Celebrate Pennsylvania’s River of the Year on the Clarion River Sojourn August 17–18

The public is invited to celebrate the Clarion River’s honor of being voted the 2019 Pennsylvania River of the Year during a two-day group paddling sojourn on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

This 24-mile guided paddling trip is hosted by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Allegheny Watershed Improvement Needs (WINs) Coalition.

The Clarion River, situated within the Pennsylvania Wilds region, flows through Clarion, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, and McKean counties. It has a National Wild and Scenic River (WSR) designation, which protects and enhances its free-flowing state to promote recreational and scenic values for 51.7 miles from Ridgway to the backwaters of the Piney Dam. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy ample opportunities to recreate on the Clarion as it flows through the public lands of the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds, the Cook Forest and the Ancients, and numerous state parks, forests, and game lands.

This group paddling sojourn is one of the featured events among numerous celebratory events and projects slated throughout the year, more of which can be found on the Clarion River of the Year website.

Participants of the Clarion River Sojourn will paddle from Hallton to Cooksburg, Pa. during the two-day event. Free overnight camping is provided at Clear Creek State Park where all sojourn programs will be based. The first day’s river trip begins in Hallton, with participants paddling 13 river miles and ending back in Clear Creek State Park. The second day includes 11 river miles from Clear Creek State Park to Cook Forest State Park in Cooksburg, Pa.

Participants are welcome to attend either day individually for $50 or both days as a package for $90. Registration fees include meals, canoe rental, shuttle service, camp site, educational programs, a commemorative t-shirt, poster and more.

Sponsors for the sojourn include the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau and the Allegheny Watershed Improvement Needs (WINs) Coalition.

You can view full event details and pre-register here or by contacting Kylie Maland at 814-776-1114 or kmaland@paconserve.org.

Those who register will receive a registration packet with additional information upon RSVP.