What water level is good for paddling Clarion River — Cooksburg to Gravel Lick?

This section is generally runnable at 250–5,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Clarion River levels?

We read USGS gauge 03029500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Clarion River — Cooksburg to Gravel Lick good for beginners?

This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Clarion River here?

Typically April–June, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Clarion River — Cooksburg to Gravel Lick?

This reach is about 10 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Clarion River — Cooksburg to Gravel Lick: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class II10 mi · ~4 hrClarion RiverPennsylvania

Verdict · updated Aug 24, 7:00 AM UTC

High — use caution — rising fast

Flows are above the comfortable range. Expect strong current, pushy water, cold temperatures and fewer places to stop. Experienced paddlers only — many should wait.

Estimated range

2,120 cfs

4.7 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 03029500

Runnable 250 – 5,000 cfs

02505,0005,950

What this means today

the Clarion River is at 2,120 cfs right now, inside the range for this reach — but it is rising fast enough that the number above is not the number you will put on the water. On a reach climbing this quickly, check it again immediately before you launch.

Over the last 24 hours it has gone from 741 cfs to 2,120 cfs, 186% up. Daily means over the past 7 days have run between 724 cfs and 1,710 cfs, 95% higher at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Cooksburg to Gravel Lick

Clarion River at Cooksburg to Gravel Lick is a 10-mile Class II run in Pennsylvania — bouncy wave trains and the occasional small rapid. Most paddlers put in at Cook Forest canoe launch, Cooksburg, PA and take out at Gravel Lick, PA access, a trip that runs about 4 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 250–5,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Clarion River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 03029500 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–June. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class II
Length: 10 mi
Float time: ~4 hr
Best months: April–June
Put-in: Cook Forest canoe launch, Cooksburg, PA ↗
Take-out: Gravel Lick, PA access

Reading USGS gauge 03029500 — Clarion River at Cooksburg, PA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Clarion River — Cooksburg to Gravel Lick?: This section is generally runnable at 250–5,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Clarion River levels?: We read USGS gauge 03029500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Clarion River — Cooksburg to Gravel Lick good for beginners?: This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Clarion River here?: Typically April–June, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Clarion River — Cooksburg to Gravel Lick?: This reach is about 10 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 448 cfs