OHIO RIVER TRAIL COUNCIL
Clarion/Little Toby Creek Trail — Brockway, PA to Ridgeway, PA
Clarion/Little Toby Creek Trail 36-mile Bike Ride
Come out for a ride! This is part of a road and trail ride series sponsored by the Ohio River Trail Council (ORTC) intended to bring awareness to the wonderful bike routes and trails in our quad-state region (Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia). All cyclists are welcome for this rails-to-trails, moderate-paced ride!
Join us, as the Ohio River Trail Council visits the Clarion-Little Toby Creek Trail. The ride departs the Brockway Trailhead at Taylor Park and follows the Wild and Scenic Clarion River and Little Toby Creek to Ridgeway, Pa.
Trailhead
Brockway Trailhead – Taylor Park, 7th Ave. Brockway, PA
GPS: 41.252412, -78.794383
To reach the Brockway trailhead from I-80, take Route 219 North into Brockway. Located on 7th Avenue, near the intersection with McCullough Street. Turn left onto Main Street then right onto 7th Avenue. The trailhead is just past the community pool. The trailhead has a covered pavilion with picnic tables.
Do not forget your camera.
Features and Points of Interest:
This picturesque trail meanders along the Wild and Scenic Clarion River and Little Toby Creek through Elk and Jefferson counties between the charming small towns of Ridgway and Brockway. Tree cover provides shade in the summer months.
Beginning in Brockway, this serene 18-mile trail travels through some true Pennsylvania wilderness and wild lands. The landscape is reminiscent of scenes from a James Fenimore Cooper novel. As the trail travels north, it follows Little Toby Creek through lush forested hills and breathtaking views of the wild creek. A little beyond the halfway point you reach the confluence of the Little Toby Creek and the Clarion River. The trail follows the banks of the Clarion River until it reaches the endpoint in the town of Ridgway.
CAUTION: A 1.8-mile section of trail runs adjacent to a live railroad line, so use caution in this spot. The trail is located near the Allegheny National Forest. During hunting season, wear bright clothing—a fluorescent orange vest is best—and remain on the trail at all times.
Photo opportunities include possible wildlife sightings of eagles, deer, ducks, herons, porcupine, and wild turkeys along with spectacular mountain scenery and river vistas.
The trail uses the former Clearfield to Ridgway Rail Company corridor, built in 1886 to transport lumber and coal from mills to markets but which also provided popular passenger service between Ridgway and Falls Creek. After the line ceased operation in the 1960s, Penn Central bought the corridor and continued operations until 1968. The rail-trail opened in 1992.
