Clarion County, PA
trailhead to
adventure
Clarion County is a Trailhead to Adventure!
From the banks of the Clarion and the Allegheny rivers to the majestic wilds of Cook Forest State Park, Clarion County boasts an abundance of trails nestled throughout its stunning landscape. Whether you’re looking to lace up your hiking boots, hop on your bike, ride horses through scenic trails, fish, or kayak, Clarion County has something for everyone’s inner adventurer. Discover Clarion County and embark on your next unique journey.
Trail Experiences
ATV Trail
Have fun exploring the Piney Rail Riders ATV trail that provides an easy and convenient way for friends, family, and community to connect while experiencing the outdoors.
The trail is approximately 23.7 miles, has 7 railroad bridges and stretches from Piney Dam area to Brookville where it adjoins the Redbank Valley Trail (a non-motorized trail).
Photo Credit: Piney Rail Riders Trail
Camping Experiences
Clarion County’s mild summer weather offers campers a breath of fresh air. In the forest, campers can find primitive campgrounds in Cook Forest State Park. For those seeking a more glamorous experience, comfortable cabins and short-term rentals are abundant throughout Clarion County. Glamping sites and RV-campgrounds can also be your home-away-from home.
Photo Credit: Rustic Acres Campground
Water Experiences
During warm weather, the Clarion River is a premier destination for canoeists, kayakers, paddle boarders, swimmers, and tubers. During periods of high water, the river has some Class 1 & 2 rapids, which experienced paddlers enjoy. The river forms the reservoir of the Brookfield Power dam above Clarion Borough and provides exceptional power boating and water sport opportunities. The Clarion is also popular for smallmouth bass and trophy brown trout fishing. Find boat launches at Clarion, Cooksburg, Gravel Lick, Mill Creek, Callensburg, and access points, and more information in the Clarion River Water Trail brochure guide.
Winter Activities
Discover the beauty of winter in Clarion County. The wintertime is sure to offer visitors a wonderful chance to experience snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hunting, and the cozy views of a wintry, wooded forest.
Photo Credit: Erik Writner
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Lace-up your skis or snowshoes and venture throughout Clarion’s vast trails.
Fishing
Even with near-freezing temperatures, anglers can enjoy waters stocked with healthy brown trout and smallmouth bass. Named as the 2019 PA River of the Year, the Clarion River is regarded as one of the finest fishing spots in Pennsylvania.
Hunting
Clarion County is the home of many PA State Gamelands. Hunters visiting Clarion County can expect deer, turkey and small game hunting, as well as the trapping and hunting for fox and coyote. Pheasants are stocked in the vast grasslands and food plot areas.
Festivals
Come and enjoy winter-themed festivals, including the Cook Forest Gingerbread Tour, the Annual Knox Once Upon a Christmas, and Cook Forest’s Snowman in the Forest! Activities include ice-skating, snowman-building contests, sledding, and carriage rides.
