Class I Clarion River, PA

Irwin Run to Cook Forest (Irwin Run to Cooksburg)

The Clarion is a tributary to the Allegheny River, itself a wild and scenic river, joining it in Clarion County just south of the town of Emlenton. In the early 1800's, the Clarion was used to transport timber to the Allegheny River. The steeply forested hillsides of almost continuous mature deciduous and coniferous vegetation contribute to a feeling of remoteness in many places along the river.

 

Old Milltown Site in the 1930's
Millstone in the 1930's. Photo: A.J. Deer, contributed by the Deer family.

 

Although regulated by the Army Corps of Engineers, streamflow is sufficient to accommodate recreation uses such as canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the Clarion River year-round downstream from Ridgway to the backwater of Piney Dam.

Recreational section with wide, twisting river, small communities, and pastoral views. Tends to dry up in mid-late summer.

rivers.gov/Clarion River

Section Details

Trip Length One Night, 26.0 Miles
Fishing Yes
Camping Yes
Permit No
Manager Allegheny National Forest, Allegheny National Forest
Wild & Scenic Yes
Water Trail Yes
Partner Information https://www.rivers.gov/river/clarion