The Clarion River was the only river east of the Mississippi featured on one of the twelve Wild & Scenic Rivers stamps by the U.S. Postal Service.
The Clarion River offers so many opportunities for outdoor adventure. One of the most popular and relaxing ways to enjoy the river is by paddling a kayak or floating in a tube. On River Road in Cook Forest is Pale Whale Canoe where you explore the river via kayaks, canoes, tubes, or river rafts rentals or head further up the Clarion to Ridgway and Lazy River Canoe Rental for kayak, canoe, or tubes trips. To beat the heat, take a swim in the river and cool off. If power boating is more what you enjoy, head to Piney Reservoir near Clarion for unlimited horsepower fun.
If a leisurely escape is what you need, take a relaxing scenic drive from Cook Forest to Ridgway. Start in Cooksburg, take River Road upriver all the way to the town of Hallton. In Hallton, take Hallton-Spring Creek Road (Route 3002) at the Irwin Run Canoe Launch. Turn right on to Arroyo-Portland Road, cross the river until you reach Portland Mills Road (Rt 949), then take 949 into Ridgway.
If you are interested in a new place to hike, head to Tobecco Trail. It is a 10-mile hiking trail along the Clarion River linking Clear Creek and Cook Forest State Parks with scenic overlooks and vistas.
The Clarion River is a great place to fish as well. The river’s many riffles and rocks offer fantastic fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. River Road provides easy access with many locations to park and wet a line. The Northern Clarion is famous for big brown trout and was featured on an episode of The New Fly Fisher TV show.
No matter what activity you choose, remember to photograph your journey. Take scenic river photos and wildlife photos including eagles and river otters that frequent the Clarion River. Eagles fly over the river as well as many other birds. Hiking, you can find many scenic views to photograph and perhaps a few animals too, like deer, bear, and wild turkey.
Plan your adventure on the Clarion River online at VisitPAGO.com.
