This guide details a 105-mile, 3-to-5-hour scenic loop road trip through rural Western Pennsylvania's Clarion County, highlighting historic downtowns, wildlife areas, and river overlooks. Travelers can explore key stops from Piney Reservoir and Foxburg down to East Brady, experiencing local heritage, nature, and countryside charm.
A few decades ago, back when local shops took a well-deserved rest on Sundays, Western Pennsylvanians made their own tradition: the classic “Easy Sunday Drive.” It was simple—crank down the windows, take a slow cruise through rolling hills, grab a cone of local ice cream along the way, and head home with a full heart.
In the spirit of those sweet, simpler times, we’re keeping the tradition alive. We’ve mapped out one of the absolute best driving routes across the region—a journey designed for taking in sweeping views, discovering hidden local gems, and reliving a nostalgic slice of Western PA heritage. Pack some snacks, queue up your favorite playlist, and let’s hit the road!
First up, let’s fill you in on the essential details so you can be well prepared.
Before You Go
Drive Distance: Approximately 105 miles (loop)
Time: 3–5 hours with stops
Highlights: Piney Reservoir, Miola, Foxburg, Beaver Creek Nature Area, East Brady Overlook, historic downtowns, and Blossom the Cow in Sligo.
Depending on where you’re traveling from, Clarion County is easily reached by several major highways that pass through the region. Most travelled is I-80, Route 322, Route 66.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to the see the Google Maps driving route.
Stop 1: Piney Reservoir & the Northern Forest
Route: Clarion → Miola → Lucinda
Start your drive in downtown Clarion at the historic courthouse before heading north across the upper end of Piney Reservoir on the Clarion River, a designated National Wild and Scenic waterway. From there, continue toward the Miola Recreation Area and Lucinda.
Worth a stop:
- The historic Helen Furnace on Miola Road
- The restored train station in Lucinda along the Rail 66 Country Trail
Photo Tip: The bridge crossing Piney Reservoir is especially scenic on early mornings when fog rises from the water.
Keep an eye out: Bald eagles, ospreys, deer, and other wildlife are common along Miola Road.
Stop 2: Rolling Farmland & Rural Communities
Route: Fryburg → Shippenville → Knox
From Lucinda, head west through Fryburg and continue toward Shippenville and Knox. The landscape shifts to open farmland, quiet country roads, and small rural communities.
Worth a stop:
- Grab a coffee, snack, or ice cream in Shippenville or Knox.
- Visit Beaver Creek Nature Area for birdwatching and wide-open countryside views.
Photo Tip: Beaver Creek Nature Area offers some of the county’s best panoramic farmland scenery.
Stop 3: Foxburg & the Allegheny River
Route: St. Petersburg → Foxburg
As you descend into Foxburg, the road opens to beautiful views of the Allegheny River. It’s an ideal place to park, stretch your legs, and spend some time exploring.
Worth a stop:
- Enjoy lunch overlooking the river
- Sample local wines
- Walk the Allegheny River Trail to the point where the Clarion River joins the Allegheny
Photo Tip: The Foxburg Bridge is especially picturesque from the riverbank during the evening.
Stop 4: River Views & Southern Clarion County
Route: East Brady → Rimersburg → New Bethlehem → Sligo
Cross the Allegheny River into East Brady before climbing through the hills toward Rimersburg and New Bethlehem.
Worth a stop:
- Brady’s Bend Overlook for sweeping views of the river valley
- Veterans Memorial Park in New Bethlehem to see the America250 Liberty Bell
- Blossom the Cow in Sligo—a classic roadside photo stop
This stretch features some of the most dramatic elevation changes along the drive, with several opportunities to pull over and enjoy the scenery.
Back to Clarion
From New Bethlehem, follow Route 66 north back to downtown Clarion to complete the loop.
If you still have time, grab dinner at one of the local restaurants, sample a craft beer or locally made spirits, browse downtown shops, or pick up handmade chocolates and souvenirs before heading home.
Sometimes the best part of a trip isn’t checking attractions off a list—it’s taking the long way, discovering places you weren’t expecting, and enjoying the drive itself. That’s exactly what this route is all about.
Our Routes
Plan Your Getaway Today
Escape the noise and discover the quieter side of Pennsylvania.
The new Clarion County Getaway Guide is your invitation to winding river towns, ancient hemlock forests, hidden trails, dark skies, local flavors, and unforgettable small-town experiences tucked within the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat or your next outdoor adventure, let this guide lead you somewhere wilder.
Need a physical copy? Submit your request at this link.
On the road? Read our digital issue at this link and start planning now.