Clarion County Chapter - North Country Trail Association

Armstrong/Clarion County line at the Allegheny River to Salmon Creek in the Allegheny National Forest

The Clarion County Chapter is responsible for developing, promoting and maintaining the North Country Trail’s pathway in and around Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The Chapter’s section offers 96 miles of adventure into the Pennsylvania countryside. The Chapter has monthly hikes with a good turnout, a group workday once a month, canoe and kayak trips on the Clarion River, and organized picnics and cookouts at our shelters. We would love to have you join us for one or any of our monthly events.We also are always in great need of people who want to get out and help build and maintain this national treasure. Working on the North Country National Scenic Trail is an excellent opportunity for students, church groups and scouts looking for community service opportunities or projects.

Key Data

Chapter Trail Section

The eastern portion of Clarion County Chapter’s section of the North Country Trail starts at the southern border of the Allegheny National Forest and ends near the Clarion County Airport. This 35 miles of backcountry trail features hikes along the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River and the scenic Toby Creek watershed as one travels through two tracts of Clear Creek State Forest, Cook Forest State Park and multiple State Game Lands. Highlights of this section of the Trail include majestic old growth forests, the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River, multiple opportunities for wildlife viewing and cascades and waterfalls on beautiful wooded streams. The western portion 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.

Connect and Get Involved

Resources

Use the Report Trail Condition form to alert NCTA and the Chapter to poor trail conditions. Visit the Trail Alerts page while planning your adventure.

Suggested Hikes

Highland / Gravel Lick: 6 miles. This hike has overlook views of the Clarion River and goes past the Highland shelter. There are several elevation changes. Take Miola Road about 8 miles north of Clarion to Highland Drive, where the trailhead is.

Clarion River / Doe Run: 3 miles. This hike is easily accessed from Clarion.There is a scenic loop along Doe Run. The trailhead is on Route 322 at the west end of the bridge on the Clarion River which has spectacular cascading waterfalls.

Gravel Lick to Cook Forest (in June): Immerse yourself in the mountain laurel! The trailhead is on Gravel Lick Road off Miola Road, 10 miles north of Clarion.

Chapter Maps and Guidance

Additional Local Resources

Cook Forest State Park
Pennsylvania State Forests
Allegheny National Forest