Clearfield: Forests, Rivers, and History

Clearfield County combines expansive forest areas with a long stretch of river. Moshannon State Forest covers about 187,000 acres in the northern part of the county and also extends into Cameron and Elk counties. The West Branch Susquehanna River runs for 102 miles through Clearfield County. Forest excursions and river experiences therefore offer two distinct focuses for planning a trip.

Forests and Trails

Moshannon State Forest offers more than 244 miles of remote wilderness trails. Routes designated for hiking only include the Quehanna Trail and the Allegheny Front Trail. The 75-mile Quehanna Trail passes through Moshannon and Elk State Forests. Two blue-blazed connecting trails and numerous yellow-blazed side trails add another 30 miles. The main route and the additional trail network offer different ways to explore the forest landscape on foot.

The nearly 50,000-acre Quehanna Wilderness Area is jointly managed by Moshannon and Elk State Forests and offers visitors peace and seclusion. A wild elk herd also lives in the Moshannon Forest District, and part of the Pennsylvania Elk Management Area lies within this forest district.

The Houtzdale Line Trail offers a different range of activities: it can be used for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. However, the eastern and western ends are in poor condition, and surface conditions may change. Check current conditions before your trip.

River, Rocks, and Outdoor Activities

The West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail stretches 228 miles from Cherry Tree in Indiana County to Sunbury in Northumberland County and offers opportunities for fishing and paddling. This total length differs from the 102-mile stretch of river within Clearfield County. Upstream sections in Cambria and Clearfield counties support populations of wild brook trout.

In Clearfield, the River Walk is a one-mile park along the West Branch Susquehanna River. You can launch canoes and kayaks at the boat access area; fishing and swimming in the river are also possible there. Access points for the Clearfield to Grampian Rail Trail are located in Clearfield, Curwensville, and Grampian. This gives you a choice of trails with several designated access points, as well as the river.

Bilger’s Rocks showcases a different kind of landscape: the 20-acre sandstone rock city includes rooms and passageways and is a 300-million-year-old rock formation. Trails on the site complement a visit. For another outdoor outing, the public 18-hole Eagles Ridge Golf Course in Curwensville sits above the Susquehanna River.

History and Trip Planning

Regional history can also be experienced at various sites. The Old Town Historic District comprises four blocks of Victorian houses dating from 1860 to 1890. The Clearfield County Historical Society Museum houses collections on the county’s settlement and development. The Coalport Area Coal Museum displays objects from the early days of manually loading bituminous coal. Check current opening hours before your visit.

Environmental education and interpretation programs are held year-round at Parker Dam State Park. The Lou and Helen Adams Civilian Conservation Corps Museum at Parker Dam provides information about the lives and times of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) members. Check the museum’s seasonal opening hours before your visit.

Clearfield and DuBois are accessible via Routes 219 and US 322; both towns are in central Pennsylvania along I-80.

Discover more destinations: Clearfield, Penfield, Dubois, Ramey, Clarion County, Columbia, Somerset County, Clinton County.

For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.