Gorges, Valleys and River Views

From the Mid State Trail, you can see the Castle Rocks in Ravensburg State Park: tall sandstone towers formed by erosion. Rauchtown Run has carved a steep-walled gorge there; a northern hardwood forest grows along the spring-fed stream. In western Clinton County, Kettle Creek State Park covers 1,793 acres along Kettle Creek. It lies in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain and wilderness. The two landscapes offer different highlights: a gorge with a stream and rock formations on one hand, and a valley set amid mountainous wilderness on the other.

Hyner View State Park offers expansive views upstream and downstream over the West Branch Susquehanna River and the surrounding mountains. Hang gliders take off from the ramp at the overlook and glide over the river. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The river valley views and a hands-on experience come together at the same overlook, without the need for a set program.

Trails for Walking, Biking and Paddling

For the Bald Eagle Valley Trail, it is important to distinguish between completed sections and the planned full trail. Four of the six construction phases are currently complete, totaling just over six miles. The scenic trail is planned to be about 11.7 miles long and intended for hiking and biking. It is designed to connect several communities within Clinton County. At its Jersey Shore trailhead, it is also planned to connect to the Pine Creek Valley Rail Trail.

Another trail option in Lock Haven is the 2.25-mile Lock Haven Levee Trail: a flat, paved path atop the levee, with views from Lock Haven University to Piper Memorial Airport. If you’re considering a route on the water instead of a walk, the Lockport Loop Trail offers a 2.4-mile paddling route. It runs along the calm, lake-like waters of the West Branch Susquehanna River above the Grant Street Dam. These details make clear the difference between a trail on a levee and a paddling route.

Near McElhattan, the Wayne Township Nature Park Trail is an easy, family-friendly, year-round 1.7-mile loop. It is suitable for hiking, and interpretive signs cover the ecology of the surrounding area. By contrast, the Bloody Skillet ATV & Hiking Trail is a 44.6-mile loop for off-road riding and hiking. Seasonal access rules may apply to this trail.

History, Culture and Events

The Clinton County Historical Society shares the county’s history through free programs, special exhibits, community events, history camps and programs for children. The Sugar Valley Historical Society Museum offers a special glimpse into Sugar Valley’s history: it preserves more than 1,400 cataloged objects and includes a genealogy and resource room. Visits and group tours at the Historical Society are available by appointment only.

In southern Clinton County are Sugar Valley and Nittany Valley, home to a large Amish population. Amish-owned shops in the county offer fresh garden produce, handmade quilts, custom wood furniture and leather goods. A scenic drive runs from Route 64 through Mill Hall and Lamar, along Narrows Road beside Fishing Creek, and then via Route 880 to Loganton. Along the way, farmland and mountains shape the landscape; there are also Amish produce stands and craft shops.

The events also offer distinct cultural highlights. The Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Festival has a history spanning more than 75 years. Its program includes three full days with more than 150 craftspeople, exhibitors, food vendors and rides, as well as the crowning of the festival queen, a parade, an arts and crafts show, and a Follies talent show. Wine in the Wilds began in 2015 at the Castanea Fairgrounds and later expanded to the Clinton County Fairgrounds. The event features wineries, wines, cider, brewery beverages, exhibitors and live music.

For theatergoers, Millbrook Playhouse has two stages: the Main Stage seats 235, and the Cabaret Theatre seats 100. The Educational Theatre Program includes a spring production in mid-May and one or two summer productions between June and August. Nature trails, regional history, festivals and theater each offer their own reasons to discover Clinton County.

Discover more destinations: Mill Hall, Renovo, Lock Haven, Westport, Susquehanna County, Bucks, Franklin, Perry County.

For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.