Please meet at the Park Office where we will conduct a driving “battlefield tour” to historic lumber sites on the Clarion River. See where the community 40ft long dugout canoe was likely kept, recollect about the great Ol’ Copper Still on Whiskey Run, recount “Wash” Dunkle’s epic fist fight, contemplate the Maze Gap drowning, and view remnants of the Bartley Mill. (3 hrs)
Please bring your cross country skis and headlamps and meet at the Nuthole Cabin, located at the entrance to Ridge Camp, for an evening candlelit interpretive cross country ski trip in the old growth forests within and surrounding our family campground. If snow conditions aren’t good, we’ll snowshoe or hike instead. Hot chocolate and a cozy cabin will be available to warm us up! (2.5hrs)
This is an amazing hike through the ancient hemlocks. We will hike approximately 3 miles on the Rhododendron and Indian Trails. Join 52 Hike Challenge Pennsylvania Chapter for a hike to celebrate "The Reset." The Reset is a national call to take a break from screens and reconnect with people and places in our community for 24 hours. You can signup to join The Reset at the-reset.org. We will meet to hike at theCooks Forest park office. GPS DD: Lat. 41.33342 Long. -79.20991 As of today, the swinging bridge is closed so we will use Indian and Rhodedndren Trails to hike into the Forest Cathedral, home to some of the most magnificent trees in PA. If the swinging bridge is repaired for this hike will will take Tom's Run Trail. Expect elevation gain and tree roots and a moderate level hike. We will be hiking at 2.0 mph or less so don't be afraid to join us. No one is left behind and we love to pause for photos. This is one of the most magical hikes in Pennsylvania. Will will hike in the snow UNLESS the snow is too deep for hiking or frigid temperatures. Please bring traction if you have it, the 10 essentials including water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers
Come join us for a day of fun wintry activities along the picturesque National Wild & Scenic Clarion River within Cook Forest State Park. Various activities will be held at the new River Pavilion by the playground on River Road approximately 1-mile up-river from the RT36 Cooksburg Bridge:
- 1130am - Chili Cook-Off (hot & mild divisions)
- 1130am-230pm - carriage rides, sledding, snowman building, ice skating (ice skates available)
- 1200-100pm - Snowshoe interpretive hike within the old growth forest along Cook Trail, meet at the new River Pavilion
- 100pm - Happy Dog Contest
Come sample the chili during the ‘Free Chili Cook-Off’, that is, after the judges have tried some first. Hot chocolate and coffee will be on hand to help take the chill out of your bones. Enjoy a wonderful day among family and friends in Cooksburg’s winter wonderland.
Please bring your binoculars and spotting scopes to the Park Office for a driving tour to otter hotspots along the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. This is the prime time of the year to witness otter activity. Chances are good to observe otter sign such as slides, tracks, and latrines along the banks of the river. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available at the Park Office to warm us up. Maybe we’ll even get a chance to see a river otter romp in action!
Cook Forest State Park will be conducting an interpretive cold weather kayaking trip on the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Join the flotilla and celebrate the last days of winter on this 4-7 mile interpretive float. Bald eagles, river otter, mink, and mergansers have been known to make an appearance. Cost is $40/boat (bring your own or we’ll supply you one) with check or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Lunch provided. All monies raised go towards future programming at Cook Forest State Park. Participants must pre-register by 3/6/26 by contacting the Park Office at (814)744-8407. Prior kayak training participants receive a 50% discount. Safety is of utmost importance. All participants must have the following required safety equipment or will not be permitted to
