JEFFERSON COUNTY, Pa. — Clear Creek State Park is a beautiful and peaceful place tucked deep in a valley carved by a cold mountain stream.

It encompasses 1,444 acres in Jefferson County. The park occupies a very scenic portion of the Clear Creek Valley featuring campsites, rustic cabins, beautiful hiking trails, and access for fishing and paddling on the nationally designated Wild & Scenic Clarion River.

Public campsites were first opened at the park in 1922. Near the campground is a nine-hole disc golf course, a playground, and a basketball court. Pets are permitted on designated campsites for a fee. Clear Creek has five picnic pavilions, one of which is ADA accessible. Picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee.

Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-serve basis. Near the entrance of the park, visitors can enjoy cooling off in icy mountain waters of Clear Creek at the swimming area with a 180-foot sand beach that is open from late-May to mid-September.

There are many miles of hiking trails that wander across the surrounding hillsides through abundant rhododendron and mountain laurel to several scenic overlooks. The new Tobecco Trail follows the Clarion River Valley from Clear Creek down river to Cook Forest State Park.

Beartown Rocks is “The best kept secret” in Clear Creek State Forest. Visitors can wander the trails through ancient, massive, and impressive house-sized boulders and enjoy breathtaking scenic views. The Ox Shoe Self-Guided Historical Trail takes one hour to hike and reveals the logging history of the Black Forest of Pennsylvania.

The Clarion River borders the park and provides fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. Native Brook Trout inhabit Clear Creek and other trout species are stocked seasonally by PA Fish & Boat Commission and the Heath Township Sportsman’s Club.

Each May the club hosts a youth fishing derby at the Clear Creek dam on Saturday and a Veterans only fishing derby on Sunday. The park offers a canoe/kayak camping area at the southern end of the campground. This area is for individuals and groups traveling on the Clarion River by canoe or kayak. These sites are for tents only and limited to one night with a maximum group size of eight.

Find more fun things to do, see, and experience in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region online at VisitPAGO.com.