Appalachian Mountain Roots & Rocky Mountain Experience

Your Ridgway, Pennsylvania outfitter for kayak and canoe rentals on the Clarion River, bike rentals through the Allegheny National Forest, and a full shop of outdoor gear.

  • Kayak & canoe rentals on the Clarion River
  • Bike rentals for the Pennsylvania Wilds
  • Camping, cycling, paddling & snow gear in stock
  • Guided adventure trips with the CSO Adventure Team
Explore Adventures
Brands we carry in the shop
CSO brand mark in warm orange Cannondale logo in dark navy GT bicycles logo in dark charcoal Camelbak logo in blue and orange ENO hammocks logo in green and black Harmony paddling logo in red Dagger kayak logo in blue Dajo outdoor gear logo Burley trailer logo in orange Jerry's Flies logo in tan

What we offer

Gear, rentals, and guided trips for every season in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Kayak & Canoe Rentals

Paddle the Clarion River with daily and multi-day rental options for kayaks and canoes.

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Bike Rentals

Hit the trails and roads of the Allegheny National Forest on bikes sized for road, mountain, and hybrid riders.

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Outdoor Gear Shop

Camping, hiking, cycling, paddling, rock climbing, running, and snow gear from brands we trust.

Shop gear →

Guided Adventures

Backpacking, hiking, biking, river trips, and rock climbing led by the CSO Adventure Team.

Browse trips →

Local Events & Races

Trail challenges, marathons, and festivals we support across the Pennsylvania Wilds.

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Snow Rentals

Cross-country skis and snowshoes available to rent for winter days on local trails.

See rentals →

Ready to plan your trip?

Talk to a CSO team member about gear, rentals, or guided adventure options.

Contact Us

Send us a message

Tell us about your trip and we'll follow up with availability.

How it works

1

Tell us what you need

Call, email, or send a message with your dates and the activity you're planning.

2

We confirm availability

The CSO team checks gear, rentals, and guide schedules for your requested dates.

3

Pick up and get outside

Stop by 3 Main Street in Ridgway to grab your gear and head out for the day.

4

Share your adventure

Tag us on social or swing back by to tell us how it went on the river or trail.

Stop by the shop in Ridgway

Open daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm · Call (814) 776-6285

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Country Squirrel Outfitters welcomes outdoor travelers to a small Pennsylvania town that sits at the edge of some of the most scenic waterways and forests in the region. The shop functions as a basecamp for visitors who want to plan their own day on the river or in the woods without having to bring heavy equipment from home. With a friendly, locally rooted atmosphere, the outfitter helps guests transition from arrival to adventure with a minimum of fuss and a focus on getting people outside quickly and comfortably.

Paddlers find the Clarion River to be a rewarding stretch of water for both beginners and more experienced boaters. Gentle currents, wooded banks, and open skies make each trip feel like a moving postcard of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The outfitter supplies single and tandem options so visitors can match the boat to their comfort level and group size. Whether the plan is a short afternoon float or a full day on the water, the river rewards anyone who brings a sense of curiosity and a willingness to slow down.

Cyclists can set off from the shop into the Allegheny National Forest on two wheels, following routes that range from relaxed rail-trail cruising to more demanding climbs through rolling hills. The forest canopy offers shade in summer and a colorful display in autumn, while quiet roads invite riders to listen for birdsong and the rustle of wildlife. Bikes can be rented for a few hours or for longer excursions, and the staff can suggest loops that match a rider's fitness and ambition. Each route highlights the natural character of the region.

Inside the retail shop, customers can browse a thoughtfully selected range of gear that supports paddling, cycling, hiking, backpacking, and camping. Shelves carry practical items such as dry bags, paddles, life vests, footwear, and cycling accessories, alongside apparel suited to changing mountain weather. Jackets, hoodies, and base layers help travelers stay comfortable across cool mornings and warm afternoons. The goal is to provide dependable essentials and trusted brands so that guests can pack light at home and pick up exactly what they need upon arrival.

For visitors who prefer a guided experience, the adventure team leads organized trips that blend local knowledge with safety-focused instruction. These outings cover paddling sections of the Clarion, hiking routes through the surrounding forest, and seasonal excursions that showcase the area's wildlife. Guides share insights about the landscape, point out natural features, and help participants build confidence with new skills. Group trips also create a social setting where solo travelers and families can meet others who share an enthusiasm for the outdoors.

Seasonal changes shape the rhythm of the store, with summer devoted to paddling and biking, autumn bringing cooler hikes and leaf-peeping rides, and winter shifting attention toward snow gear and cold-weather clothing. Spring marks the return of longer days and rushing water, drawing paddlers back to the river. Throughout the year, the outfitter adjusts its inventory and rental fleet to match what visitors are most likely to want. This seasonal awareness helps travelers find the right tools for the conditions they will actually encounter.

Sustainability threads through many of the products on offer, including items crafted from recycled materials such as bottles transformed into soft goods. The shop also supports broader community efforts, from local events to conservation awareness within the Appalachian region. Visitors who care about the environmental footprint of their gear can ask about options that reflect these values. Combining thoughtful sourcing with everyday function allows travelers to enjoy the outdoors while remaining mindful of the landscapes that make their trips possible.

Beyond rentals and retail, the outfitter serves as a gathering place where outdoor traditions are shared and passed along. Customers can pick up trail advice, learn about nearby campgrounds, and hear recommendations for the best spots to watch the sunset over the hills. The staff's familiarity with the region turns a simple visit into an informal planning session, helping guests make the most of limited vacation days. This community-oriented approach reinforces the idea that outdoor adventure is best enjoyed when knowledge and resources are shared openly.

From its location in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, the outfitter embodies a blend of Appalachian mountain roots and a wider Rocky Mountain sensibility that values rugged, unhurried exploration. Visitors leave with more than borrowed gear; they take away a sense of connection to the rivers, forests, and small-town character that define the area. Whether someone is planning a quiet weekend paddle, an ambitious bikepacking journey, or simply browsing for a reliable piece of equipment, the shop invites every guest to step outside and discover what the surrounding landscape has to offer.

Built by people who actually use the gear

Country Squirrel Outfitters grew out of Appalachian Mountain roots and Rocky Mountain experience. Our team paddles, pedals, hikes, and climbs in the PA Wilds every week, and we share that experience with the visitors and locals we outfit at the shop.

Stop by 3 Main Street in Ridgway or reach out by phone or email to plan your next outing.

Meet the Team
Outdoor adventure team on a forested Pennsylvania ridge, warm late-afternoon light, wide cinematic frame