I once had a discussion with another photographer who described a State Park in Pennsylvania where "rutting" elks can be seen up close to the park visitors center. As I recall there is an open field between the center and a forest where the "rutting" takes place during the fall. He said it was a great area for nature photographers. Does anyone know where the park was he described?
FreddB
Loc: PA - Delaware County
Strangely enough, the Elk Country Visitor Center is in Elk County, not far from where it borders Cameron and Clearfield counties. The nearest town of any size appears to be Clearfield on US 322, NW of State College.
Benezette pa . It is not a state park though . Go there a lot but crowds have gotten so huge its almost unbearable
Just note. Elk are wild animals. During the rut they are crazy on testosterone, or the elk equalivant, and they will attack just about any thing that gets close to them. There have been many hurt and some killed by trying to get that perfect closeup shot.
Bill
I have been there many times - it is located just outside of Benizette. As crappiefever said, it is not a state park. It is free to visit and at the right time of day you are sure to see elk. There is a rustic hotel in Benizette where I have stayed and the are one or two others nearby. If you can afford it you can stay on property at a facility there. It is pricey at this season ($220 per night weekdays and $320 weekends) but those rates are for up to six people. Also on weekends they have horse-drawn wagon rides which will usually give you some up-close views and I have never heard of an elk attacking the wagons. They tend to fill up early so I would make a reservation the day before. 814-787-5167 is the number to call to reserve a spot and also to make a reservation at the lodge. There are also other elk viewing sites nearby and maps are available to find them.
Why doesn’t anyone say what state it’s in.
Mike Little wrote:
Why doesn’t anyone say what state it’s in.
As the OP said - it's in Pennsylvania.
I like the photo. Well done.
BTW, elk is plural. No S needed.
Dennis
GED
Loc: North central Pa
1046William wrote:
I once had a discussion with another photographer who described a State Park in Pennsylvania where "rutting" elks can be seen up close to the park visitors center. As I recall there is an open field between the center and a forest where the "rutting" takes place during the fall. He said it was a great area for nature photographers. Does anyone know where the park was he described?
Benezette Pa. is the place your asking about, it is close to me and I would suggest if you decide to go there this time of year go during the week. The weekends are extremely crowded. If you would like some specific areas to photograph elk PM me, there are many spots where you can avoid the masses and get nice shots. If you just want to watch elk and go for a wagon ride then the elk center is fine. If you attempt to photograph there be aware of the tripod police, who will tell you that your tripod legs can only be open as wide as your body.
the place you are looking for is Elk Country Visitor Center at 950 Winslow Hill Rd. , Benezette ,PA. 15821
birdman642
Thank you to all who responded.
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