ABOUT CLEAR CREEK STATE PARK: Clear Creek State Park encompasses 1,901 acres of the Clear Creek Valley in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. The park occupies a scenic portion along Clear Creek from PA-949 downstream to the Clarion River. Two seasonal, scenic overlooks are along Tadler Run Trail. Beartown Rocks is a popular overlook in nearby Clear Creek State Forest.
Travel and commerce through the valleys of the Clarion River in the 1800s depended on water. The river and streams were travelways for Seneca Indians, explorers, European settlers, and eventually loggers. Once here, loggers cut the towering white pine and eastern hemlock trees, using teams of oxen, log slides, and a tram road to move them to the water. Bracket dams were built to raise the water level and float logs down Clear Creek to mill ponds. Stream water turned the turbines of the saws at the mill, cutting the logs in to boards.
On the banks of the river near the current hand-carry boat launch, large river rafts were constructed and flipped into the water. Cut boards and hemlock bark were transported on these rafts to markets down river and to tanneries along the way. Signs of the lumbering era remain throughout the park.
There are 25 miles of hiking trails. Most trails begin in the scenic Clear Creek Valley and follow Clear Creek or one of its tributaries. Other trails wander across the surrounding hillsides to several scenic overlooks and along the Clarion River. Most trails follow old roads or logging skid paths through second-growth, mixed hardwood, and evergreen forests. Mountain laurel blooms in mid-June, rhododendron blooms in early July. Snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing are popular activities in the winter months. Picnicking, fishing, swimming and boating are among the activities campers enjoy here.
Originally part of Clear Creek State Forest, Clear Creek became a state park in 1964. The campground opens mid-April and closes mid-December. There are 52 campsites each with a picnic table and fire ring. 42 campsites have electric hook-ups. Two campsites are ADA accessible. Two canoe/kayak camping sites are available at the south end of the campground. These sites are for paddlers traveling multiple days on the River. Pets are permitted at designated sections of the campground. In addition, there are 22 rustic cabins, some located along the Clarion River. Two yurts are also available for rental. Campground access is not guaranteed during severe weather.
Showers, flush toilets, and a dump station are available. A nine-hole disc golf course and a concrete basketball court are near the campground. There is an amphitheater and a playground. Fresh water is available at locations throughout the campground.
NOTE: There was a water availability problem when we were here. When we did find a spigot that was operational, the water pressure was extremely low and we were unable to get much water.
Our favorite campsites are #40 (no hook-ups), #31 and #39 (50-amp electric hook-ups). These sites were right by the Clarion River. Other good campsites were #32 through #38, all with electric hook-ups and on the River, but there was more privacy (not next to other campsites on both sides) at #40, #39 and #31 which had only one side by another campsite. (Note: on Reserve America, it is hard to find site #40; just keep looking). All were within the pets-allowed section. Check-in time is after 3 p.m. Check-out time is before 3 p.m. We paid $63.50 for 2 nights, which included a senior out-of-state discount (this was the fee for an electric campsite). For reservations online contact www.visitPAparks.com or call 1-888-727-2757. The Park Office is located at 38 Clear Creek Road, Sigel, PA 15860; office phone is 1-814-752-2369. ClearCreekSP@pa.gov. The campground is on the same road, beyond the office. Directions: from Exit 78 of I-80, follow PA-36 north to the town of Sigel. Turn right on PA-949 north and continue four miles to the park entrance on the left.
- 2021 – 10/17-10/19