Get to Know the Allegheny River Trail The Allegheny River Trail runs on asphalt between Franklin and Emlenton for 27.5 miles and on an isolated (soon to be connected) section between Foxburg […]
Get to Know the Allegheny River Trail
The Allegheny River Trail runs on asphalt between Franklin and Emlenton for 27.5 miles and on an isolated (soon to be connected) section between Foxburg and Parker for 2.5 miles.
The 2.5-mile portion of the trail takes place on an accessible, paved path with a front-seat view of the stunning convergence of the Allegheny and Clarion Rivers as the Allegheny makes its journey towards Pittsburgh. Basking in its inherent beauty, the river glitters alongside the Clarion Island during golden hour – making for an impressive setting for a selfie, group picture, or reflective moment.
Access to the trailhead is found in the heart of Foxburg, Pennsylvania. This riverside resort town offers a full suite of amenities, including peaceful days and evenings spent in nature with all of the benefits of a quiet main street. It’s the choice for families with younger children interested in the outdoors and couples looking for a tranquil long weekend. With the balance of life’s modern conveniences, you can experience the unique touch of culture and heritage that infuses the Allegheny Riverlands region.
Make your weekend a peaceful retreat with loved ones along Foxburg’s River Drive with the serene backdrop of the Allegheny River.
The Charm of the Trail and its Riverscape
The Allegheny River Trail starts on Foxburg’s main street and finishes at Parker Bridge 2.5 miles south. Though just a small stretch of the Erie-to-Pittsburgh route, our slice is undeniably mighty.
A visit to the trail any time of year will provide you with a new seasonal lens to see the riverscape through fall foliage ablaze at each bend of the river, an icy flow with otters playing under the gently falling snow, or blossoming greenery with hawks coasting overhead. Come for the trail and stay for the quaint charm of Foxburg and its environs.
Little known to most, many hidden treasures can be found throughout your journey. Highlights include river islets, vibrant flora and fauna, and the iconic spot where the Allegheny and Clarion rivers meet. Pack your binoculars and keep an eye out along the walk for bald eagles, kingfishers, wrens, and blue herons soaring above the current – or turtles, river otters, and mink relaxing on the banks.
Picturesque Islets of the Allegheny Riverlands
Witness the confluence of the rivers with a rich cultural history. Soak in this jaw-dropping backdrop as you cross the short pedestrian bridge overtop this spectacle of nature to see waterways with significant roles in Western Pennsylvania’s history and industry unite. It’s especially beautiful as the sun sets. We recommend the view of the islets in the distance from the Parker Bridge by utilizing the bridge’s pedestrian path. Revel in the views and try to spot the largest islet, named the “Clarion Island” — be it daytime or dusk.
After the Trail: Relax & Unwind
Check into the Foxburg Inn Hotel, a boutique stay in central Foxburg. To return, recross the bridge and end your 5-mile hike with a filling steak dinner at the Allegheny Grille and some wine and trivia at Foxburg Wine Cellars. The next day, grab an omelet from Foxburg Pizza before heading out on the water for a guided water trip from Foxburg Tours. The award-winning, “Wild & Scenic” Allegheny River provides the perfect scenery whether you’re biking alongside or boating across it.
For lovers of history, this tiny town is packed plenty with it. Drop by Memorial Church of our Father, a church on the National Register of Historic Places, and surround yourself in the ambiance of an era long gone. For sports fanatics, visit the American Golf Hall of Fame at the Historic Foxburg Country Club – or spend a morning improving your score at this oldest golf course in continuous use in the United States.
Drift Along the Allegheny
For a fresh perspective of the Allegheny, Foxburg Tours provides several packages to start your float along the river and to bask in the surrounding nature, celebrate an event, or spend time with loved ones spotting wildlife or catching wild trout.
You can book a guided fishing trip or narrated historical tour via pontoon boat. Night cruises are available and will supply you with a medley of stars as you glide with the gentle current.
Plan Your Visit
Places to Stay
Located in the heart of Foxburg is the Foxburg Inn Hotel. A short 10-minute drive away is the Log Cabin AirBnb. Wolf’s Camping Resort and Quiet Acres Camping are located 15 minutes away in Knox, which is equidistant from Downtown Clarion and Foxburg.
What to Pack
For a weekend of memorable scenic views, we recommend a few different items to take along with you for the adventure:
Running shoes or hiking boots
A windbreaker, sweatshirt, or winter jacket — depending on the season
A water bottle to stay hydrated
Your favorite trail snack, like granola bars or sandwiches
Binoculars for wildlife watching
A camera to capture candid moments with loved ones
Getting There
The trailhead begins at (41.13902891394927, -79.67798350357481) at the tail end of River Road in Foxburg, crosses over the Parker Bridge, and ends in the bridge’s namesake. You can reach Foxburg by taking Exit 45 on Interstate 80 and following PA-478 to PA-58 W to Foxburg. By following PA-68, which passes through Sligo and Callensburg in the Clarion Riverlands, take a picture with the “The Big Cow” on your way to the trailhead.
Trail Etiquette
It’s important to prepare for the adventure ahead of time. To get an understanding of trail etiquette and safety tips, we recommend DCNR’s “Leave No Trace” & “Staying Safe” guides. The Allegheny River Trail has a website dedicated to its portion in Clarion County, where you can find more information about current conditions, including a map from their main site. If you choose to go fishing, be sure to stop by any one of the following locations in Clarion County to get a fishing license. There are various options depending on if you’re a PA resident or out-of-state visitor, number of days you plan to fish for, and more – making your next trip to Foxburg, Pennsylvania and the Allegheny River Trail a breeze.
