Clarion Loop Trail

The Clarion Loop Trail is a hike of about two miles located behind Clarion University, in Clarion, PA.  It features stunning hemlock forests, streams, sandstone boulders, cascades and falls, and fine views of the Clarion River.  It is blazed white.  It is a beautiful hike that should be on anyone’s list.  We had the luck to hike this trail after a fresh snowfall.  The beauty was incredible.

From the parking area, hike the short connector trail and quickly enter the forest and the cathedral of hemlocks.  The start of the loop is easy to miss; we hiked to the right or counterclockwise. The trail explored forests of hemlock with some rhododendron along the ravine of a cascading stream.  Moss covered sandstone forests dotted the forest floor.  The trail descended to the creek and crossed it at the ruins of a breached stone dam.  There is no footbridge so this can be a tough crossing in high water.  These ruins blend into the scenery and can be easy to miss.

The trail meandered down to the Clarion River with more giant hemlocks.  The final descent to the river is steep.  Reach the river and enjoy the views, and the glen of a creek with large boulders, cascades, and falls.  We hiked up the trail as large boulders and outcrops loomed over the trail.  The trail neared the glen of the creek and we could see cascades and boulders below.  We followed switchbacks under hemlocks and made our way up the slope.  We continued to be amazed by the beauty.  The trail leveled off and a blue blazed trail joined from the right.  We soon completed the loop and returned to the car. 

This is a great hike with excellent scenery. If you love beautiful forests with big hemlocks, put this trail on your list.  Parking is at 41.211688, -79.375335.

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