Elephant Swamp Nature Trail

Nestled on the eastern side of Elk Township (off of Rt. 538, between Rt. 609 and Buck Rd.) is roughly 300 plus acres of wooded area, which is township owned and protected by a conservation easement.  This untouched land is known as Elephant Swamp.  It is not just a beautiful, scenic place; it is steeped in mystery and intrigue. 

Legend has it that in the 1800’s while the circus was traveling by train through Elk Township along the rail line from Monroeville, an elephant got loose in the swamp, and was never seen again.  When you take a walk along the path in Elephant Swamp, listen closely for the footsteps of a wandering elephant.

Please note that the swamp abuts private property, so please stay on the path and respect adjacent land owners.

Trail Guide

The Elk Township Environmental Commission retained the services of Michael Hogan, a local environmentalist, to prepare an informative nature Trail Guide that identifies wildlife and plant species found along the Elephant Swamp Recreational Trail and throughout Elephant Swamp and provides locations for numerous viewing stations where particular plant species or wildlife can be seen from the trail. This educational guide provides photographs and informative descriptions of the various wildlife s-species and vast spectrum of plant life found in this wonderful natural resource that is so critical and unique to our Township. This Trail Guide is intended for all residents and children to utilize and enjoy when using the recreational trail.

Copies of this Guide are currently available by clicking here. Hard copies will soon be made available for visitors at the trail’s parking lot entrance adjacent to the intersection of Route 538 and Railroad Avenue. Until then, please feel free to contact the Environmental Commission for a hard copy of the Guide or download from the website.