Canoe Camping the Clarion River

Clarion River : Ridgeway to Mill Creek approximately 50 miles
Boat Access Points: Ridgeway, Portland Mills, Spring Creek Road, Clear Creek State Park, Cooksburg
River Class: 1
Description: Excellent scenery, commercial and secluded campsites, fishing, easy rapids, wildlife, paddlers, excellent run for beginners
USGS Gauge: The Clarion River minimum depth of 3.0 ft at Ridgeway or Cooksburg. USGS Website

During the 1800s the Clarion River was used to transport timber to Pittsburgh and was instrumental in the development of the timber and tanning industry in the Clarion region. Heavy pollution from acid mine drainage and industrial waste made the water unsuitable for recreation. However in the 1980s, extensive measures were taken to clean up the river and the Clarion was designated a wild and scenic river in 1996.

Today the Clarion River is another of Pennsylvania's best paddling rivers. Because of its distance, accessibility, scenery and camping opportunities it is perfect for a one day paddle or a several day canoe camp trip. The river is calm making it a good river for beginning paddlers. Also the Clarion's water level often remains adequate long after other rivers have dried up, so it does attract paddlers well into the summer.

Beginning at Ridgway, this undeveloped river winds through forests providing great and interesting scenery, wildlife, and small ripples. Natural scenery includes a registered national natural landmark of old-growth forest in Cook Forest State Park. Although once heavily polluted, the water quality has steadily improved over the past decades, elevating the Clarion as a popular canoeing, bass and trout fishing river. Recreational activity on the river continues to rise.

There are many access points on this river, and you will find the river is usually quiet and natural. However, you will encounter other paddlers and human activity on sections lined with summer homes. There are secluded campsites as well as commercial campsites. One favorite campsite for paddlers is the Clear Creek State Park campsite conveniently located directly on the bank of the river. If you plan on taking out at Cooksburg you might want to consider camping at or above the Clear Creek State Park.

If you are planning to extend your journey to Mill Creek you will encounter primitive paddling with excellent scenery and opportunity for secluded camping. There is boat access at Mill Creek Road. You will encounter slower water below Mill Creek as you near the Piney Reservoir.

Paddling below the Piney Reservoir offers a secluded primitive experience. But you will also experience limited camping opportunities and no boat access. If you intend to paddle this section you will need to paddle to the Allegheny River and use its boat access points.

For more information go to
Cook Riverside Cabins
Cook Forest Canoe Rental