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.
Millstone in the 1930's. Photo: Andrew Joseph 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.
The Clarion River has a high regional draw for floating (canoeing, kayaking, and tubing) for several reasons: it has a longer season than other rivers in the area; it is relatively accessible to the public; and it is considered a Class I river. The river gets a high amount of use in the summer during times of low flows. People are willing to traverse the river even knowing that they will have to drag their canoes in extremely shallow areas. There is an opportunity for a variety of float trips available to people with their own canoes as well as through a livery service. Day trips are common as well as overnighters.
Recreational section with wide, twisting river, small communities, and pastoral views. Tends to dry up in mid-late summer.
