Cook Forest State Park

The 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park lies in scenic northwestern Pennsylvania. Once called the "Black Forest," the area is famous for its stands of old growth forest. Cook Forest's "Forest Cathedral" of towering white pines and hemlocks is a National Natural Landmark. The Clarion River is along the eastern border of the park and is popular for canoeing and rafting.

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Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Stay the Night  - Winter Report  - Environmental Education  - Calendar of Events  - Accessibility  - History  - Wildlife Watching  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Maps and Downloadables

Park Advisories

Directions

From the east, take Exit 78 off of Interstate 80, then PA 36 north directly to the park in Cooksburg. From the west, take Exit 60 off of Interstate 80, then take PA Route 66 north to Leeper. From Leeper, follow PA Route 36 south, seven miles to the park.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking  - Biking  - Horseback Riding  - Picnicking  - Swimming  - Canoeing  - Fishing  - Hunting  - Scenic Views  - Wildlife Watching  - Winter Activities  - Organized Group Tenting  - Cabins  - Camping

Pennsylvania Wilds contains more than two million acres of public lands for you to explore. Contained within the twelve-county area are opportunities to hike, bike, fish, boat and watch abundant and sometimes rare wildlife in their native habitat. This park is one of 27 state parks that lie within the region

Within Cook Forest State Park there are many natural wonders to explore. The Forest Cathedral Area features magnificent Old Growth Timber. The Clarion River is a great way to see the natural wonders of the area. A popular canoe trip is from Clear Creek State Park to Cook Forest State Park.

Canoeing: The Clarion River offers a very scenic trip and is classed as a beginner’s river under normal conditions. A canoe launch area and parking are three miles upstream from Cooksburg along River Road. Several private canoe rentals are in the Cooksburg area.

Go to the U. S. Geological Survey Web site for the water level of the Clarion River at Cooksburg. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv/?site_no=03029500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Scenic Views: Two scenic views are in the southeastern corner of the park. From the rock ledges of Seneca Point Overlook you can see the Clarion Valley. An 80-foot climb up old #9 Fire Tower gives a breathtaking view of the entire area. On a clear day you can see 15 to 20 miles.

Do not walk or climb on the rock outcroppings outside of the fenced area. These rock ledges are very hazardous.

Feeding Wild Animals: All visitors are reminded that black bears are native to this area. All food should be put away after use and kept in a tight, secure container in the trunk of a car or in a camper. Feeding wild animals is strongly discouraged. When wildlife loses its fear of people, these animals can become pests, and dangerous situations can result.

Hiking: 29 miles of trails
Enjoy the beauty of Cook Forest by hiking on one of 27 marked trails. The terrain is of rolling hills and cool valley streams. Special scenic areas are the old growth forest, Fire Tower/Seneca Point and the Clarion River. Overnight camping within the park is only permitted in the campground or cabin areas. Trail maps and descriptions are available at the park office.

Part of the 140-mile Baker Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail pass through Cook Forest. The Baker Trail runs from Freeport, in southern Armstrong County, to the Allegheny 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.

Biking: Bikes are permitted on all one-way, dirt roads within the park. Biking on hiking trails is not permitted except on the part of the Heffern Run Trail that is part of the Bicycle Route. All children under 12 years of age are required to wear a helmet when biking. Bikes ridden at night must have a light on the bike.

The Bicycle Route is 11.5 miles long and follows lightly traveled roads within the park and Heffern Run Trail. The route is of moderate difficulty with long flat areas and rolling hills. Highlights of the route are a leisurely four-mile flat ride through scenic Tom's Run Valley, CCC-era red and white pine plantations along Forest Drive and a challenging descent along the Heffern Run Trail. A description of the Bicycle Route is available at the park office.

Horseback Riding: Two designated bridle trails and portions of Brown's Run Trail comprise 4.5 miles of trails for horseback riding.

Swimming: The swimming pool is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, unless posted otherwise. Depths range from 2.5 feet to 5 feet. A circular wading pool is adjacent to the large pool. Discounts are offered to campers. The pool area is accessible, and the pool is equipped with a lift. Vending machines have snacks and beverages.

Hunting and Firearms: About 7,000 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, bear and squirrel.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. The park is used by other visitors during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or camp.

For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

Fishing: The Clarion River flows along the park border and provides fishing for trout, warm-water game fish and panfish. About 2.5 miles of Tom’s Run is stocked with trout. A special fishing pond stocked with trout is by the park office and is available for use by children 12 and younger and people with a disability. A level grass bank at the edge of the pond provides easy access.

Go to the U. S. Geological Survey Web site for the water level of the Clarion River at Cooksburg. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv/?site_no=03029500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Picnicking: Picnic tables are along the Clarion River in the River Cabin Picnic Area, in the Sawmill Area and near the exit of Fire Tower Road. Two large picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. There are accessible restrooms and picnic tables near both picnic pavilions.

Make a reservation

Winter Activities: There are 12 miles of snowmobile trails, a lighted ice skating pond along River Road, three acres of sledding slopes and three designated cross-country ski trails in the park. Many other trails and roadways are also suitable for cross-country skiing.

Stay the Night

Camping: modern sites, some with electric
Modern restrooms with showers are available late May through early October. Pets are permitted in one area of the campground. The 226 tent and trailer campsites have a picnic table and fire ring, and six sites are ADA accessible. There is a sanitary dump station and coin-operated laundry facilities.

Explore the campground map.

Explore camping for more information.

Pets are allowed in designated campsites. Explore pets in campgrounds for more information.

Make a reservation

Cabins: The 23 rustic cabins rent from the second Friday in April to late December. All cabins are minimally furnished. Each cabin has beds, mattresses, gas stove, refrigerator, and tables and chairs. Occupants must provide their own bedding, cookware and tableware. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted.

There are two cabin areas at Cook Forest. The River Cabins are on a hillside overlooking the Clarion River. Two River Cabins have one room and sleep four people and the other 11 River Cabins have four rooms, a fireplace and sleep six or eight people. The Indian Cabins are along Tom’s Run behind the park office. These smaller, one-room cabins sleep four people.

Explore the cabin map.

Explore cabins for more information.

Make a reservation

Organized Group Tenting: Organized groups can rent this rustic area from the second Friday in April to late December. The five sites each accommodate 20 people. Explore organized group tenting for more information.

Environmental Education and Interpretation

Programs for all ages are offered year round. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be scheduled in advance by calling the park office.

A weekly interpretive schedule is available at the park office. The park has an environmental learning center in the Log Cabin Inn at the Main Picnic Area. The Historical Room displays logging and rafting tools, models and artifacts.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Sawmill Craft Center and Theater

A local, non-profit craft organization housed in the historic sawmill offers traditional crafts on display, a gift shop and classes. Demonstrations and classes on various crafts are presented throughout the summer and fall seasons for children and adults. The Verna Leith Sawmill Theater seats 180 people and presents plays, musicals and other entertainment throughout the summer season.

Information on craft classes and the theater can be obtained by contacting the Cook Forest Sawmill Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 180, Cooksburg, PA 16217, 814-744-9670, www.sawmill.org.

Volunteers Needed

The following is a list of park events and other volunteer opportunities.

• Woodsy Owl Workday (April, September)
• Clear Creek Valley Lumber Heritage Day (June)
• Cook Forest French and Indian War Encampment
• Children’s Fishing Derby (June)
• Cook Forest Big Tree Extravaganza (April)
• Adopt-A-Trail program (year round)
• Camp Hosts (April-October)
• Photography (year round)
• Historical and Natural History Research (year round)
• Environmental interpretation and education (April-November)

Explore volunteering for more information on volunteering for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:
888-PA-PARKS (voice)
888-537-7294 (TTY)
711 (AT&T Relay Services)

Nearby Attractions

For information on services and accommodations in the area, contact: Cook Forest Area Vacation Bureau, P.O. Box 50, Cooksburg, PA 16217, 814-849-9377.

For information on nearby attractions, contact the Northwest Pennsylvania's Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Clarion Hospital
1 Hospital Drive
Clarion, PA 16214
814-226-9500

For More Information Contact

Cook Forest State Park
PO Box 120
Cooksburg, PA 16217-0120
814-744-8407
Manager: Marcia Gordon

E-mail: cookforestsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.

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