Environmental Education Center (19 min / 11.5 mi)
🚗 Jennings → Oil Creek State Park (1 hr 17 min / 47.9 mi)
🚗 Oil Creek → Cornplanter State Forest – Hunter Run Trails (37 min / 20 mi)
🏕️ Overnight at The Forest Lodge & Campground (56 min / 36.1 mi)

Day 2 – Allegheny National Forest:
🚗 Chapman State Park → Kinzua Dam (31 min / 15 mi)
🚗 Kinzua Dam → Rimrock Overlook (19 min / 8.7 mi)
🚗 Rimrock → Kinzua Bridge State Park (58 min / 31 mi)
🚗 Kinzua Bridge → Elk State Park (45 min / 23.4 mi)
🚗 Elk State Park → Bendigo State Park (9 min / 4.3 mi)
🏕️ Overnight at The Cozy Afghan (23 min / 13.7)

Day 3 – Elk Country Finale:
🚗 Elk Country Visitor Center  (46 min / 27.2 mi)