Clinton County’s outdoors brings in business
PHOTOS PROVIDED A rower is pictured in a canoe.
PHOTOS PROVIDED A group of hikers work their way through the Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
PHOTOS PROVIDED A rower is pictured in a canoe.
PHOTOS PROVIDED A group of hikers work their way through the Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
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LOCK HAVEN -- Clinton County's woods and waterways draw people from around the world, and in the summer, even more so.
In addition to DIY pursuits such as fishing, hunting and hiking, people come in droves to take on formidable trail races put on by groups like the PA Trail Dogs, challenging dual sport and mototrials motorcycle events hosted by the Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club, kayak/canoe/stand-up paddleboard races organized by the Tiadaghton Elm Race Committee, and rugged and remote ATV rides led by the Central Mountains ATV Association.
"We love seeing the influx of people for these outdoor challenges, and this summer, Clinton County's gigantic playground will draw several other, what you could call 'next-level' events," says Clinton County Tourism Director Julie Brennan with the Clinton County Economic Partnership and Visitors Bureau.
Two different outdoor challenge-type groups will make portions of Clinton County part of their 2023 events in late June and early July.
The Endless Mountains Adventure Race, a five-day, 325-mile expedition, will take place June 26-July 1 in several eastern PA Wilds counties, including Clinton. Called 'The Grand,' the race will challenge two- to four-person teams -- more than a hundred people are anticipated overall -- who will run/trek, bike, and pack raft their way through the course.
Course details are not made public until the start of the event so teams have an even playing field.
The race, directed by Rootstock Racing out of Philadelphia, also includes a 30-hour "beginner" division, called the Endless Mountains 'Lite' for those not ready for or interested in a multi-day expedition race.
Right on the heels of that event, the Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley Pennsylvania triathlon will be held Sunday, July 2. Hosted by The Ironman Group, a global entity that organizes races around the world, this one-day challenge was brought to the area through the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau who got Clinton County involved as a supporting partner.
The Ironman event begins with a 1.2-mile swim in the lake at Bald Eagle State Park, followed by a 56-mile bicycle course that runs down Route 150 from Blanchard into Mill Hall, cuts onto Route 64, then veers onto the Jacksonville Road to head back into Centre County. The final leg of the course is a 13.1-mile run on the Penn State campus, with participants crossing the finish on the 50-yard line at Beaver Stadium.
In August, Clinton County will host the U.S. Canoe Association's national canoe and kayak races locally from the Lockport Boat Launch in Woodward Township. Several days of races held August 10 through 13 will involve youth and adult participants.
Brennan says it's the first time the nationals have been held in Clinton County since 2014. The event is being organized locally by the Clinton County Recreation Advisory Committee.
"All of these events will not only draw participants, but family, friends and other spectators, which is an economic plus," says Brennan. "People will need food, gas, places to stay, and they'll have some free time to explore. Our goal -- and we need everybody's help with this -- is to make sure all visitors have a great time while they're here and that they remember Clinton County as a place they want to come back to."
"We're also putting out a call for volunteers to help with these events," adds Brennan. People interested in volunteering should reach out to her at the Economic Partnership at 570-748-5782 or tourismdirector@clintoncountyinfo.com.