Directions
to Piney Tract
(Locally Known as Mt. Zion)
Piney Tract, also known locally as Mt. Zion, is a revegetated strip mine in Clarion County. Two years ago, in 1999, the first Clay-colored Sparrow nests were discovered.
Take I-80 west from the Clarion exit (#62) approximately 9 miles to exit #53, Knox.
At the stop sign at the exit ramp re-set your tripodometer to '0' then turn left onto
Canoe Ripple Road.
Traveling south on Canoe Ripple Road 1.2 miles you will come to a 90 degree right turn in the road.
Do not go straight. Follow the main road to the right. Continue on Canoe Riple Road another mile to the
bridge over the Clarion River. Cross the river and continue up the hill where you will pass Whitmer Road
on your right.
When you pass Whitmer Road you will be on a fairly straight uphill section of road. When you pass the white barn on the left start looking for Elliot Road, which will actually go straight at the 90 degree turn to the right and your odometer will read 3.2 miles from I-80. After the turn onto Elliot Road you are almost there. Go another 1.2 miles to Mt. Zion Road. The grasslands you are looking at is 'Piney Tract'. Turn left on Mt. Zion road and go .4 mile to the steel posts on both sides of the road at the top of the hill. Park anywhere along the roadside.
The Seneca Rocks Audubon Society, website has more information about Piney Tract, and also good directions to other birding spots in their region of: Clarion, Forest, Jefferson and Venango Counties in northwestern PA.