Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · PA

Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area

Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area offers extensive forested landscapes and diverse wildlife habitats in central Pennsylvania, ideal for hunting, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation.

Wildlife Management Area6,0004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

6,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area

Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area offers extensive forested landscapes and diverse wildlife habitats in central Pennsylvania, ideal for hunting, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses approximately 6,000 acres located primarily in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Dominated by mixed hardwood forests and interspersed with open fields, the area supports habitats for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, various small game species, and a wide range of birds. Clearfield Creek itself, which runs through the WMA, provides aquatic habitat for trout and other fish species, enhancing angling opportunities. The terrain is moderately rugged, featuring ridges and narrow valleys shaped by the creek and its tributaries. Managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, this WMA is heavily focused on wildlife conservation, habitat improvement, and regulated hunting. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, and trapping during specific seasons. While there are no developed campgrounds within the WMA, dispersed camping is allowed following state regulations. The area's relatively low visitor density offers a quiet, natural experience, especially attractive for hunters and anglers seeking solitude. Roads and trails provide access for vehicles and foot traffic, although some routes may be rough and require high-clearance vehicles. The WMA does not feature developed visitor centers but is close to small towns providing services and local history. Clearfield Creek's clean waters and forested surroundings make the area significant both ecologically and recreationally, making it a valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife managers alike.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Clearfield Creek – a coldwater stream renowned for trout fishing✦ Extensive hardwood forests supporting diverse wildlife populations✦ Seasonal hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game✦ Remote, quiet access areas ideal for wildlife photography and observation
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Trapping

Available in Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access for day use; hunting and fishing require Pennsylvania state licenses and permits.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Curwensville, Pennsylvania
⌖ 5.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Curwensville, Pennsylvania

Curwensville offers quiet river paddling, peaceful hiking trails, and fishing spots set within Pennsylvania’s scenic forests and waterways. It’s a low-key destination for outdoor lovers seeking nature and calm.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Grampian, Pennsylvania
⌖ 5.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Grampian, Pennsylvania

Grampian, PA, offers low-key outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and paddling in quiet Appalachian foothill landscapes. Ideal for travelers seeking peaceful nature escapes away from crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Clearfield, Pennsylvania
⌖ 7.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Clearfield, PA is a quiet gateway to lush forests, winding rivers, and snowmobile trails. Outdoor lovers can hike, bike, paddle, and fish here year-round with fewer crowds and scenic Allegheny Plateau landscapes.

Spring through Fall for warm-weather activities; Winter for snowmobiling
Explore Town
DuBois, Pennsylvania
⌖ 10.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

DuBois, Pennsylvania

DuBois, PA is a gateway town for outdoor lovers seeking quiet hiking, paddling on the Clarion River, and winter snowmobiling near Cook Forest. Experience unspoiled woodlands and easy access to protected parks year-round.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Falls Creek, Pennsylvania
⌖ 13.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Falls Creek, Pennsylvania

Falls Creek, PA is a quiet gateway to the outdoor adventures of the Pocono Mountains. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling nearby in scenic state parks, or explore snowy trails in winter for a peaceful outdoor escape.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow activities
Explore Town
Venedocia, Pennsylvania
⌖ 15.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Venedocia, Pennsylvania

Venedocia is a peaceful rural town in Pennsylvania, ideal for travelers seeking quiet hiking, paddling on Mahoning Creek, and birdwatching away from crowds. Seasonal beauty and easy access to forest trails make it a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Clearfield Creek Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Conestoga Smallmouth Fly-Fishing Float Trip on Spruce Creek
ADVEXPEDITION
Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania
Guided TourADV Bookable

Conestoga Smallmouth Fly-Fishing Float Trip on Spruce Creek

Customizable guided fly-fishing trips with Precision Fly & Tackle on Spruce Creek—offered as 4- and 8-hour float or walk-and-wade options targeting trout, smallmouth bass, muskie, steelhead, or carp.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Glitter & Glee: Inside Altoona’s Unicorn Day & Play
ADVEXPEDITION
Altoona, Pennsylvania
WorkshopADV Bookable

Glitter & Glee: Inside Altoona’s Unicorn Day & Play

A cozy, 2-hour workshop in Altoona where children make glittery crafts, explore sensory play and lean into imaginative adventures—an essential primer for parents planning a kid-focused outing.

WorkshopPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip