The Clarion River Valley

Never under-estimate the importance of a river. Every great civilization had its river, drawing life from its waters, approaching the world on the highway of its currents. Think about it: the Euphrates, the Nile, the Yangtze, the Thames, and the Seine. Even today, the cultures of the world develop along the banks of great rivers, and those rivers still bring life.

The river that forms the north border of the ANF is the well known Allegheny, and the Forest is its namesake. Outside of Pennsylvania, the word "Allegheny" still evokes images of steel mills, smokestacks, and Pittsburgh under the mid-afternoon darkness of polluted skies. The Mississippi is the river of American commerce; the Potomac is the river of power; the Hudson is the river of culture. And the Allegheny--despite its spectacular scenery and ecological comeback--will forever be remembered (alas!) as the dirty river of 19th century robber barons.

And so, what about the Clarion River, the lazy, shallow body of water that saunters along the southern border of the Forest? Well, let me tell you a secret: the Clarion is an outdoorsman's paradise. It passes through some of the wildest, most scenic country in the sate, much of which is public land--whether state or federal. There's fantastic backpacking in the Clarion Valley. The river is shallow enough to make easy canoeing and kayaking. Bridges are rare in far-flung parts of the Valley, but you can even ford the river on foot in places. Cook's Forest is the Clarion's closest brush with fame. The river also passes alongside Clear Creek State Park. But consider the parts of the ANF that run alongside the Clarion.

Next time you visit Loleta Recreation Area (the subject of a future article), do yourself a favor and follow the Loleta beach road (Millstone Road) southwest, away from the beach, as it follows Millstone Run toward the Clarion. This road runs four miles through a beautiful, riverine landscape, lonely places known only to fishermen. After about four miles, the Millstone joins up with the Clarion, and there are great campsites set up all along the river. These are all ANF sites. They're free, undiscovered, absolutely beautiful, and tranquil like some new kind of Eden.

Hell, there's probably a river out there for everyone. But if you're reading this obscure blog, then you probably belong to the civilization that takes form along the banks of the Clarion River. Go check it out.