Sometimes we just feel the need to take a drive to unplug and think. For many, a scenic drive along the Clarion River between Cook Forest and Ridgway is the perfect Sunday drive. Start your drive on River Road by taking Route 36 to Cook Forest State Park. Immediately as you turn on River Road, you will cross over Tom’s Run which features a children’s fishing pond that is stocked with trout. It is open to fishing for children 15 and younger and individuals with special needs. As you head upriver, Cook Forest State Park offers picnic tables and a pavilion along the river. This gentle section is popular for family recreation including kayaking, canoeing, and tubing with easy river access and rocky outcrops that provide good fishing and sunbathing spots.
As you travel along River Road make sure to look for the abundant wildlife found along the river. Bringing a pair of binoculars along on your drive is strongly recommended. Eagles and osprey can often be seen flying overhead or perched in the trees along the shoreline hunting fish. The Clarion River supports a healthy population of River Otters which are one the most elusive aquatic mammals in Pennsylvania. Otters are extremely curious and playful and often slide on ice or snow, shoot down slick muddy banks into creeks, play with food, sticks and stones, and wrestle each other. Few people are lucky enough to see otters in the wild, but those who do, rarely forget the experience. Geese and ducks are often seen cruising on the Clarion as well. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, black bear, and many other animals are often seen in woodlands along the river.
River Road intersects with Route 899 near the Barnett Canoe Launch just south of Clarington. Take a right on Route 899 towards Clarington. At Clarington take Belltown Road/River Road. As you travel on Belltown Road you will see Clear Creek State Park across the river. Clear Creek is more than 1,900 acres with camping, rustic cabins, and Clarion River access for fishing and paddling. Further upriver you will cross Millstone Creek that is popular with trout fishermen. The next landmark on your drive will the village of Belltown where Route 949 crosses the river. Continue driving on River Road towards the town of Hallton. In Hallton you will cross Spring Creek which is another popular trout stream. After crossing the Spring Creek Bridge make a right on Hallton/Spring Creek Road. At the newly constructed Irwin Run canoe launch Spring Creek Road veers away from the river through the scenic Elk County countryside. From Spring Creek Road make a left on to Arroyo-Portland Road to return to the river. This will take you over the Arroyo Bridge and eventually to the intersection of Route 494. Take a left on Route 944 towards Ridgway. The next landmark will be the Portland Mills canoe launch just below the mouth of Little Toby Creek. Continue along Route 949 until you reach the town of Ridgway.
The drive along the Clarion River is beautiful in any season. The bright colors of autumn can be spectacular if you are able to time your drive during peak fall foliage. Ice jams and a blanket of fresh snow can make the winter landscape stunning. Otters are also easier to see against the winter backdrop. Flowers and excellent fishing greet the spring traveler and summer is special time along the river.
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