Cook Forest State Park

Threaded by the Clarion River, this hallmark 6,668-acre Pennsylvania state park protects one of the largest old-growth white pine–eastern hemlock forests in the eastern United States. The ancient trees clad fully a third of its total acreage, with three large groves: Cathedral, Swamp, and Seneca. Some 30 miles of interlocking trails explore ancient and second-growth forest, the Clarion River, Toms Run, and plateaus of rhododendron and mountain laurel. Top a rocky vantage (Seneca Point) and historic Cook Fire Tower to survey the park’s majesty. The trail system presents a variety of round-trip, loop, and shuttle-hike options; the five selected hikes provide a strong appreciation for the park. Special attractions: Primeval forest; Clarion River; 1929 fire tower; freshwater and mineral springs; rhododendron, laurel, and dogwood blooms; swinging bridge; wildlife; fall foliage; 1976 tornado legacy.