Cook Forest

A Trail Information Guide for Clarion River Lands Hiking Only Trails North Country National Scenic Trail: more difficult The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) joins several segments of trails as it passes through Cook Forest State Park. The NCT (blazed blue) is America’s longest National Scenic Trail at 4,600 miles, running from New York to North Dakota. One hundred eighty miles of the NCT run through Pennsylvania and were some of the first trail mileage to be developed. Lower Round Top Trail: 2.0 miles, more difficult This steep hiking only trail links to main trail loops in the Clarion River Lands: the Mill Creek/Blyson Loops and Picture Rock Trails. This hiking trail is accessible from both Blyson parking lots. The trail follows the Clarion River along a steep hillside. Multi-use Trails Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding Multi-use trails are open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding as designated. Please be aware and courteous of others. Bessie Dewey Trail: 1.0 mile, more difficult This trail creates a loop option by connecting with two points along the Boiler Trail. It climbs a fairly steep hillside through a pine and hemlock forest along Maxwell Run. Blyson Loop Trail: 2.7 miles, more difficult The Blyson Loop Trail meanders down a ridge to the Clarion River at the mouth of Blyson Run, a designated wilderness trout stream. Access Blyson Loop via Mill Creek Loop Trail from Millcreek Drive or from Old State Road. Note: Horse trailers are not recommended on Old State Road. Boiler Trail: 2.0 miles, more difficult Access this trail via the parking lot at Hindman Drive. It follows a steep, but wide, set of switchbacks to the bank of the Clarion River, where it joins the Bessie Dewey Trail near Maxwell Run. The trail is named for the remains of a boiler left on site. Callihan Trail: 1.3 miles, more difficult This trail unites the Picture Rock Trail with the Kaufman Loop Trail, paralleling Callihan Run toward the Clarion River. The river can be forded at the Picture Rock Crossing. River crossings possess inherent danger. All users are advised to use caution if crossing the river. Highland Loop Trail: 1.0 mile, more difficult This trail runs from the upper parking lot on Highland Drive, along a mix of old logging roads and single-track trails that wind through a mix of hardwood trees toward the Clarion River. Highland River Crossing Trail: 0.9 mile, more difficult This trail joins the Highland Loop and Finkbinder trails via a river ford at Slater’s Crossing. River crossings possess inherent danger. All users are advised to use caution if crossing the river. Kaufman Trail: 1.4 miles, easiest This relatively flat trail follows an old logging road through open hardwood forest and continues past the Short Trail to a small loop at an old power line right of way. Kaufman Trail can be accessed from the upper parking area off Highland Drive. Kaufman Loop Trail: 0.6 mile, easiest This relatively flat trail uses an old logging road to wind its way through open hardwood forest. Kaufman Loop Trail can be accessed from the upper parking area off Highland Drive. Lower Loop Finkbinder Trail: 2.3 miles, more difficult This loop trail uses a mix of old logging roads and singletrack trails to traverse the open forest along the ridgeline. This trail contains several fairly steep sections, including a set of switchbacks along the ridge of a small feeder stream. Mill Creek Loop Trail: 1.5 miles, more difficult This trail links a parking area on Millcreek Drive with the Blyson Loop Trail via wide, mostly flat, old logging roads through open hardwoods of oak, maple, and black cherry. Picture Rock Trail: 1.1 miles, more difficult This trail attaches to the Boiler Trail near Hindman parking lot, where it follows several switchbacks to the Clarion River near Picture Rock Crossing. Look for the namesake large, flat rock where many riders pose for the camera. For more information, contact: Cook Forest State Park 113 River Road Cooksburg, PA 16217 814-744-8407 email: cookforestsp@pa.gov www.visitPAparks.com 2016 River otter Printed on recycled paper Rim Trail: 0.8 mile, more difficult This trail uses an old logging road to unite the Kaufman and Highland Loop trails, offering beautiful views of the Clarion River Valley as it meanders along the river’s hillside. Short Trail: 0.2 mile, easiest This single-track trail connects the Kaufman, Kaufman Loop, and Callihan trails. Slater’s Crossing: 0.1 mile, more difficult This river crossing joins the Highland Loop, Bessie Dewey, and Finkbinder trails. River crossings possess inherent danger. All users are advised to use caution if crossing the river. Upper Loop Finkbinder Trail: 2.5 miles, more difficult This loop uses a mix of logging roads and single-track trails to cross the ridgeline. This trail contains several fairly steep sections. Valley of the Bears Trail: 5.2 miles, more difficult This trail contains two loops and follows the NCT in two sections as it meanders up and down the Clarion River Valley from Thompson Hill to the Highland Loop Trail. The lower loop closest to Highland is 0.8 mile long, while the upper loop near Thompson Hill is 1.8 miles. This symbol indicates facilities and activities that are Americans with Disabilities (ADA) accessible for people with disabilities. This publication text is available in alternative formats. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. Call 911 and contact a park employee. Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office. Nearest Hospital Clarion Hospital 1 Hospital Drive Clarion, PA 16214 814-226-9500 Trail Ethics Right of Way Protocol • Bicyclists yield to all users. • Hikers yield to horseback riders. • Common courtesy should prevail for all users. • In flat terrain, move to the right and allow others to pass. • In uneven terrain, move to the downhill side and allow others to pass. Trail Use • Designated trails are marked with red blazes and signs unless otherwise indicated. • Stay on the trail; avoid taking shortcuts or making new trails. • Stay in single file to avoid damage to vegetation. • Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage, so consider other trail options. Safety • Control your actions. • Travel only at a speed that is safe for the conditions on the trail. • Avoid startling other trail users. • Show respect when passing other trail users. Slow to a walking pace or stop. • Anticipate other trail users around blind corners and in areas of poor visibility. • River crossings possess inherent danger. All users are advised to use caution if crossing the river. Obey All Park Rules and Regulations • Camping and fires are only permitted in designated overnight areas. • Extinguish all fires before leaving the area; fires are prohibited when the wildfire danger is high. • Alcohol is prohibited. • Pets must be leashed and under control at all times. Road . 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I-80, 10.6 Mi. h N Ri N or t AR 20 CLARION COUNTY 0 CL E EK CR E 11 nd T op Tr. e th 1480 0 0 ill ek re Road 1520 ¼ Be ssi e d Roa 40 16 0 152 0 148 1440 1400 15 60 0 160 ¾ ½ 1360 00 14 74 ¾ MILE 1 KILOMETER 80 20 12 13 LANDS Backcountry Shelter Non-motorized Boat Launch Boat Launch Clarion River Water Trail North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) Multi-use Trail: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking Hiking Trail TRAIL INFORMATION CONTOURS ARE ON 40 FT. INTERVALS Forestry— State Park Recreational Rules and Regulations Apply State Park Hunting Old Growth Timber Area Parking Unpaved Unpaved Road GAME 1280 1240 ½ Gravel Lick PA Fish & Boat Commission Canoe Launch De we y T ra il ew evi Lak ¼ STATE ve Dri . 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Cook Be Considerate of Other Visitors • Let nature’s sounds prevail. • At parking areas and trailheads, collect manure, hay, and garbage to take with you when you leave. • Be courteous when using trails; yield to other hikers and riders. Respect Wildlife • Do not approach or feed wild animals; observe from a distance. • Store food and trash securely. • Extinguish all fires before leaving the area; fires are prohibited when the wildfire danger is high. Minimize Campfire Impacts • Fires are permitted where designated in overnight areas. Leave What You Find • Brush off boots, tires, horse hooves, and hair before leaving an area in order to prevent the spread of non-native species. • Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them. Dispose of Waste Properly • Pack It In, Pack It Out! • Due to the remote nature of the area, please bury solid human waste in cat holes six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources and trails. • Leave the area cleaner than when you found it. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Hike and ride only on designated trails. • Avoid damage to vegetation. • Camping is only permitted for hikers and only at the NCT shelters on a first come, first served basis. Plan Ahead and Prepare • Prevent accidents by knowing your abilities, limitations, and the area in which you will be riding, hiking, or biking. • Travel in a small group for less impact on the environment.