Elmenton to Parker

Trip Overview

This is a quick trip that is very beginner friendly. Starting at Emlenton, the concrete launch is under the bridge. To get there, from the bridge, make a left at the 4way stop (come to a full and complete stop or finance the town) go one block to 6th, make a left, and another at the next stop sign at the IGA. Launch is on the right under the bridge. Not a bunch of parking. It is about 8 river miles, or about 2 hours paddling easy with the current. There is a good chance you will see a bald eagle, some deer, other critters and fowl. The first landmark is the Foxburg bridge. Its big and brown. You can get out at an old concrete launch on the east side just north of the bridge. After that it is an easy cruise until you see the Parker bridge. Unless the river is pretty high, stay left where the Clarion river comes in to the Allegheny. Right looks like a neat float from the road, but it becomes a drag. After going under the Parker Bridge, head river right (west side) to get to the Parker landing. That can get busy and is a small concrete ramp. Most of the time I ground in the rocks above the launch if there are floaties and fishing boats. We drop a vehicle at Parker and take the boats to Emlenton. Weekday after work, or earlier in the day on a weekend are less crowded.