Cook Forest: A Local Gem

by Jesse Vivian

 

Each season, we head just a quick thirty-minute drive from our farm to the picturesque Cook Forest State Park. It’s the perfect staycation for our dairy-farming family, and really makes for an enjoyable day for all ages.

This summer, we went big and rented a house right on River Rd in Clarington, Cook Forest, and we can’t stop raving about that short week together. We had the best time floating the river, watching the majestic Bald Eagles soar overhead, fishing for crayfish, minnows and fresh water clams and snails, catching snakes, hiking, making s’mores, riding bikes and just relaxing in the peace that is the cell-phone-service-free zone of the wilderness.

I love Cook Forest so much that I wanted to compile a list of our favorite sites and to-dos in the state park, in case you’re ever there. It’s as easy as a day trip or you could stay entertained as long as you like. It’s truly an all-season place, but nothing rivals Pennsylvania summers in Cook Forest. I mean it, it’s fantastic.

My favorite and most recommended way into the park is through Clarington, and drive River Road. We love to drive the 25mph River Road and spot eagles and so much beauty on the way in. We take Rt 36 from Brookville toward Sigel and turn on 899 to Clarington, then onto River Rd. It’s a fun drive, even just for something to do for an hour or two!

Here is a list of my favorite sights and locations in Cook Forest:

S T A Y

  • Our riverfront rental. 10/10. We’ve driven by this house on River Rd countless times, so it was such a treat to actually stay here. Tom was an amazing host and the house has literally everything you need: including bikes, tubes, kayaks and a canoe! We can’t wait to stay here again.
  • The nicest cabins, if you have a small group and want to “glamp”. Complete with linens and a full kitchen, running water and some even have a hot tub, these cabins are the perfect first step in the the wilderness. We’ve stayed twice and always loved it, but we needed more space this year so we opted for the house rental.
  • An upscale lodge for an adult getaway. We’ve shared here many times our love of the Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest. Deb Adams, the owner, has perfectly planned an enjoyable getaway and fabulous dinner/drinks for adults. It’s our special occasion spot nearby, and we’ve never been disappointed. Bonus: each room features our milk for morning coffee!
  • Camping! Always an option and several campgrounds are scattered throughout Cook Forest. I’m not well versed on camping, though, so I’ll leave that up to the more adventurous ones!

 

P L A Y

  • Our favorite hike: the firetower (you can still climb it!) and Seneca Point. It’s easy, and my kids and nephews played for hours without one complaint.
  • Take a guided horse trail ride! We’ve used Silver Stallion Stables and Cook Forest Dude Ranchin the past, and we all had a great time! It’s a good idea to call ahead, though, because these tours book fast, especially on weekends!
  • Our favorite swimming hole: at Tom’s Run Trail. This flat, easy 1 mile hike is perfect for a hot day and little kids because it’s completely shaded by the woods, and the well-groomed trail (croc/sandal shoe friendly!) runs along the babbling stream of Tom’s Run with an awesome swinging bridge to cross. It offers several spots for the kids to jump in and swim, and the end of the trail has a perfect waterfall-fed swimming hole my kids LOVE! Start this trail by the Pavillon at Shelter No 1 for the best (kid-friendly) experience!
  • Old Fashioned Fun at Cook Forest Fun Park. Bumper boats, a water slide, miniature golf and go-karts are a hit at this cute spot, and of course, you can end the day with ice cream!

 

E A T

  • Upscale dining: The Gateway Lodge. Not kid-friendly, but seriously delicious food and quaint, live music. This our annual anniversary dinner spot  Also, a perfect lodge for an upscale, kid-friendly weekend. We love this place, it’s such a treat for a special occasion.
  • Family friendly dinner/bar: The Clarion River Lodge. We LOVE it here, and make it a regular trip year-round! The best place for outdoor dining and fun/lighthearted live music on the weekends!
  • The Cooksburg Cafe is the cute drive-in spot next to Pale Whale Canoe Rentals, and though you can get so many different ice cream treats, I had the best fish sandwich there on our trip! Great lunch/quick dinner spot!
  • Trails End. This is a great lunch/dinner spot with delicious food and a more casual environment, kid-friendly, too!
  • The Farmer’s Inn in Sigel. Casual, diner-type home cooked food (with a great breakfast buffet) and great ice cream! They have miniature golf and a petting zoo, too, if kids are involved!
  • It would be wrong of me to exclude the local favorite, the classic burger + fries joint: The Halton Hilton. It’s under new management so it’s been cleaned up, is right along the Clarion River with great views, and features a great burger + fries!

 

Though we’re regulars at Cook Forest State Park, I’m sure I missed some great spots or haven’t even learned of them yet! I can’t wait for you to share your favorite go-to activities, places to stay and eat in Cook Forest!

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