Cook Forest State Park

About Cook Forest State Park

Cook Forest State Park covers 1.5 million acres in the western part of the state and was once known as the Black Forest, but is known for its ancient trees. The Clarion River is the eastern boundary of this park and is popular for canoeing and rafting. Cook Forest's towering white pines and towering hemlock berries, as well as a variety of wildflowers, are a National Natural Monument.

A visit here is a way to explore the roots of this region and see the trees a bit as they once were. This part of the old forest is the best metaphor for the whole park and it is one of my favorite places in the whole park.

The 23 rustic cottages can be rented from the second Friday in April until the end of December. The cabins are minimalist and must be kept in a daze, and residents must provide their own beds, cookware and utensils.

Alcoholic beverages and pets are not allowed, and there are two cabins in each area of Cook Forest. The River Cabins are located on a slope overlooking the Clarion River, just south of the main entrance to the park. Two river cabins each have one room and can accommodate up to four people; the other 11 river cabins have four rooms with fireplaces. Each accommodation can accommodate six to eight people, with a maximum of four beds and a fireplace, as well as a kitchen and dining area.

Indian Cabins are located in Tom Run near the park office; these small one-room cabins can accommodate up to four people.

Part of the Ridge Campground is open year-round, but access is not guaranteed in winter, and some parts are closed in winter.

The 226 pitches for tents and trailers have picnic tables and fireplaces, six are wheelchair accessible and there is a coin-operated washing facility. Modern toilets and showers are available from the end of May to the beginning of October. Organized groups can rent rustic rooms at Ridge Campground for up to four days a week, from June to October or August to November.

The five locations can accommodate up to 20 people at a cost of $1,000 per day or $2,500 per week for a four-day stay.

The Clarion River is classified as a beginner river under normal conditions and offers a very scenic ride. Canoe launches and parking are located on the west side of the park, south of Cooksburg and north of Lake Michigan. Several private canoe rentals are also available in Cookburg for $1,000 to $2,500 a week for a four-day stay.

Two large picnic pavilions can be reserved for $11 per month against advance payment, and there are unreserved picnic tents in each pavilion. Barrier-free toilets and picnic tables are accessible from the two picnic pavilions. The picnic table is located on the west side of the park, south of Cooksburg and north of Lake Michigan. Whoever comes first will be able to eat for free for the first 30 minutes of the day and then for every hour thereafter.

Enjoy the beauty of Cook Forest on a hike along one of 27 marked trails. The terrain is made up of rolling hills, cool valleys and streams, and some of the most scenic areas include Lake Michigan Trail, Great Lakes Trail and Cook River Trail.

Hiking maps and descriptions are available at the park office, and overnight stays in the parks are only permitted on campgrounds and hut sites.

The Baker Trail leads from Freeport in southern Armstrong County through Allegheny National Forest to Freeport and the Alleghenies National Forest. The North Country Trail is under development and will connect the Missouri River in North Dakota with the Adirondack Mountains in New York. The Cook Forest stretches from the northern end of the park to its southernmost point, the Cook River Trail, and runs along the eastern edge of Cook County.

Cycling on the hiking trails is not allowed, although the Heffernlaufweg is part of the cycle path.

Cycling is only allowed on some trails, such as the Baker Trail and Cook River Trail, but bikes are allowed on all other trails.

Children under 12 years of age must wear a helmet when cycling, and all bicycles that are lit at night are equipped with a helmet.

The route is 11.5 km long and medium difficult, with long flat surfaces and gentle hills. It follows a lightly traveled road through Cook Forest State Park and includes some highlights along the route. The route runs on lightly traveled roads with a variety of terrain forms, such as grassy hills, steep slopes and rocky cliffs.

A description of the bike route is available at the park office, and a 4.5-mile ride along the trail is included in the Cook Forest State Park cycling schedule for adults and children.

From March to December, the programme offers a variety of activities for all ages, including hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Participants will receive a guide for guided hikes, a map of the trail system and information about the paths and trails of the park.

Curricula and environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Group programmes must be arranged in advance by telephone or at the park office. A weekly interpretation schedule is available at the park office, and parkbehaviors offers weekly activities for children ages 5 to 12.

The Historic Hall displays wooden tools, models and artifacts from the early history of Cook Forest State Park, as well as other historical sites.

Take the North Leeper westbound, take the East Route, drive straight through the park to Cooksburg and take another route to the Northwest Entrance of Cook Forest State Park, just east of the Historic Hall.

Follow PA Route 36 to Leeper South for 7 miles to the park, then follow PARoute 36 South to Cooksburg for another 7 miles to the park.