{{Short description|State park in Pennsylvania, United States}} {{Use American English|date=January 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox park | name = Cook Forest State Park | image = Streamside.jpg | image_caption = Tom's Run | image_alt = Stream | image_size = 280 | location = [[Clarion County, Pennsylvania|Clarion]], [[Forest County, Pennsylvania|Forest]] and [[Jefferson County, Pennsylvania|Jefferson]] counties, [[Pennsylvania]], United States | coordinates = {{coord|41.33292|-79.20915|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | coords_ref = <ref name="cfsp"/> | area = {{convert|8500|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name="cfsp"/> | elevation = {{convert|1444|ft}} | established = 1927 | administrator = [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]] | free_label = Named for | free_data = John Cook | visitation_num = 507,260 | visitation_year = | visitation_ref = <ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=http://www.postgazette.com/pg/09144/972400-455.stm |title=Cutbacks put some state parks on shaky ground |access-date=May 24, 2009 |author=Hopey, Dan |publisher=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |archive-date=December 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210045806/http://postgazette.com/pg/09144/972400-455.stm |url-status=dead }}</ref> | website = {{Official website}} {{Infobox NRHP | name = Cook Forest State Park Indian Cabin District | embed = yes | nrhp_type = hd | nocat = yes | caption = | location = Off PA 36 at Cooksburg, [[Cooksburg, Pennsylvania]] | locmapin = Pennsylvania#USA | built = 1933-1935 | builder = [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] | added = February 12, 1987 | area = {{convert|6.8|acre}} | mpsub = {{NRHP url|id=64000724|title=Emergency Conservation Work (ECW) Architecture in Pennsylvania State Parks: 1933-1942, TR}} | refnum = 87000019 | designated_other1_name = Pennsylvania state historical marker | designated_other1_abbr = PHMC | designated_other1_date = September 17, 1954<ref name=phmcdatabase>{{cite web |title=Cooksburg - PHMC Historical Markers |work=Historical Marker Database |publisher=Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission |url=http://search.pahistoricalmarkers.com/ |access-date=December 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131207041235/http://search.pahistoricalmarkers.com/ |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | designated_other1_link = List of Pennsylvania state historical markers | designated_other1_color = navy | designated_other1_textcolor = #ffc94b }} {{designation list |embed=yes |designation1=NNL |designation1_date=November 1967}} | embedded = }} '''Cook Forest State Park''' is a {{convert|8500|acre|0|adj=on}} [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|Pennsylvania state park]] in [[Farmington Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania|Farmington Township]], [[Clarion County, Pennsylvania|Clarion County]], [[Barnett Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania|Barnett Township]], [[Forest County, Pennsylvania|Forest County]] and [[Barnett Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania|Barnett Township]], [[Jefferson County, Pennsylvania|Jefferson County]], [[Pennsylvania]] in the United States. Located just south of the [[Allegheny National Forest]], the park is a heavily wooded area of rolling hills and mountains along the [[Clarion River]] in northwestern Pennsylvania. Cook Forest State Park is known for some of America's finest virgin [[Pinus strobus|white pine]] and [[Tsuga|hemlock]] timber stands and was once called the "Black Forest" due to the preponderance of evergreen tree coverage.
Cook Forest is now a [[National Natural Landmark]] and was rated one of America's top 50 state parks by ''[[National Geographic Traveler]]'' magazine.{{citation needed|date=December 2008}} It was chosen by the [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]] (DCNR) and its Bureau of Parks as one of "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks".<ref name =mustsee>{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926163600/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |title=Find a Park: 25 Must-see Parks |access-date=May 26, 2015 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref>
==History== When European-Americans reached this part of Pennsylvania it was inhabited by the [[Seneca Nation]] of the [[Iroquois Confederacy]]. They used this area as a [[hunting]] grounds; the land of Cook Forest was then purchased by the English. Seneca Rock is still named after the first inhabitants, and the Paramount Pictures' film "[[Unconquered (1947 film)|Unconquered]]" was shot here in 1946 by [[Cecil B. DeMille]] and starring [[Gary Cooper]] and [[Paulette Goddard]].
John Cook was the first permanent American settler. He arrived in 1826 to determine the feasibility of building an east-to-west canal along the Clarion River for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. John purchased {{convert|765|acre}} and settled here with his wife and 10 children in 1828.<ref name="cfsp"/>
At the mouth of Tom's Run, now adjacent to the park office, John built his one-story cabin and the first of many water-driven sawmills. He worked his mills, logged with oxen, rafted logs to Pittsburgh and also engaged in flatboat building through the years.<ref name="cfsp"/>
John's son Andrew bought {{convert|36|acre}} from his father, then gained the rest of his land when his father died in 1858. Andrew's industry expanded, and he built the original Cook Forest Inn for his woodsmen's living quarters. Andrew erected three sawmills, one flouring mill, one [[planing mill]], a boat scaffold, several dwellings and a store. Andrew also served as a judge and local bank president. About 1870, he built the Cook Homestead (now a bed and breakfast) at the intersection of Route 36 and River Road. Cook family descendants still inhabit many of the homes along River Road. After Andrew's death, the business was managed under A. Cook Sons Company.<ref name="cfsp"/>
==The Forest Cathedral of Cook Forest==
[[Major Israel McCreight]] of [[Du Bois, Pennsylvania]], was author and steward of Cook Forest State Park, the first Pennsylvania State Park acquired to preserve a natural landmark, and a founder of the Pennsylvania Conservation Association.<ref>“The idea of making this timberland a public park originated with [[Major Israel McCreight|McCreight]] of [[Du Bois, Pennsylvania]], who gave liberally of his time and money to interest others, and presented the cause to the State Legislature in 1911.” See Forest County Genealogy, History of Cook Forest at http://www.pa-roots.com/forest/history/historyofcookforest.html and http://www.pa-roots.com/forest/history/historyofcookforest.html</ref> Cook Forest is the most important tract of virgin timberland to be found in Pennsylvania, and is without rival for size East of the Rockies. Once called the "Black Forest", the area is famous for its towering white pines and hemlocks. The idea to make Cook Forest a public park originated on [[Major Israel McCreight|McCreight]]'s first visit to the "Forest Cathedral" near the [[Clarion River]] in northwest central Pennsylvania. "It was a beautiful day, August 21, 1910, that the writer with a few others were invited to a weekend house party at the A.W. Cook home. Cook would comment, as he led the way into the silent ‘temple of the gods’, and then listen to the exclamations of astonishment that were sure to come from those who followed along the fern-bound path in this fairyland. Often there was heard no comment, for in this silent cathedral of the Almighty, it was unuttered. Frequently it was observed that sturdy men could not restrain their tears, at the solemnity of their environment. It was during this walk that A.W. Cook and the writer sat down on a log to talk about the future fate of the magnificent panorama they saw and felt all about them, The writer said to him: ‘Cook, no greater crime could be committed than to destroy this; it shall not be destroyed; it must be saved for humanity’s sake."<ref>“Cook Forest Park Story” at p.14.</ref> [[Major Israel McCreight|McCreight]] was determined to save the forest and began a campaign to conserve the natural landmark. In 1910, [[Major Israel McCreight|McCreight]] and others formed the Pennsylvania Conservation Association<ref>The Pennsylvania Conservation Association was headed by [[Arthur Briggs Farquhar|A. B. Farquhar]], the great farm machinery manufacturer, philanthropist and writer of York, J. Horace McFarland of Harrisburg, Bishop Darlington, the University of Pennsylvania’s Dean and other prominent Philadelphians. Farquhar was President and McCreight Secretary-Treasurer. Cook Forest Park Story p.9.</ref> and successfully lobbied the legislature to consider Cook Forest for state park purposes. For sixteen years a series of unsuccessful legislative bills were introduced for the state to acquire Cook Forest. In 1923, the [https://web.archive.org/web/20101121154150/http://cookforest.com/articles/cookforest-history.cfm Cook Forest Association] was formed for the purpose of acquiring the Cook Forest tract of virgin white pine and hemlock.<ref>McCreight, [http://collection1.libraries.psu.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/digitalbks2/id/9473/rec/1 “Cook Forest Park: Story of the Sixteen Year Battle to Save the Last Stand of Historic Penn's Woods: The when, the why and how of it” (1936)](hereinafter “Cook Forest Park Story”) at p.14. McCreight’s Cook Forest Park Story is “a brief history compiled from the records by one of the many thousands comprising the great army of patriotic citizens who fought to preserve the giant pines for future generations to enjoy.”</ref> Early pioneers with the Cook Forest Association were [[Major Israel McCreight]], Theo Wilson and John Nicholson. The Association, endorsed by national natural resource groups and [[Governor Gifford Pinchot]], raised $200,000.<ref name="cfsp"/> [[File:Height 'n' Width.jpg|thumb|Old growth forest in the park]]
On April 14, 1927, a bill was signed by [[John Stuchell Fisher|Governor John Stuchell Fisher]] appropriating $450,000 on condition that the [https://web.archive.org/web/20101121154150/http://cookforest.com/articles/cookforest-history.cfm Cook Forest Association] raise the remaining $200,000 to purchase the 6,055 acres. On December 28, 1928, the funds having been raised by the [https://web.archive.org/web/20101121154150/http://cookforest.com/articles/cookforest-history.cfm Cook Forest Association], the Secretary of the Department of Forests and Waters announced the formal purchase.
Money from the Association helped the Commonwealth purchase {{convert|6055|acre}} from A. Cook Sons Company in 1927 for $640,000. Cook Forest became the first Pennsylvania State Park acquired to preserve a natural landmark.<ref name="cfsp"/>
Built in 1929, a [[firetower]] was used to spot forest fires. It stands over {{convert|80|ft}} tall. While no longer in use, the public can still climb to the top of the stairs. In addition, on rare occasions, the top spotting area will be opened by a guide to allow visitors a closer look.<ref name="cfsp">{{cite web |url=https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/cook-forest-state-park |title=Cook Forest State Park |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |access-date=December 27, 2025}}</ref>
The '''Cook Forest State Park Indian Cabin District''' is a national [[Historic district (United States)|historic district]] that includes 11 contributing buildings. They are single room [[log cabin]]s located on Toms Run behind the park office. They were built by the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] as part of Camp SP-2, which operated in the park from October 1933 to September 1935.<ref name=nrhpdoc>{{cite report|type=none|url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/71992949 |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration: Pennsylvania MPS Cook Forest State Park Indian Cabin District|publisher=National Archives and Records Administration |author= John Milner Associates |date=October 1986| access-date=December 15, 2025 }} ({{NationalArchivesNote}})</ref> These cabins are constructed largely of [[American chestnut]] logs which were selected due to both their long-term rot-resistance and the impending local extinction of the species due to [[chestnut blight]].
==Ecology== {{see also|List of old growth forests}}
The park is in the [[Allegheny Highlands forests]] [[ecoregion]]. It is famous for its spectacular stands of [[Old-growth forest|old-growth]] [[eastern white pine]] and [[eastern hemlock]], with more white pine over {{convert|150|ft|m}} in its Forest Cathedral than in any other site in the northeastern United States. Many of these ancient trees began growing after a drought and fire in 1644.<ref name="OldGrowthEastPA">{{Cite web |url=http://www.primalnature.org/ogeast/pa.pdf |title=Old Growth in the East: A Survey. Pennsylvania |last=Davis |first=Mary Byrd |date=January 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091229080859/http://www.primalnature.org/ogeast/pa.pdf |archive-date=December 29, 2009}}</ref> In total, there are some {{convert|1500|acre|km2}} to {{convert|2000|acre|km2}} of old-growth forests or old forests with old-growth characteristics in several stands throughout the park.<ref name = "luthringer">{{cite web |url=http://www.nativetreesociety.org/fieldtrips/penna_cook_forest/cook_forest_old_growth02.htm |title=Cook Forest old growth areas & big tree locations |last=Luthringer |first=Dale J. |access-date=January 25, 2009 |date=March 4, 2002 |publisher=Eastern Native Tree Society}}</ref> In addition to white pine and hemlock, old-growth [[northern red oak]], [[Quercus alba|white oak]], [[Prunus serotina|black cherry]], [[red maple]], [[sugar maple]], [[American beech]], [[Fraxinus americana|white ash]], [[yellow birch]], [[Betula lenta|black birch]], and [[cucumber magnolia]] also grow throughout the park.<ref name = "luthringer"/>
==Recreation== [[File:Cookforestbridge.jpg|thumb|left|Hiking trail crosses a CCC-era culvert]] Cook Forest features 27 marked trails totaling some {{convert|29|mi}} for hiking. The terrain is of rolling hills and cool valley streams. Special scenic areas are the old growth forest, Fire Tower/Seneca Point and the Clarion River. Among Cook Forest's primary attractions is the "Forest Cathedral" area of old growth white pine and hemlock, some trees of which top {{convert|180|ft}}. A somewhat more minor attraction is the short rock "grotto" found in the midst of the mountain-laurel thickets along Seneca trail roughly halfway between the Fire Tower/Seneca Point area and the end of Deer Park Trail. Part of the [[Baker Trail]] ({{convert|140|mi}}) and the [[North Country National Scenic Trail]] pass through Cook Forest. The Baker Trail runs from Freeport, in southern Armstrong County, to the Allegheny National Forest. The North Country Trail is under development and will connect the [[Missouri River]] in [[North Dakota]] with the [[Adirondack Mountains]] in [[New York (state)|New York]].<ref name="cfsp"/>
[[Bikes]] are permitted on all one-way dirt roads within the park. Biking on hiking trails is not permitted except on the part of the Heffern Run Trail that is part of the Bicycle Route. All children under 12 years of age are required to wear a helmet when biking. Bikes ridden at night must have a light on the bike. The Bicycle Route is {{convert|11.5|mi}} long and follows lightly traveled roads within the park and Heffern Run Trail. The route is of moderate difficulty with long flat areas and rolling hills. Highlights of the route are a leisurely four-mile flat ride through scenic [[Tom's Run]] Valley, CCC-era red and white pine plantations along Forest Drive and a challenging descent along the Heffern Run Trail. A description of the Bicycle Route is available at the park office.<ref name="cfsp"/>
The swimming pool is permanently closed due to lack of funds to sustain it. Visitors may swim in the Clarion River across from the ranger station or anywhere along public park land. Many local businesses provide canoeing and tubing along the relatively shallow and slow-moving river.<ref name="cfsp"/>
Two designated bridle trails off Cemetery Road and portions of Brown's Run Trail comprise {{convert|4.5|mi}} of trails for horseback riding. Several stables dot the area and are open to the public most of the year; these include Silver Stallion, Pine Crest, and the Cook Forest Scenic Trailride, Dude Ranch, and Campground.<ref name="cfsp"/>
About {{convert|5000|acre}} are open to [[hunting]], [[Trapping (Animal)|trapping]], and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species in the park are [[White-tailed deer|deer]], [[wild turkey]], [[American black bear|bear]], and [[squirrel]]. Hunting [[groundhog|woodchucks]], also known as [[groundhog]]s, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following [[Labor Day]] to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the [[Pennsylvania Game Commission]] rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.<ref name="cfsp"/>
The [[Clarion River]] flows along the park border and provides fishing for [[trout]], warm-water game fish and [[panfish]]. Many visitors enjoy canoeing or kayaking down the river. There are also businesses that will rent visitors a canoe. About {{convert|2.5|mi}} of Tom's Run is stocked with trout. A special fishing pond [[fish stocking|stocked]] with trout is by the park office and is available for use by children 12 and younger and people with a disability. A level grass bank at the edge of the pond provides easy access. For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the [[Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission]].<ref name="cfsp"/>
==Education== [[File:Cookcanopy.jpg|thumb|left|View of the canopy of the old-growth forest]] Programs for all ages are offered March to December. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.<ref name="cfsp"/>
Curriculum-based [[environmental education]] programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be scheduled in advance by calling the park office.<ref name="cfsp"/>
A weekly interpretive schedule is available at the park office. The park has an environmental learning center in the Log Cabin Inn at the Main Picnic Area. The Historical Room displays [[logging]] and [[rafting]] tools, models and artifacts.<ref name="cfsp"/>
The fire tower is always open for climbing during daylight hours, and the booth at its top is occasionally opened by a ranger for exhibition; check at the park office for a schedule.<ref name="cfsp"/>
[[Image:red-eyed-vireo-cook-forest-pa.jpg|250px|right|thumb|A [[Red-eyed vireo]] in its nest at Cook Forest State Park]]
A local, [[non-profit]] craft organization housed in the historic [[sawmill]] offers traditional [[crafts]] on display, a gift shop and classes. Demonstrations and classes on various crafts are presented throughout the summer and fall seasons for children and adults. The Verna Leith Sawmill Theater seats 180 people and presents [[Play (theatre)|plays]], [[Musical theatre|musicals]] and other entertainment throughout the summer season.<ref name="cfsp"/>
==Accommodations== The 24 rustic cabins rent from the second Friday in April to late December. All cabins are minimally furnished. Each cabin has beds, mattresses, gas stove, refrigerator, and tables and chairs. Occupants must provide their own bedding, cookware and tableware. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted. There are two cabin areas at Cook Forest. The River Cabins are on a hillside overlooking the Clarion River. Two River Cabins have one room and sleep four people and the other 11 River Cabins have four rooms, a fireplace and sleep six or eight people. The Indian Cabins are along Tom's Run behind the park office. These smaller, one-room cabins sleep four people.<ref name="cfsp"/><ref name="cfspccc">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/history/historycccyears.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040205111331/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/history/historycccyears.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2004 |title=Pennsylvania State Parks: The CCC Years |access-date=November 28, 2006 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref><ref name=nrhpdoc1>{{cite report|type=none|url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/71992951 |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration: Pennsylvania MPS Cook Forest State Park River Cabin District|publisher=National Archives and Records Administration |author= John Milner Assocs. |date= October 1986| access-date=December 15, 2025 }} ({{NationalArchivesNote}})</ref>
Part of Ridge Campground is open year-round. Winter access is not guaranteed. Modern restrooms with showers are available late May through early October. The 226 tent and trailer campsites have a picnic table and fire ring, and six sites are ADA accessible. There is a sanitary dump station and coin-operated laundry facilities.<ref name="cfsp"/>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|Cook Forest State Park}} {{Portal|Pennsylvania}} *[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/cook-forest-state-park Cook Forest State Park] Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources * {{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd1/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_004777.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813060141/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd1/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_004777.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 13, 2012 |title=Cook Forest State Park official map}} {{small|(1135 KB)}} {{Protected areas of Pennsylvania}} {{National Natural Landmarks in Pennsylvania}} {{National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania}}
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[[Category:State parks of Pennsylvania]] [[Category:National Natural Landmarks in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas established in 1927]] [[Category:Old-growth forests]] [[Category:Parks in Clarion County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Parks in Forest County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Parks in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Campgrounds in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:1927 establishments in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas of Forest County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania]]