Clear Creek State Park: Hiking, Camping, and Relaxing

Nestled in Northern Jefferson County Pennsylvania a quiet little state park that is very dear to my heart. Clear Creek State Park is a beautiful little park, with great hiking, a riverside campground, and environmental education programs that are second to none.
First, and most importantly, camping.  There are a ton of options available at Clear Creek.  Many of the electric RV sites are in a fairly open field, which, I will admit is not my favorite way to camp, but there are other, better campsites available.  Sites numbered 31-39 are all electric sites, and all sit with an amazing view of the Clarion River.  Sites 40 and 41 are also river front, although nonelectric.  For those looking for a more woodsy camping experience, sites 46, 47, and 48 are on a little ridge, overlooking the river, but with wooded surroundings.  We opted for site 34, and the view from our tent was awesome.  I could wake up to this view every morning and be perfectly content!

Clear Creek also has 22 rustic cabins and two yurts.  The cabins are near the Clarion River and are available from the second Friday in April until the third Friday in December.  There is a modern shower house available for all campers that is among the nicest I have seen in the PA State Park System. (On a related note, I was thinking of doing a post rating PA State Park campground bathrooms, based on the ones that I have been in.....any interest???)

We participated in a hike with the environmental education specialist.  This hike was one of several programs in the park over the weekend we were there, with something for everyone.  This hike was a bit of a challenge, up a steeper trail, North Ridge Trail.  We got the opportunity to explore the Mountain Laurel field on the side of the hill as it was blooming.  It was only my husband, myself, and the educational specialist on the hike, so it was quiet, which turned out to be beneficial later in the hike.  Before we got to the laurel, we saw and ovenbird, a small bird who makes her nest on the ground.  We were able to locate her nest, but there were no eggs or babies inside.  We could hear her calling, and hear other birds calling back, so we knew here babies were near, although we never did see them.  When we got to the laurel, we were given pipe cleaners and were able to pollinate some of the flowers by hand.  Laurel is fascinating and beautiful.  If you have a chance to learn more about this plant, do it!

As we came to the top of the North Ridge Trail, we chose to hike toward the pipeline and down it to the pipeline trail to see if we could spot a doe and her fawn that the Environmental Education Specialist had seen a few times.   The hike down the open pipeline was interesting, as we saw sweet ferns and a lot of toads.  We also saw an adorable chipmunk sunning herself on a rock, as seen in a previous post.  We spotted the doe, but not her fawn.  She seemed to be leading us off to the left, so we decided to go right.  After being off trail for a bit, we got back on to the pipeline trail, where we were treated to the sight of a bright eyed little fawn, bedded down in the plant life just off the trail.  While he had his head up, I was able to snap a quick picture.  Shortly after, he was up and running away.  How lucky we were to have seen this beautiful little fawn!

After the hike, we relaxed around our fire and watched the river roll by.  Sunday morning, on the advice of the Environmental Education Specialist, we hiked up Sawmill Trail, which is accessible from the Clear Creek trail.  Sawmill Trail is steep, and not heavily traveled.  In spots, the trail is very narrow, and is hard to follow.  What we saw at the top of the trail, however, was well worth the tough going.  A series of cascades near the top of the hill and a bench in which to sit and enjoy them await the intrepid hiker.  After enjoying the beauty, hike the Sawmill Short Loop to Truby Trail, which will return you to the campground.

Clear Creek is great for fishing, picnicking or just relaxing your day away.  There is a swimming beach for those who need to take a dip in the icy cold water.  There is also a sand volleyball court, and a Frisbee golf course, for those who enjoy those sports.  The Clarion River is wonderful for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. 
This park has something for everyone.  If you miss its unique beauty and charm, it is your own fault.  Clear Creek is, perhaps, one of my favorite places on Earth.  Hike the trails and take it all in.  It is amazing!