PA Counties

12 Must-See Attractions in Cameron County

A collage of four diverse photographs showcasing the natural beauty of Cameron County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A wooden sign reading 'Square Timber Vista' amid a lush green landscape with rolling hills. Top right: An old concrete water tower stands next to a tranquil river flanked by green hills under a blue sky. Bottom left: A snowy scene with a stream flowing over small waterfalls, surrounded by snow-laden trees and rocks. Bottom right: Two elk with large, branching antlers standing in a grassy field with a backdrop of a clear blue sky.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Cameron County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania counties with Cameron County highlighted in red. — *A map of Pennsylvania with Cameron County highlighted in red.*

Cameron County was founded in 1860 and is named in honor of Senator Simon Cameron, President Abraham Lincoln’s first Secretary of War.

A close-up view of the Cameron County historical marker, detailing the formation and significance of the county, with the red-brick Cameron County Courthouse in Emporium, Pennsylvania, visible in the background. The courthouse features a prominent clock tower with a statue on top, and the lush green lawn and pathway leading to the courthouse add to the scenic setting under a blue sky with scattered clouds. — Cameron County is named in honor of Senator Simon Cameron.

The county seat is Emporium, located in the north central portion of the county.

Photo of the historic Cameron County Courthouse in Emporium, Pennsylvania, taken from the Emporium Overlook. The red-brick building features a prominent clock tower with a statue atop, surrounded by lush green hills and under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A set of steps leads up to the courthouse, and a historical marker is visible near the entrance.

Cameron County has the distinction of being the least-populous county in Pennsylvania.

Stevenson Dam Overlook at Sinnemahoning State Park. — Stevenson Dam Overlook at Sinnemahoning State Park in Cameron County.

Cameron County is also the only county in the state of Pennsylvania to not be crossed by either an interstate or U.S. Route.

Fall foliage along Wykoff Run Road on October 12th, 2021. — Fall foliage along Wykoff Run Road in Cameron County.

From hiking trails and waterfalls to historic monuments and scenic vistas, here are 12 of the best things to see and do in Cameron County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

The author in one of the canyons formed by massive rock formations along the Fred Woods Trail. — “Rock City” along the Fred Woods Trail in Cameron County.

1. Hike the Fred Woods Trail

The Fred Woods Trail in the Cameron County portion of the Elk State Forest is a 4.57 mile-long hike that takes you past two fantastic vistas, as well as one of Pennsylvania’s finest rock formations.

The author at Huckleberry Vista along the Fred Woods Trail.

The rock city along the Fred Woods Trail would be a worthy hiking destination on its own merits, but here it’s just one of several sights to be seen along this ruggedly beautiful trail.

Hiking through the rock formations along the Fred Woods Trail in Cameron County — The author at the “rock city” along the Fred Woods Trail in Cameron County.

Water Plug Vista along the Fred Woods Trail offers an exceptional view of Bennett Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek and Route 555.

Water Plug Vista makes for a great rest stop along the Fred Woods Trail in Cameron County PA — Water Plug Vista makes for a great rest stop along the Fred Woods Trail in Cameron County.

2. Visit Bucktail Overlook

Bucktail Overlook, also locally known as Mason Hill or The Top of the World, is a roadside vista high above Driftwood, Cameron County, in the Elk State Forest.

Bucktail Overlook Elk Viewing Area in Cameron County Pennsylvania. — The author at Bucktail Overlook in Cameron County.

Bucktail Overlook is named in honor of the Bucktail Regiment, a volunteer infantry regiment composed of men from this region who fought bravely for the Union in the Civil War.

Bucktail Overlook is a fantastic spot to watch the morning fog burn off, and also to spot elk feasting in the food plot planted near the parking area.

Elk as dawn breaks over Bucktail Overlook in Cameron County. — Dawn breaks over Bucktail Overlook in Cameron County.

3. Explore Sinnemahoning State Park

Sinnemahoning State Park is a long, narrow park that includes lands on both sides of First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek.

The Sinnemahoning State Park office is a palatial structure reminiscent of a wilderness lodge.

The Sinnemahoning State Park office in Cameron County.

Inside, you’ll find numerous educational exhibits, detailing the history and wildlife of the area.

Interpretive exhibits at the Sinnemahoning State Park office.

Sinnemahoning State Park is an outstanding fall foliage destination.

Fall foliage around the 40 Maples picnic area at Sinnemahoning State Park on October 12th, 2021. — Fall foliage around the 40 Maples picnic area at Sinnemahoning State Park.

And the 40 Maples Day Use Area is a beautiful spot for a streamside picnic.

Fall foliage at the 40 Maples picnic area at Sinnemahoning State Park.

4. Visit Wykoff Run Falls

Wykoff Run Falls is a popular roadside waterfall in Cameron County, located midway between the Quehanna Highway and the village of Sinnemahoning along Wykoff Run Road.

A fisherman at Wykoff Run Falls in Cameron County — Fishing at Wykoff Run Falls.

Wykoff Run Falls is not a large waterfall by any means – probably 6 feet tall max.

Sun rays beaming down on Wykoff Run Falls in the Quehanna Wild Area

Even in the winter months, the roadside location of Wykoff Run Falls makes it readily accessible.

Winter at Wykoff Run Falls in Cameron County PA — Winter at Wykoff Run Falls in Cameron County, PA.

5. Explore the Abandoned Nuclear Jet Engine Testing Bunkers

The abandoned nuclear jet engine bunkers in the Cameron County portion of the Quehanna Wild Area offer a glimpse into the Cold War past of Pennsylvania.

Abandoned nuclear jet engine testing bunker entrance. — One of the Cold War-era jet engine testing bunkers in the Quehanna Wild Area.

The bunkers are a product of a secretive 1950s program that sought to develop nuclear-powered jet engines for the United States Air Force, so that fighter planes and bombers could stay airborne indefinitely, without refueling.

Narrow windows inside the abandoned Quehanna nuclear jet engine bunkers in Cameron County PA. — Narrow windows inside the abandoned Quehanna nuclear jet engine bunkers in Cameron County

The Curtiss-Wright Corporation, at the time the largest aircraft manufacturer in the United States, was awarded a contract to develop and test nuclear-powered jet engines.

Exterior view of the northern abandoned nuclear jet engine testing bunkers in the Quehanna Wild Area. — Exterior view of an abandoned nuclear jet engine testing bunker in Cameron County.

They selected this remote parcel of land in Cameron County where the project could be worked on in relative secrecy, and without endangering a large population center should the project go awry.

Observation windows in the nuclear jet engine testing bunkers.

But by 1960, the Air Force had cancelled the contract and the nuclear jet engine testing bunkers were literally abandoned, left to be slowly reabsorbed by the forest.

The southern Curtiss-Wright nuclear jet engine testing bunker in the Quehanna Wild Area.

6. Hike to Sinnemahoning Canyon Vista

Sinnemahoning Canyon Vista is a gorgeous off-trail scenic overlook in the Bucktail State Park Natural Area in Cameron County.

Exploring Sinnemahoning Canyon Vista in Cameron County Pennsylvania — Sinnemahoning Canyon Vista in Cameron County.

A pair of nearby vistas make this four mile out-and-back hike well worth the effort, as the views are spectacular!

View to the south from Lower Jerry Run Vista in the Elk State Forest of Pennsylvania. — View to the south from Lower Jerry Run Vista, near Sinnemahoning Canyon Vista.

7. Visit the Tom Mix Historical Marker

Tom Mix was a Cameron County native and Hollywood’s first Western star.

Cameron County native Tom Mix, Hollywood's first Western star. — Cameron County native Tom Mix, Hollywood’s first Western star.

He was born January 6, 1880 in Mix Run, near present day Route 555.

Tom Mix plaque along Route 555 near Driftwood.

Tom Mix helped define the Western genre in the early days of the cinema, and he reportedly made over $6 million (equivalent to $113 million in 2022) during his 26-year film career.

The Tom Mix roadside plaque is located along Route 555, between Driftwood and Hicks Run.

Map of popular elk viewing areas in Cameron County Pennsylvania. — Map of popular elk viewing areas in Cameron County

8. Explore the Ridge Road Vistas

Ridge Road in Cameron County is the most scenic State Forest road in Pennsylvania!

Autumn views from Norcross Vista in Cameron County. — Autumn views from Norcross Vista along Ridge Road in Cameron County.

Featuring 6 world-class vistas along a 3 mile stretch of road, it’s like a mini-version of the famous Skyline Drive in Virginia.

Logue Run Vista along Ridge Road in the Elk State Forest. — Logue Run Vista along Ridge Road in Cameron County.

Even the scenery in between the scenic overlooks in exceptional.

Ridge Road in the Cameron County portion of the Elk State Forest.

While there are PLENTY of scenic State Forest roads in PA, I’ve yet to come across one that rivaled Ridge Road for the sheer number of vistas per mile.

Fall foliage views from Whitehead Vista along Ridge Road in the Elk State Forest.

9. Visit the Elk Herd

Many of the best elk viewing areas in Pennsylvania are located in Cameron County.

Hick Run Wildlife Viewing Area sign along Route 555 in Cameron County.

Seeing these majestic creatures in the wild is an experience you just can’t get in any other region of the state.

A pair of bull elk at the Visitor Center in Elk County. — A pair of bull elk in the PA Wilds.

You’ll find directions to some of my favorite spots to observe the elk in Cameron County in my article The 15 Best Elk Viewing Destinations in Pennsylvania.

Bull elk near the Visitor Center in Elk County. — October in PA elk country.

10. Visit the Bucktail Regiment Memorial

Located in the center of the square in Driftwood on Route 555 is a memorial to the Bucktail Regiment, who answered President Lincoln’s call for volunteers during the Civil War.

Bucktail Regiment memorial in Driftwood, Pennsylvania. — Bucktail Regiment Memorial in Driftwood, Pennsylvania.

A state historical marker, located just a few yards away next to the Driftwood post office, also pays tribute to the Bucktails.

The Bucktails historical marker located next to the post office in Driftwood Pennsylvania. — The Bucktails historical marker located next to the post office in Driftwood.

11. Visit Emporium Overlook

Emporium Overlook offers a breathtaking view of the Cameron County seat, nestled in a lush, green valley created by the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek.

A panoramic view from the Emporium Overlook in Cameron County, Pennsylvania, capturing the town of Emporium nestled in a green, forested valley. The Cameron County Courthouse, with its red-brick facade and clock tower, stands out among the town's buildings. Surrounding the town are densely wooded hills that stretch into the distance, creating a serene and picturesque landscape under a sky dotted with clouds. The lush greenery and rolling mountains emphasize the rural charm and seclusion of the area.

The overlook provides a sense of the town’s seclusion and charm, highlighting the natural beauty of PA’s least-populous county.

A close-up aerial view of the Cameron County Courthouse in Emporium, Pennsylvania, as seen from the Emporium Overlook. The red-brick courthouse with its prominent clock tower is surrounded by residential homes and other buildings nestled among dense green trees. The courthouse stands out as the central landmark in this small town, with its well-maintained lawn and historic architecture.

12. Experience the 100 Mile Yard Sale

The 100 Mile Yard Sale is PA’s longest yard sale, and it takes place every July in Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, and Centre counties.

Dates and Directory for the 2024 100 Mile Yard Sale in Pennsylvania — The 100 Mile Yard Sale takes place every July.

This event is to flea market fanatics and bargain hunters what the Super Bowl is to football fans – part spectacle, part competition, and tons of fun!

Elvis radio purchased at a previous 100 Mile Yard Sale in central PA.

So there you have it – 12 of the best things to see and do in Cameron County, PA’s least populous county!

Scenic overlook along Ridge Road in the Square Timber Wild Area. — Scenic overlook along Ridge Road in the Square Timber Wild Area, Cameron County.

11 Must-See Attractions in Elk County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in Cameron County’s neighbor to the west.

The Best Things to See and Do in Elk County PA. — Scenes from Elk County.

13 Must-See Attractions in Clinton County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in Cameron County’s neighbor to the east.

The Best Things to Do in Clinton County Pennsylvania — Scenes from Clinton County.

Discover even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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