Northwest Pennsylvania's Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau serving Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, & Jefferson Counties
Discover Autumn: Take a Hike!

Discover Autumn Home | How Do Leaves Change Color? | Take a Fall Hike
 Autumn Driving Tours

River Trail, Clear Creek
Challenging level, 1.6 miles, moderately steep to steep
Trailhead & parking area: Cabin Loop, Nature Center

A mixture of habitat also creates an interesting backdrop for an afternoon hike.  Rhododendron, long since bloomed, can be seen along the path with evergreens, colorful hardwoods, and very large oaks.  The route also introduces hikers to the Clarion River.

River Trail, Cook Forest
Experienced level, 1.5 miles, moderately steep
Trailhead & parking area: Fire Tower Road

A hike to the summit of Seneca Point and the Fire Tower is well worth the view high above the Clarion River valley.  Greens, golds, burnt orange and flaming reds mix with the green tint of the river and blue sky to create a breathtaking  scene this time of year. Don't feel that ambitious? Drive to the Fire Tower instead.

Stumpfield Trail, Parker Dam
Beginner level, .5 miles, slightly steep
Trailhead: Amphitheatre

Aspen, oak and maple create a colorful backdrop along this half-hour hike. Open meadow mixes with hardwoods.

Laurel Mill Hiking Area, Allegheny National Forest
Trailhead: 3 miles W of Ridgway, Township Road 307, also known as Spring Creek Road  

Sparrow Nest Loop
Experienced level, 1.8 miles

Accessed by the Cook-Eli Connector Trail and north of Sparrow Nest Loop, the Clarion River Undeveloped Area is well worth the trek to spectacular scenery and solitude. Pack a picnic to enjoy on Lunch Rocks or Gillis Flats.

Hemlock Loop
Beginner/Experienced Levels, 3.2 miles

Accessed via Elk and Scout Loops, both beginner levels, the easiest part of Hemlock is found along Big Mill Creek for nearly a mile. Scenic views of the Ridgway Reservoir can be enjoyed while going up Spillway Hill. The remainder of the circle consists of two hills. A variety of birds are heard and scene along the way.

Trail maps are available at each park office.

Discover Autumn Home | How Do Leaves Change Color? | Take a Fall Hike
Autumn Driving Tours