Cook Forest

Cook Forest SP https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/CookForestStatePark/Pages/default.aspx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook_Forest_State_Park Cook Forest State Park is located just south of the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. The park is a heavily wooded area of rolling hills and mountains along the Clarion River in northwestern Pennsylvania. Cook Forest State Park is known for some of America's finest virgin white pine and hemlock timber stands and was once called the "Black Forest" due to the preponderance of evergreen tree coverage.

Cook Forest State Park A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for Cook Forest EXPLORE PENNSYLVANIA WILDS Pennsylvania Wilds is two million acres of public lands for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, hunting and exploration in northcentral Pennsylvania. Within the twelve-county region are: 29 state parks, including Sinnemahoning; eight state forest districts (1.3 million acres); 50 state game lands, and Allegheny National Forest (500,000 acres). Highlights of the area are: elk watching, scenic PA 6, Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon), the darkest skies in the east at Cherry Springs State Park, and hundreds of miles of trails, bike paths, and trout fishing streams. For the more adventurous, whitewater rafting through Pine Creek Gorge and hang-gliding at Hyner View State Park offer exciting challenges. Pennsylvania State Parks Mission The primary purpose of Pennsylvania state parks is to provide opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In meeting these purposes, the conservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic and historical values of parks should be given first consideration. Stewardship responsibilities should be carried out in a way that protects the natural outdoor experience for the enjoyment of current and future generations. visitPAparks Cover photograph by Anthony Cook Printed on recycled paper 2015 N or CLARION RIVER LANDS Thompson Eddy Canoe Camping Valley of th 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. Road e Trail rs Trail B ea k Li c vel Gra try un Co th CLARION COUNTY COOK FOREST 12 40 Tr a R N r Ri O CL ARI R IVE 1600 ile 1280 1240 0 120 1160 20 11 Hin 60 1640 1600 20 PICNICKING: Picnic tables and charcoal grills are available throughout the park. 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. Pavilions 1 and 2 are ADA accessible. EST FOR e Lak Road ate St w d State Park Hunting 0 1400 40 Blys on 00 12 d 0 116 u n o Lower R Tra il Forestry— State Park Recreational Rules and Regulations Apply 1600 12 1200 To p K EE 0 Hiking Trail Multi-use Trail: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking 0 North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) Clarion River Water Trail Boat Launch Non-motorized Boat Launch EA ek Cre p oo Mi ll L CL 00 12 12401280 1320 1360 1400 14 80 152 Mi llc 148 20 AR 0 N 140 IO GAME LANDS 1160 12 0 12 0 40 R STATE re e llc Mi 0 136 1320280 240 200 60 1120 1 1 1 11 20 VE 11 60 RI 11 00 12 40 12 80 12 20 13 60 Fisher Strattanville Rd . 0 1440 CL 13 20 0 1480 Ru n 15 1400 74 80 20 12 13 1360 00 14 M k Ro ad ill 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. BOATING: 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 outside of the park. There are public boat launches at both Cook Forest and Clear Creek state parks. HUNTING AND FIREARMS: Over 12,000 acres of Cook Forest State Park and Clarion River Lands are open to hunting, trapping, and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, squirrel, bear, and turkey. 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. CAMPING: full service hook up, electric, and non-electric 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. CABINS: Two cabin colonies provide rustic, minimally furnished cabins that sleep 4, 6, or 8 people. Occupants must

Most of the trail is located on or near the river bank in a mix of pine, hemlock, rhododendron, and mountain laurel. However, the trail does ascend to the ridge tops in two locations where visitors can enjoy open hardwood forests of oak, cherry, and maple. Cook Forest State Park contains 7.5 miles of the trail; a portion of SR 899 is used to connect the trail to Clear Creek State Park. From SR 899 it is 2.5 miles to the Clear Creek State Park Campground. There are three trailhead parking lots. The Gateway Lodge parking lot is available on the western end of the trail. A small parking lot on SR 899 is marked by an information kiosk. The third parking area is on the eastern end of the trail in the Clear Creek State Park Campground. Hiking Only Trails Baker Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail: Two long-distance trails, the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) and the Baker Trail, pass through Cook Forest State Park, following the same 12-mile stretch through the Forest Cathedral, passing Seneca Point, and meandering by the Clarion River. The 140-mile Baker Trail (blazed yellow) runs from Freeport, PA, through the Allegheny National Forest. The NCT (blazed blue) is America’s longest national scenic trail at 4,600 miles, running from New York to North Dakota. Several named park trails follow along the NCT/Baker Trail route and are listed below. Forest Cathedral Trails: Hiking Only Black Bear Trail: 1.1 miles, easiest This flat loop trail begins and ends at the Sawmill Center for the Arts. Look for black bear claw marks on trees. The Forest Cathedral Natural Area is a registered National Natural Landmark. Numbers below correspond to the map on the reverse side. Browns Run Trail: 2.0 miles, more difficult This trail parallels Browns Run from Toms Run Road to Forest Road. Due to its low usage, it is a wonderful trail for wilderness hiking, hunting, and birding, particularly for the flute-like songster thrushes. 1. Joyce Kilmer Trail: 1.1 miles, more difficult This trail runs from Cemetery Road to the Indian Trail. Note the rock formations nestled among large hemlock and white pine, some of which span three to four feet. Camp Trail: 2.0 miles, most difficult The most travelled section of this steep trail links the Ridge Campground to Breezemont Drive near the Log Cabin Environmental Learning Classroom (ELC). Pay particular attention at trail intersections as this trail splits near the campground. Cook Trail: 2.0 miles, more difficult This lightly used loop trail winds through a magnificent stand of old growth timber. Keep watch for tall white pines, large hemlocks, oaks, black gums, relict American chestnut snags from the early 1920s, and a 1930s dynamite shack built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trail can be accessed in three locations: across from River Cabin 12, at the River Picnic Area, and via a short spur trail on Cemetery Road. Corduroy Trail: 1.2 miles, more difficult This trail connects the Ridge Campground and the Liggett Trail along Toms Run. This pleasant hike crosses over Breezemont Drive, passing large American beech and Eastern hemlock. Pay attention at intersections as this trail connects with the Camp Trail. Deer Meadow Trail: 1.5 miles, more difficult This trail unites the Browns Run Trail with the multi-use Hefren Run Trail. Sections of this trail go through old growth oak hemlock forest and prime wildlife areas. 2. Rhododendron Trail: 1.2 miles, more difficult A favorite hike for many, this trail joins Indian Cabins 6 and 7 to Forest Drive via the Forest Cathedral. Ancient hemlock and white pine are common along its length. Paved Trail: 0.2 mile, easiest This paved, ADA-accessible trail loop winds through a mature hardwood forest. It can be reached via the water tower access road near the entrance of the Sawmill Center for the Arts. Ridge Trail: 0.7 mile, most difficult This steep trail connects the Ridge Campground near Site 32 to Forest Road by Shelter 1. Large oaks and black cherry trees are found near this path. Several black cherries reach three feet across and 140 feet high, some of the tallest known in the entire Eastern U.S. River Trail: 1.2 miles, most difficult This steep segment runs along the NCT/Baker Trail by the Clarion River from the fire tower to Fire Tower Road. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in early summer when the mountain laurel and rhododendron bloom. To continue on the NCT/Baker Trail, stay straight along the Clarion River; the River Trail works its way back uphill to connect to Fire Tower Road. Seneca Trail: 0.9 mile, most difficult This trail climbs from PA 36 to the junction with the Deer Park Trail, where a left turn will continue to the Fire TowerSeneca Point Area. It offers an excellent view of the Clarion River, passes through old growth forest and a section of 1976 tornado-downed logs. The greatest concentration of tall hemlocks in the Northeastern U.S. can be found here. The tallest known Eastern hemlock in the Northeastern U

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 mean

Cook Forest State Park Ridge Campground has modern campsites (electric, nonelectric, full-hookup, pull-thru, and pet-friendly). There is a playground, ball field, amphitheater, sanitary dump station, coin-operated laundry, and modern restrooms with warm showers in the campground. ADA accessible campsites are nearby restrooms and showers. CAMPING SEASON: This campground opens in mid-April and closes the third Friday in October. RESERVING A SITE: Most campsites in Pennsylvania state parks can be reserved 11 months in advance to noon of the day of arrival. Campers without a reservation arriving after noon should check at the contact station or near the campground entrance for instructions. Reservations can be made using MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover credit cards, or personal, traveler’s, and cashier’s checks, or a Pennsylvania State Parks Gift Card. To receive a confirmed reservation, full payment must be received by the Bureau within ten days of making the reservation. For reservations visit www.visitPAparks.com, or call 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. CAMPSITE ISSUING: Advance reservations are available for almost all campsites. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If an employee is not available, read posted instructions, check the “After Hours Posting Report”, and then proceed to an available site. The appropriate fee must be paid to a park employee or deposited in a supplied honor system envelope before setting up on a campsite. CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations, changes, or transfers to reservations will be assessed a fee and can be made prior to arrival by calling the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, EST, or by visiting the website at: http://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Any cancellation, change, or transfer made upon arrival must be processed through the state park. For complete information on fees, cancellations, changes, transfers, and discount policies, view the Reservation Cancellation/Change Policy at the website noted above. Campground Rules CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIME: Check-in time is 3:00 PM. Campsites must be vacated by 3:00 PM. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks. PETS: Pets are permitted at designated campsites in this campground. Please contact the park office or contact station for guidelines for pets. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and all overnight facilities not participating in the pet program. Guide dogs and service dogs are not considered pets. QUIET HOURS: Campers must not disturb the sleep of others between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM. NOISE: Operation of electric generators that create excessive noise is prohibited. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE PER SITE: Site occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or one non-family unit limited to five persons per site. MOTOR VEHICLES: Only one car per campsite is allowed unless otherwise posted. Park only in designated areas. VISITORS: Visitors are welcome on campsites from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. MAXIMUM CAMPING PERIOD: Campers may stay in a state park campground for up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Campers may camp for 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year. HUNTING: 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. Protect and Preserve Our Parks Please make your visit safe and enjoyable. Obey all posted rules and regulations and respect fellow visitors and the resources of the park. • Be prepared and bring the proper equipment. Natural areas may possess hazards. Your personal safety and that of your family are your responsibility. Modern Camping Cook Forest State Park Ridge Campground • Please camp only in designated areas and minimize your impact on the campsite. • Prevent wild fires. Fires are only permitted in fire rings or grills. Gas and propane camp stoves are permitted. Fires must be attended at all time and extinguished before leaving a campsite. Properly dispose of hot coals. • Firewood is not provided. Cutting live or standings trees and the operation of chainsaws are prohibited. • Firewood Advisory: Firewood may contain non-native insects and plant diseases. Bringing firewood into the park from other areas may accidental

Pricing and Reservations PRICING: Lodging prices vary due to type of facility; number of guests the facility accommodates; Pennsylvania residency status; length of stay; day of the week; and season. For base pricing information, scan the code or visit the Pennsylvania state parks website at http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/StateParkPrices Please note, base pricing information does not include fees or taxes. RESERVATIONS: Lodging in Pennsylvania state parks can be reserved 11 months to three days before the day of arrival. If it is two days or less before the arrival date, call the state park to inquire about availability. For reservations, call the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or visit http://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Reservations can be made using MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover credit cards; personal, traveler’s, and cashier’s checks; or a Pennsylvania State Parks Gift Card. To receive a confirmed reservation, full payment must be received within ten days of making the reservation. FEES: A non-refundable transaction fee is charged for each reservation. Cabin, lodge, unique house, and inn prices incur additional state and/or county local tax(es). The county local hotel occupancy tax rate varies depending on the location in the Commonwealth. Designated dog-friendly facilities charge an additional fee per night. CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES: Cancellations, changes, or transfers to reservations will be assessed a fee and can be made prior to arrival by the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center. Any cancellation, change, or transfer made upon arrival must be processed through the state park. For complete information on fees, cancellations, changes, transfers, and discount policies, view the Reservation Cancellation/Change Policy at the website above. 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 13mile stretch of the Clarion River flows through Cook Forest State Park and is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Lodging Cook Forest State Park River Cabin 1 There are 11 old growth areas in the park, totaling more than 2,300 acres. Most stands are dominated by ancient hemlock and white pine, but also contain ancient under-story trees. Many white pine and hemlock trees in these areas approach 350 years old. Scientists believe these old growth areas began following a large forest fire in 1644. Some trees survived the fire and date back to the early 1500s. Indian Cabin 4 Access 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. Cook Forest State Park Office 100 Route 36, P.O. Box 120 Cooksburg, PA 16217 814-744-8407 CookForestSP@pa.gov GPS DD: Lat. 41.33342 Long. -79.2099 Indian Cabins GPS DD: Lat. 41.334 Long. -79.209 River Cabins GPS DD: Lat. 41.326 Long. -79.192 Reservations: 888-PA-PARKS www.visitPAparks.com 4/20 Printed on Recycled Paper Cook Forest State Park Lodging Cook Forest Cabin Maps CHECK-IN: Check-in time is 5:00 PM. Since check-in is after the park office closes at 4:00 PM, call the park office in advance for check-in instructions. Indian Cabins 5/4 4/4 6/4 3/4 2/4 India 8/4 9/4 s Ru n rc Tr a 12//8 12 l 1 set y 3/8 4/8 5/10 Run Guests should bring sheets, blankets or sleeping bags, pillows, etc.; all cooking, serving, and eating utensils; coffee pot; fans; toiletries; towels; garbage bags; containers to carry water; and dishpans. Tents, camping trailers, and RVs are not permitted in the cabin area. 7/9 6/8 nr * Up to two dogs permitted for a fee He 11/8 R R r i ve 15/4 Cl 14/4 a rio n Ri Paved Road Dogs Permitted Parking Lot ADA Accessible Trail Shower House/ Restrooms Restrooms Picnic Area Playground River Cabin 4 living room and dining area Rev. 10/19 Rustic Cabin (Cabin Number/ Number of Guests) ),5(6Fires are only permitted in fire rings, grills, and fireplaces. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished before leaving the area. Firewood is not provided. Firewood may be purchased in the campground. Cutting live or standing trees and operating chainsaws are prohibited. MINIMUM/MAXIMUM STAY: Cabins have a two-night minimum and a 14-night maximum stay in the non-peak season. In the summer peak season, the second Friday in June to the third Friday in August, rentals are weekly (Friday to Friday). r ve To , Canoe Launch, Park Office, Indian Cabins 1/8 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks. QUIET HOURS: Campers must not disturb the sleep of others between