Clarion County boasts four major trail systems—all of which are relatively flat and accessible to all ages and abilities! While seasoned cyclists love our trails, families and those with limited mobility adore them just the same.
We’ve curated a guide with different experiences for our four trail systems: the Rail 66 Country Trail, Redbank Valley Trail, Armstrong Trail, and Allegheny River Trail—including parking, grades & slopes, and local stops along the way. Whichever direction you’re coming from, it’s likely you’ll be within a few miles of a nearby trail.
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| Rail 66 Country Trail | History & quaint villages | Paved asphalt | 74 Miles |
| Redbank Valley Trail | Remote scenery & waterways | Crushed limestone | 51 miles |
| Armstrong Trail | Riverside & tunnel rides | Crushed limestone | 52.5 miles |
| Allegheny River Trail | Wildlife & river views | Paved | 2.5-mile portion |
Rail 66 Country Trail
Passing through the Clarion Highlands and Cook Forest regions, the Rail 66 Country Trail is a four-season trail. It’s considered highly experiential, as the presence of businesses, restaurants, and homes along the path make it a cornerstone of many villages and the daily life of locals. Allow yourself to be enveloped by the canopy of trees, peaceful pastures, and wildlife that skitter between trees and branches.
- Length: 20.1 miles in Clarion County | 74 miles total
- Trailheads
- Marianne, PA (41.237506° N, 79.417360° W)
- Lucinda, PA (41.314151° N, 79.369373° W)
- Snydersburg, PA (41.331297° N, 79.354952° W)
- Leeper, PA (41.367990° N 79.308720° W)
- Farmington Township Park, Leeper, PA (41.374545° N, -79.303720° W)
- Parking: Available at each trailhead
- Facilities: Three bike stations at miles 0.7, 7.1, and 13.2
- Accessibility
- Two shelters at miles 1.3 and 8
- Handicap parking is available at the Marianne, Lucinda, and Farmington Township trailheads
- Sightseeing
- Locomotive artifacts can be found along its route, including old railroad ties, lights, an old train car, and a yellow caboose– as it was once formerly the Knox-Kane Railroad.
- A Taste of Local Flavor
Where to stay
Cozy Oaks Cottage
Rail 66 Rails-to-Trails Home
Shamrock Woods Lodge
Redbank Valley Trail
Named Trail of the Year in 2014, the Redbank Valley Trail passes through the Allegheny Riverlands and Redbank Valley regions. It is well-equipped with both peaceful scenery, small towns, and modern amenities as you pedal along the scenic Redbank Creek.
- Length: Over 20 miles in Clarion County | 51 miles total
- Trailheads
- Redbank Furnace/Allegheny River (40.981386° N, -79.548703° W)
- Wildcat, PA (40.995339° N, -79.490249° W)
- Climax, PA (40.985950° N, -79.375642° W)
- New Bethlehem, PA (419 Arch St)
- Hawthorn, PA (41.019271° N, -79.273285° W)
- Mayport, PA (41.033545° N, -79.250787° W)
- Parking
- At all listed trailheads, including:
- Spur mile 9, Sligo, PA
- Spur mile 5, Sligo, PA
- Spur mile 4, Rimersburg, PA
- At all listed trailheads, including:
- Facilities
- Restrooms can be found at miles 6, 7, 21, and 24
- Kayak/canoe launches can be found at the Climax, New Bethlehem, and Hawthorn trailheads
- Accessibility
- The trail follows a grade of under 1%, other than Middle Run Road at mile marker 21.76, which has a slope increase around 9%, and the Sligo spur, which has a slope increase around 4%
- Sightseeing
- Pass over historic bridges, through arches, and tunnels, including the Climax Tunnel.
- The Armstrong Trail shares a spur trail in Sligo—playfully named the “Storybook Trail.” That portion showcases children’s book stories on plaques along the path, making for a great way to occupy the minds of your little ones.
- At the trailhead in New Bethlehem, the Town Center Inn hosts an art gallery and shop with both regional and national artists’ work available for purchase.
- Look for statues created by Massachusetts artist, Dale Rogers— four of which are in Clarion County:
- American Dog at mile 8, near Long Point Tunnel
- Bird in Hand at mile 16
- Toy Blocks at 945 Broad Street
- Mama Bear and Cubs at 419 Arch Street
- A Taste of Local Flavor
Where to stay
Blose Brothers Trailside AirBnb
Charming 1920s Hillside Home
Trailside Studio
Armstrong Trail
The Armstrong Trails system parallels the award-winning, Wild & Scenic Allegheny River, making for a peaceful journey. Keep an eye out for wildlife and wildflowers along the way.
- Length: 12 miles in Clarion County | 52.5 miles total
- Trailheads
- Sarah Furnace, PA (867 Sarah Furnace Rd, Rimersburg, PA)
- East Brady, PA (300 Verner St, East Brady, PA)
- Phillipston, PA (94 N Apple St., Rimersburg, PA)
- Parking: Available at all listed trailheads
- Facilities: Bathrooms are available at the East Brady and Phillipston trailheads
- Accessibility: Comprised of compressed limestone and asphalt. The max grade is 8% but averages at 1.5%. Expect a relatively flat trail ride, except for some minor slopes.
- Sightseeing
- The Brady Tunnel, which sits directly beneath Rimersburg’s Brady’s Bend Overlook, reopened in 2024. The tunnel is 2,468 feet in length; be sure to pack flashlights, as lights won’t be installed until Spring 2025.
- This is a fantastic spot to see nearly one hundred types of bird species. Distinct flora can be found in the warm weather months, including May-apples, Large-flower Trilliums, and Purple trilliums; in regards to fauna, deer, bald eagles, turtles, and more can be found along the riverside.
- A Taste of Local Flavor
Where to stay
Magical Renovated Clarion County Church
Phillipston Turntable Camping
Allegheny River Trail
Located in the Allegheny Riverlands region, the Allegheny River Trail extends from Erie to Pittsburgh. On this portion, receive a front-seat view of the stunning convergence of the Allegheny and Clarion rivers as the Allegheny makes its journey towards Pittsburgh and beyond.
- Length: 2.5 miles in Clarion County | 33 miles total
- Trailheads: River Road, Foxburg, PA (41.139028° N, -79.677983° W)
- Parking: A large parking lot is available at the trailhead
- Accessibility: The Allegheny River Trail is a flat, paved trail
- Sightseeing: The Allegheny and Clarion rivers merge as you cross over a pedestrian bridge. Off in the distance, the majestic Clarion Island, and its islets, glimmer in the sunshine. Along the way, you may see wildlife ranging anywhere from bald eagles and blue herons or river otters and mink.
- A Taste of Local Flavor
Where to stay
Foxburg Inn Hotel
Stonegate Cottage
Tarry Moore Cottage
Outfitters & the Outdoors
A CATA-designated bike share is located at the Rail 66 Marianne trailhead with four Cannondale bikes available to rent ahead of time or on the spot. River Riders Rentals, located in East Brady, provides a shuttle service, kayak, canoe, and bike rentals. Foxburg Tours offer guided pontoon rides for fishing, history tours, or just for a scenic float along the Allegheny. The boat is wheelchair accessible, so varying mobility of all levels can enjoy the ride comfortably.
The beauty of a paved bike trail is its versatility: our trails go beyond bicycles! Whether you’re pushing a stroller, rolling a wheelchair, or simply wish to go for a walk along a waterway, we highly recommend bike trails as your go-to spot to experience nature at your own pace: watch wildlife, go birding, snowshoe, cross country ski, roller skate, or grab your fishing license and cast a line at a nearby creek. Each season presents a new lens through which to see the trail through.
Download trail maps by visiting our partners here: