Programs at Cook Forest State Park

Sunday, August 16 at 5:00 pm - ‘Friends of Cook Forest: Women’s Hiking Series’

Enjoy an evening nurturing your mental and physical health.  Moderate level hiking.  Approximately 2 hours long.  Open to all women (ages 14 & up).  Please meet at the Nuthole Pavilion, located at the entrance to Ridge Camp. For more information, please contact Meredith Reinhart at (814)319-4621. (2hrs)

Saturday, August 22 at 9:00 am - ‘Discovering the Ancients: Swamp Natural Area’

They don’t call it a swamp for nothing. Not your typical swamp either, but a rare old growth forested wetland. Join us for a trackless hike into the seldom seen old growth of our Swamp Natural Area. Many hemlocks and some white oak can be found here surpassing 300 years old, black gum may even be older that. One of the few places in the park you can view ancient shaggy bark red maple. This is a difficult muddy off-trail discovery hike not for the faint of heart. Help the park naturalist document and measure some of the big, tall, and ancient trees found here. Please meet at the Park Office where we will car-pool to the starting location. Bring your muck boots! (3 hrs)

Friday, August 28 at 7:30 am - ‘Allegheny River Boating Program: Fisherman’s Cove-Kennerdell’ Cook Forest State Park and Clear Creek State Forest will be conducting a 6.6 mile interpretive float highlighting the historical and biological aspects of this stretch of the river. Long before this area was settled by Europeans, tribes of Native Americans lived along its banks for centuries as evidenced by their stone artifacts and petroglyphs. Celeron’s expedition in 1749 claimed this area for the French who named it, LaBelle Riviere, the beautiful river. You will see that much of that natural beauty remains today, even after the extraction of much of the area’s natural resources. Kennerdell was a hub of activity back in its heyday. Expect to see eagles, interesting wildflowers, and the seldom seen butternut tree along the way. Fishing is excellent here, don’t forget to bring your poles! This is a wilderness boating experience, only skilled boaters permitted. Please meet promptly at the Park Office where we will drive to the starting point downstream from Franklin. Folks must pre-register by 8/24 by contacting the Park Office at (814) 744-8407. Registration limited to 10 boats. Cost is $50/boat payable by cash, check or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All boats, gear, and lunch provided. Prior Cook Forest kayak training participants receive a 50% discount. Register early, available spots go fast. See you on the river! (12 hrs)

Friday, August 28 at 100pm - ‘Fire Tower/Seneca Point Historical Tour’

Please bring your binoculars and meet at the Fire Tower Parking Lot for an historical interpretive tour of the Fire Tower and Seneca Point by DCNR Conservation Volunteer, Greg Burns. Learn about local logging history, observe Indian sign, and take a breathtaking view from the top of the Fire Tower. (1.5 hrs)

Friday, September 4 at 7:30 pm - ‘Owl Prowl’

Please bring your flashlights and meet at the Park Office for an evening driving tour to owling hotspots in Cook Forest. Explore the old growth forest and National Wild & Scenic Clarion River at night for Pennsylvania’s secretive owls. Barred, great horned, screech, and saw-whet owls have been known to make an appearance. (3 hrs)

Saturday, September 5 at 9:00 am - ‘Discovering the Ancients: Tall Black Cherries of Cook Forest’ Cook Forest is the epicenter for the tallest known black cherries in the Northeastern U.S. Join the park naturalist at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning