Aboce Photo (Clear Creek Spring): Kyle Yates
Clear Creek State Park is a beautiful and peaceful place tucked deep in a valley carved by a cold mountain stream. It encompasses 1,444 acres in Jefferson County. The park occupies a very scenic portion of the Clear Creek Valley featuring 53 campsites, 2 with ADA access, 22 rustic cabins, beautiful hiking trails, and access for fishing and paddling on the nationally designated Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Near the campground is a nine-hole disc golf course, a playground, and a basketball court. Pets are permitted on designated campsites for a fee. Clear Creek has five picnic pavilions, one of which is ADA accessible. Picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-serve basis. Near the entrance of the park, visitors can enjoy cooling off in icy mountain waters of Clear Creek at the swimming area with a 180-foot sand beach that is open from late-May to mid-September.
There are many miles of hiking trails that wander across the surrounding hillsides through abundant rhododendron and mountain laurel to several scenic overlooks. The new Tobecco Trail follows the Clarion River Valley from Clear Creek down river to Cook Forest State Park. Beartown Rocks is “The best kept secret” in Clear Creek State Park. Visitor can enjoy wandering the trails through ancient massive and impressive house-sized boulders, created by glaciers, with breathtaking scenic views. The Ox Shoe Self-Guided Historical Trail takes one hour to hike and reveals the logging history of the Black Forest of Pennsylvania.
The park staff excels at environmental education through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, where participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship towards natural and cultural resources. Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be scheduled in advance by calling the park office. A visitor center with logging and nature exhibits is open spring through fall.
The Clarion River borders the park and provides fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. Native Brook Trout inhabit Clear Creek and other trout are stocked seasonally. The park offers a canoe/kayak camping area at the southern end of the campground. This area is for individuals and groups traveling on the Clarion River by canoe or kayak. These sites are for tents only and limited to one night with a maximum group size of eight.
Photo by Ginny Allison
Beartown Rocks
Cabin Clear Creek- Photo by: John Plate
Clear Creek
Clear Creek
