A Drive Along the Clarion River
Bob and I went for a drive, yesterday, alongside the Clarion River. It was nice to be out of the house for a few hours, see nice scenery, and get some fresh air.
Helen Iron Furnace
Our first stop, en route Clarion River, was at the Helen Iron Furnace. Helen’s Furnace is located about 8 miles north of Clarion. According to a sign at this site, this cold blast furnace was built in 1845. It was operational until 1857. In 1856, within a 26 week period of operation, the furnace generated 1,000 tons of iron. The furnace is 32′ high, 12′ across at the top, 30′ across at the bottom, and had an 8′ bosh.
About 10 minutes after leaving the Helen Iron Furnace, we passed by an interesting sight. Bob kept driving, although I remarked “hey look at that!”. A few seconds later Bob asked if I wanted him to turn around. I said “yes, please”. Bob turned around and found a place to pull off the road across from what appeared to be a collection of junk, or perhaps an antique shop. The area was roped off and several no trespassing signs dotted the landscape.
The remaining photographs were taken during our drive alongside the green (yes green!) Clarion River. The river and the roadway are extremely busy in the summer months. On this early Spring day we enjoyed a peaceful drive along River Road.
We lucked out, arriving at River Road after 1:00 PM. The road had been closed until noon as runners participated in the Cook Forest Half Marathon.
The Beauty Around Us 
17 Responses to “A Drive Along the Clarion River”
Looks like you had a wonderful day out. Loved the “Antique store”(?).
We have several old furnaces just like that one in the area. Ours were used to process locally mined lead. In fact, our county vehicle sticker has a picture of the shot tower at New River Trail State Park which was used to produce ball ammunition.
Linda, it looks like a wonderful drive and scenery. I love the river shots, it is a very pretty place.
An interesting, informative,post.
When you showed the “green” Clarion river I had a serious flashback! When I was a kid and we would come out to Franklin to visit my grandparents we would get soooo excited when we would go over the “Green River” as we knew that soon we would get off the interstate and begin the last leg of the trip.
A great road trip, Linda. I think the scenery would be an asset to those runners! Glad most of your snow has melted. Enjoy your PA spring.
Linda I love the river , how peaceful that had to have been . Wonderful venture out and nice shot in the trees of all the aniques.
That last 2 photos look like posters! Too good..Ram
More beautiful photos for a sleepless night. I love hearing about your & Bob's Adventures. Keep em coming!We had sleet today! Will this winter never end? I sure now how Long Neck and Petri must have felt when the last ice age put them to sleep. Not sure I'll ever get warm again.
There is 1 or 2 of those Iron Furnace's around here, also. I'm pretty sure that I've made a Post about them. They probably were all in operation around the same time. Not much left of them now, except what used to be years ago.That Antique Store looks like it has a number of things from the past. The State Park looks like a nice place to wonder around in.Les
I investigated a similar iron furnace in Cumberland Gap. That store(?) looks fascinating — I wonder if it is open during the season.You had a beautiful day for a drive and got some wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Very pretty pictures. That was so interesting about the furnace.
Hi Linda, We saw an old Iron Furnace when we visited Cumberland Gap, TN not too long ago. VERY interesting…I'm sure it felt good to get out –now that most of the snow has gone….Back from vacation –trying to catch up a little!!!!Hugs,Betsy
Love the shots along the Clarion River…and wouldn't you love to browse that junk shop….it would be the American Picker's paradise! The signs and the gas pumps are favorites of theirs.
I like all those old signs on the shop wall. It looks like a pleasant way to spend the day.
Linda, we have walked in part of Cook State Park and it's a lovely place. Youngest daughter attended Clarion State Univ for a year so we made a couple of trips to the area. She transferred back to a NJ college so we didn't go back. It ewas a lovely area – thanks for the tour. Grenville also asks “should we go back” after I remark “look at that” when we're out for a drive!
Oh my, those twi fellows from that show “American Pickers' would love to go to that place and pick thru all the old treasures. Look like you had a nice day to ride.