Clearfield: River Landscape, Trail and History

Clearfield can be explored in many different ways: along a long trail with views of water, farmland and forests, on the banks of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, or among Victorian houses. Whether you prefer spending time outdoors during your stay or are interested in local history, Clearfield’s different facets can give your trip planning its own focus.

Trail and Landscape

The David S. Ammerman Trail runs for almost 11 miles from Clearfield through Curwensville to Grampian. The trail is suitable for walking, cycling and cross-country skiing. It therefore offers different ways to get outdoors; you can choose the one that fits your plans based on the activity you want to do. For planning your day, its almost 11-mile length is a useful reference point, though it does not indicate a specific walking or travel time.

The views are also a defining feature of the trail: you can see water, farmland and forests. Bodies of water visitors can see along the way include Kratzer Run, Anderson Creek and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The route therefore features both open, agricultural landscapes and views of forests and water. If you want to discover Clearfield’s landscape, the trail offers a specific setting for walks, bike rides or cross-country skiing.

Along the River

The River Walk is a one-mile-long park on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. In Clearfield, it lies between the Market Street and Nichols Street bridges. It offers a distinct way to include the river in your trip, separate from the longer routes of the David S. Ammerman Trail. Canoes and kayaks can be launched onto the West Branch from the River Walk’s dock. If you are interested in spending time on the water, this is a named access point for that activity.

Victorian Houses and Local History

The Old Town Historic District comprises four blocks of Victorian houses dating from 1860 to 1890. The district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Its houses give local history a tangible architectural form: rather than focusing on just one building, you can explore an entire neighborhood with its distinctive architecture.

Another historic landmark is the Clearfield County Courthouse, the oldest public building in Clearfield. Together with the Old Town Historic District, it offers a reason not to focus your trip solely on outdoor activities. If you are interested in architecture and history, you can consider these alongside the trail and river when choosing your outings.

Parks and Events

Witmer Park is a community park that hosts music events throughout the year. The Clearfield County Fair takes place in the park every year. Thus, both year-round music events and the annual county fair are among Clearfield’s featured events. If experiences like these are important to your trip, you can factor them into your plans alongside the landscape and local history.

Which side of Clearfield appeals to you most can also guide your search for a vacation rental in Clearfield: the trail, River Walk, historic district and events appeal to different interests, and no single focus has to suit every traveler.

For more ideas in the area, you can also explore Dubois, Ramey and Penfield.

For the broader travel overview: Clearfield.