Cook Forest State Park
The 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park and 3,136 acre Clarion River Lands lie in scenic northwestern Pennsylvania. Known for its stands of old growth forest, the park’s Forest Cathedral of towering white pines and hemlocks is a National Natural Landmark. A scenic 13-mile stretch of the Clarion River flows through Cook Forest State Park and is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.
Clear Creek State Park is only 11 miles away.
Kayaking...
Clarion RIver right next door see below for maps or check here
Water levels can be checked here
Map for middle section is also below...
The best time to float the Clarion River is in the spring and early summer. The river accommodates small, shallow-draft watercraft such as canoes and kayaks. In late summer, the river becomes shallow at times and boat bottoms can drag on the streambed. Your float time will vary according to the season and weather. Generally, assume four to five miles-per-hour during spring run-off, and two to three miles-per-hour at low water levels. Streamflows can change rapidly creating potentially unsafe conditions.
Check available resources such as weather, precipitation, USGS gauges (search 'Ridgway USGS Gauge' and ‘Cooksburg USGS Gauge’ on the internet), and local outfitters to plan accordingly.
Ridgway USGS Gauge
Ridgway to Clarington Lower Limit 2.5 feet Optimal 4.5 feet
Cooksburg USGS Gauge
Clarington to Cooksburg Lower limit is 2 feet optimal is 2.5 – 4.5 feet
Cooksburg to Mill Creek lower limit is 2.5 feet optimal is 3 - 5 feet
At river levels above 6 feet, liveries will not rent canoes and state parks close their launches.
Mile 47 (RR) Hemlock Island: Upstream from the Gravel Lick bridge, log rafts and boats were built here in the mid to late 1800's. On the river right side of the island, a historic sawmill dam on Henry Run creates a scenic waterfall.
Point D Sawmill Center for the Arts: This stop on the Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Trail offers classes and traditional crafts from over 150 artisans in the historic sawmill throughout the summer and fall. The Verna Leith Sawmill Theater holds plays, musicals and other entertainment in the summer.
Point E The Forest Cathedral Natural Area is a registered National Natural Landmark. The Forest Cathedral contains approximately 717 acres of old growth forest dominated by eastern hemlock and eastern white pine, which commonly surpass 250 years of age, with some as old as 450 years.
Point F Cook Forest Fire Tower and Seneca Point Overlook: The 87-foot #9 Fire Tower, built in 1929, gave firefighters a 15-20 mile view of the area. A superb view of many of the old growth forests at Cook Forest State Park can be observed from this location. Seneca Point offers a scenic view of the Clarion River.
Mile 50.5 to 50 Cooksburg: Originally a lumber town where rafts were built to float lumber to markets in Pittsburgh and sometimes New Orleans, this town is now a haven for recreationists. The area offers many attractions including a number of gift, antique and retail stores, several restaurants, recreational equipment rentals, cabins, and amusements.
Mile 48 to 58.8 Cook Forest State Park offers developed camping, cabins, hiking trails, canoe access, hunting, trout fishing and the Seneca Point Overlook. Stay at the historic Inn at Cook Forest for a warm bed and hot breakfast on the banks of the Clarion River. For reservations, call (888) PA-PARKS or visit www.visitPAparks.com.
Mile 62.6 to 59.3 (RL) Clear Creek State Park offers developed camping, cabins, hiking trails, canoe access, swimming pond, hunting and trout fishing. Clear Creek has the only riverside developed campsites along the Clarion River, a few of which are held aside for canoe campers only. For reservations, call (888) PA-PARKS or visit www.visitPAparks.com. Mile 58.8 to 48 Cook Forest State Park offers developed camping, cabins, hiking trails, canoe access, hunting, trout fishing and the Seneca Point Overlook. Stay at the historic Inn at Cook Forest for a warm bed and hot breakfast on the banks of the Clarion River. For reservations, call (888) PA-PARKS or visit www.visitPAparks.com.
Clear Creek State Park is only 11 miles away.
Kayaking...
Clarion RIver right next door see below for maps or check here
Water levels can be checked here
Map for middle section is also below...
The best time to float the Clarion River is in the spring and early summer. The river accommodates small, shallow-draft watercraft such as canoes and kayaks. In late summer, the river becomes shallow at times and boat bottoms can drag on the streambed. Your float time will vary according to the season and weather. Generally, assume four to five miles-per-hour during spring run-off, and two to three miles-per-hour at low water levels. Streamflows can change rapidly creating potentially unsafe conditions.
Check available resources such as weather, precipitation, USGS gauges (search 'Ridgway USGS Gauge' and ‘Cooksburg USGS Gauge’ on the internet), and local outfitters to plan accordingly.
Ridgway USGS Gauge
Ridgway to Clarington Lower Limit 2.5 feet Optimal 4.5 feet
Cooksburg USGS Gauge
Clarington to Cooksburg Lower limit is 2 feet optimal is 2.5 – 4.5 feet
Cooksburg to Mill Creek lower limit is 2.5 feet optimal is 3 - 5 feet
At river levels above 6 feet, liveries will not rent canoes and state parks close their launches.
Mile 47 (RR) Hemlock Island: Upstream from the Gravel Lick bridge, log rafts and boats were built here in the mid to late 1800's. On the river right side of the island, a historic sawmill dam on Henry Run creates a scenic waterfall.
Point D Sawmill Center for the Arts: This stop on the Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Trail offers classes and traditional crafts from over 150 artisans in the historic sawmill throughout the summer and fall. The Verna Leith Sawmill Theater holds plays, musicals and other entertainment in the summer.
Point E The Forest Cathedral Natural Area is a registered National Natural Landmark. The Forest Cathedral contains approximately 717 acres of old growth forest dominated by eastern hemlock and eastern white pine, which commonly surpass 250 years of age, with some as old as 450 years.
Point F Cook Forest Fire Tower and Seneca Point Overlook: The 87-foot #9 Fire Tower, built in 1929, gave firefighters a 15-20 mile view of the area. A superb view of many of the old growth forests at Cook Forest State Park can be observed from this location. Seneca Point offers a scenic view of the Clarion River.
Mile 50.5 to 50 Cooksburg: Originally a lumber town where rafts were built to float lumber to markets in Pittsburgh and sometimes New Orleans, this town is now a haven for recreationists. The area offers many attractions including a number of gift, antique and retail stores, several restaurants, recreational equipment rentals, cabins, and amusements.
Mile 48 to 58.8 Cook Forest State Park offers developed camping, cabins, hiking trails, canoe access, hunting, trout fishing and the Seneca Point Overlook. Stay at the historic Inn at Cook Forest for a warm bed and hot breakfast on the banks of the Clarion River. For reservations, call (888) PA-PARKS or visit www.visitPAparks.com.
Mile 62.6 to 59.3 (RL) Clear Creek State Park offers developed camping, cabins, hiking trails, canoe access, swimming pond, hunting and trout fishing. Clear Creek has the only riverside developed campsites along the Clarion River, a few of which are held aside for canoe campers only. For reservations, call (888) PA-PARKS or visit www.visitPAparks.com. Mile 58.8 to 48 Cook Forest State Park offers developed camping, cabins, hiking trails, canoe access, hunting, trout fishing and the Seneca Point Overlook. Stay at the historic Inn at Cook Forest for a warm bed and hot breakfast on the banks of the Clarion River. For reservations, call (888) PA-PARKS or visit www.visitPAparks.com.
More information below...
Seasons and Hours: The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. The park office is open specific hours. The pool, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours.
Picnicking: Picnic tables and charcoal grills are throughout the park. Two large picnic pavilions and one small pavilion may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnic pavilions 1 and 2 are ADA accessible, as are the nearby restrooms.
Make a reservation.
Canoeing: The Class 1 Clarion River provides excellent canoeing and kayaking, especially during the spring and fall. The average downward flow is four miles per hour.
Two popular paddling trips are four and 10 miles in length. Rental canoes are available from businesses out-side of the park. There are public boat launches at both Cook Forest and Clear Creek state parks.
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
Motorboats must display a current boat registration. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. Complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.
The following concessionaries offer canoe, kayak and tube rentals:
Cook Forest Canoe Rental www.cookforestcanoe.com
Pale Whale www.canoecookforest.com
Pine Crest http://users.penn.com/~pinecrest/PC-canoe.html
Fishing: The Clarion River provides fishing for trout, warmwater game fish, and panfish.
About 2.5 miles of Toms Run is stocked with trout. A special fishing pond stocked with trout is located by the park office and is available for use by children ages 12 and younger and people with disabilities. An ADA accessible pier provides 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
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. Complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.
Hunting and Firearms: About 12,000 acres of Cook Forest State Park and Clarion Rover Lands are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, bear, and squirrel. Over 10,000 acres of adjacent state forests and over 500,000 acres of Allegheny National Forest are also open to hunting.
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through 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 ADA accessible hunting information.
Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting 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 vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park.
Complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.
Hiking: 47 miles of trails
There are over 47 miles of hiking trails and 4.3 miles of multi-use trails within Cook Forest State Park. An additional 24 miles of multi-use trails and 8 miles of hiking trails are located within the Clarion River Lands. A brochure of trail descriptions is available in the park office and online. Explore trails for detailed trail descriptions.
Biking: 13 miles of trails
Bikes are permitted on all one-way, dirt roads within the park. A 13-mile bicycle route follows lightly traveled roads within the park and a portion of Hefren Run Trail. Biking on hiking trails is prohibited except on the bicycle route portion of Hefren Run Trail.
Horseback Riding: A loop trail begins at a small parking lot on Forest Drive, connects to Old Logging Road, and winds through beautiful pine plantations. Twenty-four miles of additional trails are located downstream of Gravel Lick Bridge in the Clarion River Lands. The one hour loop next to the organized group camping area is heavily used by a vendor, and not recommended.
The following concessionaires offer trail rides:
Cook Forest Scenic Trail Ride and Dude Ranch www.patrailride.com
Silver Stallion Stables www.silverstallion.net
Scenic Views: Two scenic views are accessible from Fire Tower Road, about 1.5 miles from Route 36. From the rock ledges of Seneca Point Overlook you can see the Clarion River Valley.
Do not walk or climb on the rock outcroppings outside of the fenced area. These rock ledges are very hazardous.
An 80-foot climb up Historic Fire Tower #9 gives a breathtaking view of the entire area. On a clear day, you can see points up to 15 to 20 miles away.
Do Not Feed Wild Animals: 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 prohibited. When wildlife loses its fear of people, these animals can become pests, and dangerous situations can result.
Sawmill Center for the Arts: A local, non-profit craft organization housed in the historic sawmill offers traditional crafts, a gift shop, and classes. Demonstrations and classes on various crafts are presented throughout the summer and fall. The Verna Leith Sawmill Theater presents plays, musicals, and other entertainment throughout the summer season. 814-927-6655 www.sawmill.org.
Stay the Night
Visitors can stay the night from the second Friday in April to the third Friday in December.
Camping: flush toilets, warm showers, full service hook-ups, electric hook-ups
The park has 210 campsites each with a picnic table and fire ring. Full hook-up campsites also have on site water, 50 amp electric, and sewage hook up. Electric only sites are available with either 30 or 50 amp hook ups. Modern restrooms with showers are available late May through early October. There is a sanitary dump station and coin-operated laundry facilities. Pets are permitted at designated sites for a fee. Access is not guaranteed during severe winter weather.
Explore the campground map.
Explore camping for more information.
Make a reservation.
Free Camping for Campground Hosts: 3 host positions
The campground host site amenities include 30-amp electric service. Hosts are required to stay a minimum of two weeks and must be available 24 hours daily to assist park personnel. Contact the park office for additional information and availability.
River Camping: A canoe/kayak camping area with three sites is located at Thompson Eddy, downstream of Gravel Lick Bridge. This area is for individuals and groups traveling on the Clarion River by canoe or kayak. Use of this site is limited to one night and is for tent use only. Maximum group size is eight.
Rustic Cabins: The River Cabins are on a hillside overlooking the Clarion River. The Indian Cabins are along Toms Run behind the park office.
The cabins are available for rent from the second Friday in April to the third Friday in December. The rustic cabins are minimally furnished. Each cabin has beds, mattresses, stove, refrigerator, table and chairs, and is heated by a wood fireplace or gas heater. Occupants must provide their own bedding, cookware, and tableware. Cabins sleep 4, 6, or 8 people. Extra cots are not available. Frost-free water faucets are outside. A showerhouse is nearby. Two cabins are ADA accessible. Up to two dogs are permitted in River Cabins 11, 12, 14, and 15 for a fee.
The cabins must be rented for one week, except in the spring and fall rental season. Firewood is not provided. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Explore the cabin map.
Explore cabins for more information.
Make a reservation.
Organized Group Tenting: Organized groups can rent this rustic area year-round. Access in the winter months may be difficult. The five sites each accommodate 20 people.
Explore organized group tenting for more information.
The Inn at Cook Forest: Closed for renovations - The Cook Family homestead is now open as a bed and breakfast. Rent a room or the entire inn for access to canoeing and kayaking on the Clarion River, over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, and some of the oldest trees in the state.
Winter Activities
Explore the Winter Report for the current snow and ice depths. Please be safe on the ice.
Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing: Snowshoeing is permitted on all trails. Cross-country skiing is recommended on selected trails on the maps. Cook Forest has three groomed trails: Fire Tower Road, Toms Run Road, and part of Forest Drive.
Sledding: A slope is available for sledding near the Henrys Run Day Use Area.
Ice Skating: A lighted ice skating area is along River Road. Ice thickness is not monitored.
Environmental Education and Interpretation
Through hands-on activities, guided walks, and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. Programs are offered year-round.
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.
The Log Cabin Environmental Learning Center offers indoor space for programs and displays historic 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.
Access for People with Disabilities
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.