Clarion River
Wild & Scenic
Clarion / Forest Co. · 120 mi · Class I–II
37,600CFS/ 8.95 ft
Flood
Falling slowly (-100 cfs/hr)· -200 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 400–2000 CFS · USGS #03031500
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
120 mi
Length
Class I–II
Difficulty
400–2000 cfs
Optimal
1,200 cfs
Avg Flow
1,080 cfs
Hist. Median
#03031500
USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River (1996) · Allegheny National Forest

Pennsylvania's most beloved canoe river outside of the Delaware — 120 miles through the Allegheny National Forest with the Clarion River Gorge delivering Class I–III paddling through a remote hemlock and hardwood canyon. Designated a National Wild & Scenic River in 1996. Outstanding smallmouth bass fishing, multiple primitive campsites, and genuine Allegheny backcountry solitude.

Trip sections
Upper Clarion — Ridgway to Clarion, Class I–II, open valley
Middle Clarion (Cooksburg Gorge) — Class II–III, the best 15-mile gorge section
Lower Clarion — Class I, widening toward the Allegheny River
Outfitters
Clarion River Kayak and Canoe
Clarion River Gorge rentals and shuttles
Cook Forest State Park
Clarion access and camping, old growth forest
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.