Join the Friends of Cook Forest and celebrate the New Year with a hike on the iconic Longfellow Trail. We’ll meet at the Log Cabin Inn for a 2-mile hike through some of the finest old growth forest in the Northeastern U.S. We’ll also see remnants of the tallest tree in the northeast which fell in a windstorm 7 years ago. Please be prepared for the weather. Leashed, people-friendly pets welcome. (2 hrs)
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)
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
