Attractions and Places To See in Clearfield County - Top 6

Clearfield County is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Parker Dam State Park, a 968-acre park with a tranquil lake and scenic trails. The Quehanna Wild Area offers a vast wilderness experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk. Don't miss Bilger's Rocks, a unique 300-million-year-old geological formation featuring towering sandstone structures and intricate passageways, or Panther Rocks, another impressive sandstone outcropping in the Moshannon State Forest.

Yes, Clearfield County has several significant historical sites. The McGees Mills Covered Bridge, built in 1873, is the last remaining historic covered bridge in the county and is still in use. You can also explore the Saint Severin Old Log Church, a well-preserved example of mid-19th-century frontier architecture, or the Bloody Knox Cabin Historic Site, which marks a Civil War skirmish location. The Clearfield County Courthouse, completed in 1862, is the oldest public building in Clearfield.

For hiking, Parker Dam State Park offers numerous trails, including the Laurel Run Trail which follows the shoreline of Parker Lake. The Quehanna Wild Area features the extensive 75-mile Quehanna Trail for more challenging wilderness hikes. Additionally, the vast Moshannon State Forest provides diverse hiking opportunities. You can find more hiking routes in the area on the Hiking in Clearfield County guide.

Absolutely! Parker Dam State Park is excellent for families, offering a lake, beach area, and easy trails. The Grice Museum in Clearfield is a unique 'cars and critters' museum with classic cars and taxidermy mounts that children often enjoy. Doolittle Station in DuBois features historic train cars and Doolittle's Dinosaurs, an animatronic dinosaur exhibit. Bilger's Rocks also has amenities like pavilions and picnic tables, making it suitable for family outings.

Clearfield County offers great options for biking. Parker Dam State Park and the expansive Moshannon State Forest both provide mountain biking trails. For gravel biking, you can explore routes like the Black Moshannon Lake loop. Discover more cycling and gravel biking routes in the area through the Cycling in Clearfield County guide and the Gravel biking in Clearfield County guide.

The best time to visit Clearfield County for outdoor activities is generally spring through fall. Spring brings wildflowers to areas like the Quehanna Wild Area, while summer is ideal for lake activities at Parker Dam State Park. Fall is particularly spectacular for viewing the vibrant foliage, especially in the Moshannon State Forest.

Yes, Clearfield County is home to some remarkable geological features. Bilger's Rocks is a 300-million-year-old formation spanning 20 acres, with towering sandstone structures, caves, and cliffs. Panther Rocks, located in the Moshannon State Forest, also features impressive 300-million-year-old sandstone formations with crevices and natural tunnels, offering a unique landscape to explore.

While the primary destination for elk viewing is the Elk Country Visitor Center just outside Clearfield County in Benezette, the Quehanna Wild Area within Clearfield County is known as a wildlife haven and offers opportunities to spot elk, as well as various bird species, in their natural habitat.

Beyond natural and historical sites, Clearfield County has cultural points of interest. The Grice Museum in Clearfield showcases an eclectic collection of classic cars and taxidermy. Doolittle Station in DuBois is a unique attraction with historic train cars and an animatronic dinosaur exhibit. You can also delve into local history at the Clearfield County Historical Society (Kerr House Museum) or the Moshannon Valley Heritage Center.

Many of Clearfield County's natural areas are dog-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash. Parker Dam State Park and the extensive trails within the Moshannon State Forest are generally welcoming to dogs. Moshannon Creek is also noted as a dog-friendly natural area.

Scenic viewpoints can be found throughout Clearfield County's natural areas. Parker Dam State Park offers scenic vistas, including views of Parker Lake from the Trail of New Giants. The Moshannon State Forest also contains various spots for panoramic views, especially during the fall foliage season. The Hill of four churches in DuBois also provides a pleasant viewpoint.

The West Branch Susquehanna River flows for 102 miles through Clearfield County, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation. It's a popular spot for kayaking and fishing, providing a tranquil experience amidst nature.