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Clarion Wild and Scenic River
The Clarion River is a designated Wild and Scenic River for 51.7 miles, from the border of the ANF/State Game Lands Number 44 boundary to an unnamed tributary at the backwaters of Piney Dam.
The steeply forested hillsides of almost continuous mature deciduous and coniferous vegetation contribute to a feeling of remoteness in many places along the river.
Paddlers on the river will find that the water changes from smooth to riffling as the river flows over and around large boulders. In the section of river between Arroyo Bridge and Irwin Run paddlers will find several of the riffles.
The Clarion is a tributary to the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River, joining it in Clarion County, just south of the town of Emlenton. In the early 1800's the Clarion was used to transport timber to the Allegheny River.
At a Glance
| Rentals & Guides: |
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|---|---|
| Permit Info: | PA State Fish And Boat canoe permit required. |
| Restrictions: | As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Allegheny National Forest. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forest. Applicable Orders for this Site:
|
| Closest Towns: | Ridgeway, Clarion, Buehler Corner, Hallton, Belltown, Cooksburg |
| Information Center: | Marienville Ranger District Address: 131 Smokey Lane Marienville, PA 16239 Phone: 1-814-927-6628 Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov |
General Information
Directions:From Ridgway
- Travel Travel on South St. until South St. becomes PA-949 S/State St.
- Continue to follow PA-949 for 5.6 miles to the site
Activities
Campground Camping
For detailed information on the camping available please visit our Clarion River Campsites page.
Areas for Campground Camping at Clarion Wild and Scenic River
River and Stream Fishing
For information on fishing regulations and season visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Clarion Wild and Scenic River
Day Hiking
Little Drummer Historical Pathway
The Little Drummer Pathway has two loops totaling 3.1 miles. The trail is located near Buehler Corner.
Laurel Mills Cross-Country Ski and Hiking Trail
The 10.7 mile Laurel Mill trail system has several interconnecting loops for skiers and hikers. The trailhead is located west of Ridgeway. The Sparrow Nest loop passes near the Clarion River near Gillis Flats.
Clarion/Little Toby Cross-Country Ski and Hiking Trail
The Clarion/Little Toby trail is an 18-mile rail-to-trail that meanders along the Clarion River and Little Toby Creek. The trail is surfaced with crushed limestone and is nearly flat. Trailheads are located in Ridgeway and Brockway. This trail is not managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Areas for Day Hiking at Clarion Wild and Scenic River
Boating - Non-Motorized
This river is not suitable for large craft. There are multiple shallows that larger craft won't be able to pass over.
To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.
Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Clarion Wild and Scenic River
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Little Drummer Historical Pathway
The Little Drummer Pathway has two loops totaling 3.1 miles. The trail is located near Buehler Corner.
Laurel Mills Cross-Country Ski and Hiking Trail
The 10.7 mile Laurel Mill trail system has several interconnecting loops for skiers and hikers. The trailhead is located west of Ridgeway. The Sparrow Nest loop passes near the Clarion River near Gillis Flats.
Clarion/Little Toby Cross-Country Ski and Hiking Trail
The Clarion/Little Toby trail is an 18-mile rail-to-trail that meanders along the Clarion River and Little Toby Creek. The trail is surfaced with crushed limestone and is nearly flat. Trailheads are located in Ridgeway and Brockway. This trail is not managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Location
