Overall Route Rating
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4.25 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.25
4 Reviews

Rt 555 to Elk County and Elk Country

Motorcycle Route Author

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By ScottR (5 McR Points) on Jun 12, 2012

Rider Reviews

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Sixstrings6
2 McR Points
February 23, 2013
I've done this ride many times. Seen at least 1…
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Akumu
4000 McR Points
November 22, 2019
Pennsylvania's Triple Nickel isn't quite as good…
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Written Directions

Starting at Rt 120 in Driftwood, PA, Route 555 runs west 17 miles to Benezette along the Sinnemahoning River.

Scenery

In Benezette, Elk viewing areas have been established by the state of PA. Follow the signs. Expect to arrive 2 hours before sundown when the Elk come out of the woods and begin to feed. Drive slowly when nearing the viewing areas because the Elk can be crossing the road or a mere 5 feet off the road. If you're lucky and very quiet, you can get within 10 feet of a female Elk. If you watch her eat she return the favor and watch you. This is an exciting kodak moment. Please be respectful of the animals, they are wild, extremely large but they are not scared of people or cars. Be silent and still around them. If you make this trip in the fall, keep in mind the bull Elk will charge if disturbed. I's a toss-up whether a motorcycle can outrun a charging bull.If you see the Elk close up, the scenery rating becomes a 5!

Drive Enjoyment

Route 555 is in northern Pennsvlvania with the eastern end starting in Driftwood, PA and going west to Benezette, PA. The road follows along the picturesque Bennett Branch Sinnemahoning River. The road is relatively flat with numerous curves, very little traffic, and scenic river views.

Tourism Opportunities

The road is extremely rural with few amenities. A small mom and pop general store in Driftwood offers gas and typical snacks and drinks. Benezette offers a restaurant/pub popular with the locals and hunters.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

20 miles farther west is the town of St. Mary's where you can find chain motels and eat at the locally famous Gunner's restaurant. St. Mary's is on the eastern continental divide. A few miles west accesses the beautiful Clarion River with many some roads that deserve their own listing.
 

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Sixstrings6
February 23, 2013
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I've done this ride many times. Seen at least 1 Elk every trip. On one trip, we were going up the hill from towards the Elk visitors center when a HUGE Bull came out of the woods and walked across in front of us so close he almost touched the front of our bikes. We just sat there with our bikes off with our mouths hanging open. The roads in the area are awesome and so are the many biker friendly bars and eateries. Check out the Big Trout in Weedville, You'll go thru there on your way from St. Marys.
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Akumu
November 22, 2019
4000 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Pennsylvania's Triple Nickel isn't quite as good, or really even close, to Ohio's Triple Nickel, but it's still not bad. This route is good if you need to get east to west, or west to east. (Lots of roads in this area go north to south.) It's not a road I would go out of my way for, but if you're in the vicinity and need to go west or east it is a good connector road. Last I was on it the pavement was fresh. That was two years ago.
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papajoe
April 11, 2022
36 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
take your time and watch out for the elk
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