With a rich history and thousands of acres of forest to explore, Clarion County is an ideal destination for explorers-at-heart who appreciate small town life and a little peace and quiet. Carved out of the rolling hills and deep river valleys of western Pennsylvania, Clarion County has year-round activities that allow visitors to connect with nature and the region's cultural heritage. From a decades-old festival celebrating autumn to thousands of acres of dense forest, the county combines old-fashioned charm with the sights and sounds of nature.
Cook Forest State Park
- A natural landmark, the 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park offers virtually any campground activity you're looking for. Home to 210 campsites and the Clarion River -- a popular spot for rafting and canoeing day trips -- this state park makes the most of its impressive acreage. For campers who prefer a roof over their heads, the park also offers 18 rustic cabins equipped with such basics as stoves, refrigerators and heating. Approximately 29 miles of hiking trails, along with horseback riding, fishing, biking and educational tours, give this park a little something for everyone. For winter travelers, the park also offers spots for ice skating, sledding and cross-country skiing.
Fairs and Festivals
- Clarion County is home to fairs and festivals that celebrate the region's history and vibrant culture. The centerpiece is the county's annual Autumn Leaf Festival, a 10-day street fair held each September in downtown Clarion. The festival, which attracts more than 500,000 people to Clarion County each year, celebrates the changing colors of the fall foliage with free public concerts, a parade, carnival rides and other events. Other notable festivals include the Foxburg Scottish Festival in August. This festival comes complete with sheep dog demonstrations, live music and Scottish games. The Clarion County Fair, held in July, features local musicians, tractor pulls, a NASCAR demonstration and more.
Shopping and Dining
- Clarion County supports a diverse community of local artisans, craftsmen and restaurateurs, giving visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of shopping and dining alternatives. The city of Clarion's historic Main Street, for example, is home to sweet shops and artisan candy makers as well as local cafes and clothing boutiques. Off the rural roads connecting towns like Foxburg, St. Petersburg, Knox and East Brady, travelers can find antique shops, apple orchards and wineries offering locally produced wares.
Local History
- Settled in the early 1800s, Clarion County has a rich history that you can freely explore. Cook Forest State Park -- located in northeast Clarion County -- is home to a historic fire tower that adventurous visitors can climb for a bird's-eye view of the park, just like firefighters did when it was built in 1929. The park is also home to other historical attractions, including a memorial fountain built in 1950 and the Log Cabin Inn, built in 1934 and home to historic artifacts like logging tools. Clarion County also hosts an annual French & Indian War encampment held in June at the Sawmill Center for the Arts. This event features historical reenactments, cannon and musket demonstrations, games and activities for children, and historic tours.
