The Pennsylvania Wilds region has some of the best flat water paddling and fishing in the United States! When anglers and paddlers research the PA Wilds, they come across these words: “two Wild and Scenic Rivers.” They often ask where those two rivers are, why the words “wild” and “scenic” are capitalized, and why only two rivers out of the many PA Wilds waterways are called out as such.
The term comes from the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, a registry that was created with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. Enacted by the U.S. Congress with the signature of Lyndon B. Johnson, it aims to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
The Allegheny River and the Clarion River within the PA Wilds are on the Wild and Scenic Rivers registry, and for good reason.
To be named as a National Wild and Scenic River, the waterway must possess Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) that fall into the 8 categories: Scenic, Recreation, Geologic, Fish, Wildlife, Historic, Culture, or Other similar values.
The 86.6 miles of the Allegheny River was added as a National Wild and Scenic River on April 20, 1992. This isn’t all of the river, and in fact accounts for mostly the part of the river that runs through the Pennsylvania Wilds region, including the 7 miles below Kinzua Dam to the Route 6 bridge in Warren, as well as the 48 miles from Buckaloons Campground to Alcorn Island (by Oil City), and 32 miles from south of Franklin to Emlenton.
Image: “Brady’s Bend” of the Allegheny River as seen from East Brady, Clarion County, by John Pozza
The Wild and Scenic Allegheny River has a good amount of public access from both sides of the river. The relatively few hazards make for an ideal experience for novice and family canoeing or kayaking. The river also contains seven Allegheny Wilderness Islands, which are often used for dispersed camping and fishing.
Voted Pennsylvania’s 2017 River of the Year, the Allegheny River annually hosts the American Canoe Association’s national canoe races.
Why was this portion of the Allegheny River added to the National Wild and Scenic River registry? Fish, history, recreation and scenery all score big points for the Allegheny River. According to River.gov, fish are a particular highlight: “The Allegheny provides the most populous freshwater mussel habitat in the world, and one tributary, French Creek, is one of the most biologically diverse watersheds in Pennsylvania.”
A few years later, on October 19, 1996, 51.7 miles of the Clarion River was added to the registry. While the Clarion River itself is actually a tributary to the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River, joining it in Clarion County, just south of the town of Emlenton, it is also remarkable in its own right. In the early 1800’s, the Clarion was used to transport timber to the Allegheny River, giving both rivers a strong history in the region. Although not all of the 115 miles of the Clarion River are on the National Wild and Scenic River registry, the entire river lends its beauty to the PA Wilds.
Image: Clarion River from Clear Creek State Park by Kyle Yates
The Clarion River, voted Pennsylvania’s 2019 River of the Year, winds through narrow valleys and forests. Adjacent public lands provide opportunities for riverside picnicking, camping, hiking, and bicycling. Eagles and ospreys are just some of the commonly witnessed wildlife seen in this expansive forested area.
Why was the Clarion River added to the National Wild and Scenic River registry? According to River.gov, it has a high recreational and scenic draw: “The Clarion River attracts more than canoeists; it is also an attraction for picnicking, sightseeing, camping, watching wildlife, birding, fishing, and hiking. A variety of recreational facilities in the Allegheny National Forest, the Borough of Ridgway, and at Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Parks support the river-based recreation. The scenery, the feeling of remoteness, accessibility, the variety of recreation activities possible, and ease of canoeing of the Clarion River for novices combine to provide a significant recreation experience in this region.”
To truly appreciate what is meant by “wild and scenic,” you only have to get onto the water. The vantage point of a canoe or kayak can help visitors experience these water trails, which flow gently yet resolutely with the current.
Outfitters such as Allegheny Outfitters and Pale Whale Canoe Fleet can help travelers get their paddles wet. Going with a pro means you’ll make the most of your trip and avoid some common mistakes. Outfitters and river experts are also available throughout the region for supplies, and to help you plan your water trip safely.
Image: Some Allegheny Outfitters kayaks on the Allegheny River
Experienced paddlers may choose to bring their own equipment and use designated water trail maps available on national forest and state forest and park websites. Either way, planning your canoe or kayak river adventure in advance can help ensure a fun time for all.
Ready to get on the water? Here we go! Learn more about the Wild and Scenic Rivers of the PA Wilds here.
Author: Britt Madera
Britt joined the PA Wilds team as communications manager in 2022, helping to tell the stories that make our region so unique, whether that is covering our beautiful landscapes, the innovative businesses, or the spunky people that call it home. She had worked the last 10 years in radio and news broadcasting, and now she’s continuing to connect media outlets with positive news stories. Britt oversees external communications, media relations, and paid and volunteer content on the blog. As someone who grew up in Clearfield County and moved back shortly after college, Britt is eager to share her passion for the PA Wilds and help our area grow and shine.