Did you know that Clarion County is a premier gateway to some of the most spectacular, federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Pennsylvania?
The Allegheny and Clarion Rivers boast pristine wilderness islands, towering hemlock forests, and abundant wildlife—making them top-tier destinations for canoeing, kayaking, and trout fishing. Whether you want to rent from local outfitters (who offer everything from kayaks, canoes, and tubes to even pontoon rides) or bring your own gear to set off from one of the county’s eleven public launches, your next water adventure is just a paddle away!
The Clarion River
Of the Clarion’s gorgeous waters, 52 miles are federally designated as Wild & Scenic—with 17 of those miles meandering directly through the heart of Clarion County.
As you journey from Cook Forest State Park down to Foxburg (where the Clarion meets the Allegheny River), you’ll wind past charming river towns and float through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Pennsylvania. Thanks to the towering, thickly forested hillsides that hug the riverbanks, you’ll easily find quiet stretches of water that offer a peaceful, deep-in-the-woods sense of escape.
The Allegheny River
While the mighty Allegheny River stretches over 325 miles, some of its scenic and action-packed stretch, runs along the border of Foxburg and East Brady.
Bordered by steep, dramatic wooded banks where bald eagles regularly soar, this wide-open section of the river is a paradise for motorboating, jet skiing, and water-skiing. It also features the spectacular, sweeping loop of Brady’s Bend—a natural marvel that is just as incredible to see from a boat as it is from the panoramic overlooks high above. You can be chasing high-speed thrills on the water or looking for a relaxing scenic cruise; this stretch has it all.
What can I do on the river?
River Floats
Float Clarion County’s rivers by kayak or canoe, paddleboard, tube, or boat. If you’re looking for a low-impact activity, inflate your tubes and hop in! For those looking for a more engaged experience with nature, we highly recommend floating by kayak, canoe, or boat. Enjoy the scenery in whichever format fits your lifestyle.
Don’t have any floating devices? Check out our outfitters here. For those looking to swim, we highly recommend packing a snorkel to glimpse the busy world beneath the surface.
If this is your first time on the water, then you will be pleased to know that the Clarion River is officially a Class I waterway. This means it is incredibly beginner-friendly, calm, and features only gentle, easy-to-navigate riffles. It’s the perfect place for a stress-free first paddle!
Pro tips:
- Floating with a crew? Bring along some bungee cords or quick-release straps to link your tubes together. It keeps your group drifting in unison without anyone getting separated by the current.
- Want the river views without the travel? Grab a sturdy folding lawn chair, set it in the shallow water near the bank, and spend the afternoon relaxing with a great book or a pair of binoculars.
- Keep an eye on water levels: While our rivers are relatively shallow, depending on weather conditions, this can change without notice! Always check the USGS’ website for current water levels. Local outfitters also post daily updates on river conditions on their social accounts.
Fishing
Clarion County has two spectacular rivers: the clean, shaded reaches of the Clarion River—widely considered one of the state’s best-kept secrets for wild trout—and the sweeping, sun-soaked expanses of the Allegheny River, which offer some of the finest bass and walleye fishing in western Pennsylvania. Grab your gear, find a spot along the bank, and see why anglers keep coming back to our scenic rivers.
Pro tips:
- Clarion River (Cook Forest to Piney Reservoir): Known for its warmwater fishery, this stretch features smallmouth bass and walleye.
- Piney Reservoir: A must-visit for anglers, Piney Reservoir is stocked with walleye and tiger muskellunge, providing opportunities for great catches of smallmouth bass.
- Know Before You Go: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws.
Sightseeing along the rivers
The twists and turns of our rivers provide ample opportunity to enjoy wildlife, flora, and fauna along the banks, including a variety of natural and historical landmarks.
Clarion River
- Henry Run Sawmill Dam
- Henry Run waterfall
- Hemlock Island
Allegheny River
- Clarion Island
- Convergence of the Clarion and Allegheny rivers
Where can I float?
There are eleven different boat and kayak/canoe launches in the county. Note, while kayaks/canoes can be launched in the same areas as boats, boats cannot utilize the kayak/canoe spots.
Launch Coordinates
- Alum Rock: 41.13419149, -79.62439954
- Kayak/canoe
- Callensburg: 41.13928319, -79.5546943
- Kayak/canoe
- Cooksburg: 41.32879685, -79.20456151
- Kayak/canoe
- Deer Creek: 41.117212922, -79.47760773
- Kayak/canoe
- East Brady: 40.97812758, -79.61920201
- Boat, kayak/canoe launch
- Foxburg: 41.13904899, -79.67765280
- Boat, kayak/canoe
- Gravel Lick: 41.30505114, -79.24473545
- Kayak/canoe
- Mill Creek: 41.23476481, -79.32174904
- Boat, kayak/canoe
- Liberty Street (New Bethlehem): 41.00036155, -79.33522728
- Kayak/canoe
- Toby Hill: 41.22383258, -79.38683564
- Boat, kayak/canoe
- Walker Flat Road (Mayport): 41.0186853, -79.27190751
- Kayak/canoe
Outfitters & Rentals
Clarion County is home to a variety of outfitters offering items to buy or rent, depending on your need and budget.
- Foxburg Tours (Foxburg)
- Guided pontoon rides and kayak & bike rentals
- GoPaddle PA (Clarion)
- Self-service kayak and paddleboard rentals
- River Riders (East Brady)
- Shuttle, kayak, canoe, and bike rentals
- Route 66 Sporting Goods
- Fishing gear
- Sportsmen’s Outfitters
- Fishing gear
Plan Your Getaway Today
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