Clear Creek State Park sits along the banks of the Clarion River in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, where 1,676 acres of dense hemlock and hardwood forest create one of the most scenic pockets in the northern Allegheny Plateau. Established in 1922, the park has drawn generations of visitors to its deep woods and clean waterways.

The Clarion River is the centerpiece here — a federally designated Wild and Scenic River that’s ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing through gentle Class I rapids. Anglers will find native brook trout in Clear Creek itself, while the Clarion offers smallmouth bass and walleye. Several outfitters nearby rent canoes and arrange shuttle service for full-day float trips.

Hiking trails wind through old-growth hemlock groves and along sandstone cliffs. The Phyllis Run Trail loops through towering trees that block out the sky, and the Ox Shoe Trail connects to the longer North Country National Scenic Trail for ambitious day hikes. Wildlife sightings are common — keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, and the occasional black bear.

The park offers rustic cabins and well-maintained tent and RV campsites, many shaded by mature forest canopy. Sites along the river fill fast during summer weekends, so book early.

Visit between late May and mid-October for the best conditions. Fall foliage season — typically mid-October — transforms the surrounding hills into a patchwork of orange and gold that rivals anywhere in the state. Winters are quiet but rewarding for cross-country skiing and solitude.

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