The Bucktail Overlook in Cameron County is mountain top excursion with dramatic panoramic views of the of the Pennsylvania Wilds that you can drive right to.
The Bucktail Overlook offers commanding panoramic views of Elk State Forest in Cameron County, PA. No hiking is required for this excursion; you can drive right to it.
The Bucktail Overlook is at the top of the mountain overlooking the remote town of Driftwood, where the Bennett Branch and the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek meet.
From Driftwood, take Bridge St. southwest then head up the mountain via Mason Hill Rd. The drive itself is noteworthy for the cliff-edge scenery as the road winds up the steep contours. Turn right at 41.34972, -78.15811 where signs mark the drive leading to Bucktail Overlook. There is a large parking lot at 41.34978, -78.15343.
Where to begin?! There are panoramic views all around. Take time to wander. You can trek across the field to the east of the parking area for even more views.
From here you can see down the ravine of the Sinnemahoning Creek to the southeast and the seemingly endless mountains of Elk State Forest to the north and west.
For convenience, here is an excerpt from the DCNR map of Elk State Forest showing Bucktail Overlook and vicinity.
The Bucktail overlook is the perfect destination for a picnic (of which we partook after hiking the nearby Fred Woods Trail). It is a great spot to pause and bask in the reflected beauty of the Lord’s Creation. Because you can drive right to it, it makes an excellent excursion in a remote setting without a hike. One word of caution: the blackflies were in full effect during our summertime visit. They were tremendously bothersome while sitting in the grass, but we got relief and enjoyed a pleasant picnic sitting in bed of the truck.
While you are in the area, the Fred Woods Trail is just down the road. With just a short hike to a truly astounding natural boulder maze, it is a local must-see.
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
