North Country Trail – Western Section

The western portion of The North Country Trail starts on State Game Lands 63 near the Clarion County Airport and ends at the crossing of the Allegheny River in the town of Parker. Along most of this 50 miles of trail, the NCT shares a pathway with the Allegheny Valley Trails Association’s Clarion Highlands, Game Lands 45, Sandy Creek and Allegheny River Trails. Along this backcountry and gentle-gradient Rails-to-Trails hike, one can soak in the serenity of the countryside and get a taste of the local culture and history as the Trail briefly visits the villages of Emlenton, Foxburg and Parker. Highlights of this section include multiple opportunities for wildlife viewing, pleasant strolls along scenic Sandy Creek and the historic Allegheny River, views of gently flowing streams from pedestrian-safe railway bridges, and several long old railway tunnels.