Programs at Cook Forest State Park (2026)

Out and About This Winter

Thursday, January 1, at 1:00 p.m. - ‘First Day Hike: Longfellow Trail’: 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 that fell in a windstorm 7 years ago. Please be prepared for the weather. Leashed, people-friendly pets welcome. (2 hrs)

Saturday, January 17, at 9:00 a.m. - ‘Driving Tour to Historic Lumber Era Sites: Clarington-Gravel Lick’: 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, 40-ft. 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)

Friday, January 23, at 7:00 p.m. - ‘Cross Country Ski Cook Forest at Night: Ridge Camp’: 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)

Saturday, February 21, at 11:00 a.m. - ‘Snowman in the Forest Day’: 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 the river, from the RT36 Cooksburg Bridge:

11:30 a.m. - Chili Cook-Off (hot & mild divisions)

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. - carriage rides, sledding, snowman building, ice skating (ice skates available)

12:00-1:00 p.m. - Snowshoe interpretive hike within the old growth forest along Cook Trail, meet at the new River Pavilion

1:00 p.m. - 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. Event sponsored by the Cook Forest Vacation Bureau. (3 hrs)

Saturday, February 28, at 7:00 a.m. - ‘Otter Watch’: 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 signs 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! (3 hrs)

Saturday, March 14, at 9:00 a.m. - ‘Polar Bear Float’: 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 attend: dry suit or dry top/bottom combination, cold-weather boots, waterproof gloves, waterproof stow bag, complete change of clothes. Meet at the Park Office, where we will conduct a safety check for the above items, load gear, and travel to the starting point, up the river. (5 hrs)