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Cook Forest is a hiker's park, with 16 trails totaling 30 miles.
A portion of the 140-mile Baker Trail, which runs from Freeport to the Allegheny Forest, traverses the park. Other trails range up to three miles and offer easy to strenuous hikes.
The easy Longfellow Trail offers a close look at one of Pennsylvania's largest stands of virgin timber. The 555-acre Forest Cathedral is known for old white pines and hemlocks nearly 200 feet tall. These 200- to 350-year-old trees have been designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Park Service.
Equestrians use two trails totaling 4.5 miles. Biking is restricted to park roads.
A 70-foot fire tower and the Seneca Point overlook offer good views of the Clarion River, which borders the 8,500-acre park. Both sites can be reached by trail or road.
The Clarion's easy waters draw canoeists, most of whom put in upriver with the park as their destination. Popular routes are four, nine or 16 miles long. Canoe rentals are available in the area.
Fishing is good in the river and in Tom's Run, a trout-stocked creek. People aged 12 and under or with disabilities fish in a pond also stocked with trout.
Winter activities include snowmobiling on 20 miles of trails and sledding. Cross-country skiers use nine miles of wooded trails, including a pair of two-mile loops. There's access to an additional 20 miles of trails outside the park.
In a former sawmill crafts are displayed and sometimes demonstrated by local artisans. Next door is a 200-seat theater that offers a summer season of plays and shows.
In the former Log Cabin Inn is the visitors center, where tree specimens and logging implements are displayed.
Other park facilities include swimming and wading pools, a 217-site campground and 18 rustic cabins. Campsites are available from mid-April to late December (access permitting). There is an RV dump station.
Outdoor Activities |
