Programs at Cook Forest State Park
Thursday, August 5 at 5:30 pm - ‘Family Fishing Program’ The PA Fish & Boat Commission will be offering their Family Fishing Program for families with little or no fishing experience. Participants learn basic fishing skills and to practice those skills while fishing during the program. The program is open to all ages, including children ages 5 and older. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The program is free and all equipment is provided. No fishing license required! Meet at the Children’s Fishing Pond behind the Park Office. Families must pre-register at https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/169218 (3 hrs)
Saturday, August 7 at 11:30 am - ‘Fire Tower Historical Tour’ Please bring your binoculars to the Fire Tower for an historical tour of Fire Tower #9 conducted by park intern, Laryssa Bauer. Take a breathtaking view from the box at the very top of the Fire Tower and learn how it operated. The tower will be open until 100pm. (2.5hrs)
Wednesday, August 11 at 9: 00 pm - ‘Friends of Cook Forest Series: Meteor Shower & Stargazing’ Please meet at the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater and join the Friends of Cook Forest to learn about the constellations and watch the Perseid Meteors put on their annual show. Attendees should bring a chair & flashlight and are urged to download one of the following free apps SKYVIEW or NIGHT SKY on their cell phones. If rain or heavy cloud cover, program will go on 8/12 instead. (1.5hrs)
Friday, August 13 at 8:00 am - ‘Allegheny River Paddling Program: Franklin-Fisherman’s Cove’ Cook Forest State Park will be conducting an interpretive canoeing program on the Allegheny River. We will be putting in at the PAFBC launch in Franklin and pulling out 9.5miles downriver at Fisherman’s Cove. Highlights of the trip will be a stop at Indian God Rock with presentation by Ken Burkett, Executive Director of the Jefferson County History Center. Chad Foster, PAFBC aquatic resource program specialist, will be on hand spotlighting the excellent fishing resource along this stretch. Don’t forget your fishing poles! We will meet promptly at the Park Office and car-pool to the starting point. Remember to bring protective footwear, rain gear, and change of clothes. Bring your own boat or use one of ours! Cost is $50/boat with check or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Lunch will be provided to those who register by 8/11 by calling the Park Office at (814) 744-8407. Prior kayak training participants receive a 50% discount. Space is limited, so please reserve early. (8.5hrs)
Saturday, August 14 at 10:00 am - ‘Friends of Cook Forest Series: Basics of Orienteering’ Ever get lost in Cook Forest? Can you find north? What if it’s dark or you don't have a map? Please meet at the Nuthole Pavilion, located at the entrance to Ridge Camp, to learn the basics of orienteering and be able to find your way. Participants will be sent on a short scavenger hunt at the end of the class to test their new skills. We have some compasses available, but encourage you to bring your own. 12 years or older. (1.5hrs)
Saturday, August 21 at 7:00 pm - ‘Leap Into Herpetology: Introduction to Reptiles & Amphibians of Pennsylvania’ . Join local naturalist April Claus at Nuthole Pavilion, located at the entrance to Ridge Camp, as she introduces you to things that creep, swim, and slither in the diverse habitats at our beloved Cook Forest State Park! materials. Learn how to identify frogs and toads by their call!
Appropriate for children ages 7 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. (1 hr).