![Exploring-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania Exploring Cook Forest State Park in northwestern Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Exploring-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-696x584.jpg)
Cook Forest State Park covers an 8,500-acre expanse across portions of Clarion, Jefferson, and Forest counties in northwestern PA.
![](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Map-to-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Northwestern-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The park is named in honor of John Cook, the first permanent settler of European descent in the region.
![Cook Forest State Park is named in honor of John Cook, the first permanent American settler to the area in 1826.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Office-Fall-Foligae-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
Once called the “Black Forest” (because light had difficulty penetrating the dense canopy of trees), this region of Pennsylvania was and is revered for its remaining stands of virgin timber, composed primarily of towering white pines and hemlocks.
![Scene along the Rhododendron Trail at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Forest-Cathedral-Natural-Area-Fall-Foliage-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
Cook Forest was purchased from John Cook’s descendants in 1927, becoming the first Pennsylvania state park acquired to preserve a natural area.
![](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1937-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Postcard-Public-Domain-Image.jpg)
Today, the Forest Cathedral Natural Area is designated a National Natural Landmark, and contains more white pine over 150 feet tall than any other site in the northeastern United States.
![The Forest Cathedral Natural Area at Cook Forest State Park is a registered National Natural Landmark.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Indian-Trail-old-growth-forest-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
So with that backdrop in mind, here are 10 of the best things to see and do at Cook Forest State Park!
![The swinging bridge is a popular attraction at Cook Forest State Park in northwestern Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Swinging-Bridge-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Clarion-County-PA-October-2022.jpg)
10 of the Best Things to See and Do at Cook Forest State Park
![Fall foliage along Fire Tower Road at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Seneca-Point-Road-Fall-Foligae-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
1. Visit Seneca Point
Seneca Point is a rock outcropping that serves as a scenic overlook high above the Clarion River valley.
![Approaching Seneca Point at Cook Forest State Park in northwestern Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Seneca-Point-Fall-Foliage-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
Named in honor of the Native Americans who hunted here prior to the arrival of European settlers, this is a particularly beautiful vantage point for viewing fall foliage.
![Seneca Point is a rock outcropping and scenic overlook at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Seneca-Point-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Fall-Foliage-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
Seneca Point is located just a few hundred yards from a parking area along Fire Tower Road.
![Visitors enjoying the views from Seneca Point at Cook Forest State Park in Northwestern Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Fall-Foliage-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Seneca-Point-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
2. Climb Fire Tower #9
Built in 1929, Fire Tower #9 rises 87.5 feet above Seneca Point, and once gave firefighters a 15- to 20-mile view of the surrounding forest and valley below.
![The 87.5-foot fire tower at Cook Forest State Park, built in 1929 by Pennsylvania’s Department of Forest and Waters, was retired from service in 1966.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Fire-Tower-Seneca-Point-Fall-Foliage-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
Retired from firefighting service in 1966, Fire Tower #9 now serves as a scenic overlook.
![View from the 87.5-foot Fire Tower Number 9 at Cook Forest State Park in northwestern Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Seneca-Point-Fire-Tower-View-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Fall-Foliage-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed in the actual observation cabin at the top of the tower, so the view (at least when the leaves are on the trees) is somewhat compromised.
![Treetop view from Fire Tower Number Nine at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Fire-Tower-Number-Nine-View-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
But if you want to test your nerves and impress your less-brave friends, you can get some great shots of the ground far below!
![Looking straight down from Fire Tower Number 9 at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Fire-Tower-looking-straight-down-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
3. Visit the Forest Cathedral Natural Area
The 448-acre Forest Cathedral Natural Area is considered Pennsylvania’s finest and largest old-growth forest.
![The Indian Trail is one of the more challenging hikes at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Indian-Trail-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The Forest Cathedral is accessible by 6.5 miles of trails, and if you want to see some of the tallest, oldest trees east of the Mississippi River, make sure to check this portion of Cook Forest State Park out!
![Looking up through the canopy of trees in the Forest Cathedral Natural Area at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Forest-Cathedral-Fall-Foliage-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
4. Explore the Clarion River
A 13-mile stretch of the Clarion River flows through the southern portion of Cook Forest State Park.
![A scenic 13-mile stretch of the Clarion River flows through Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Clarion-River-Fall-Foliage-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The Clarion River is especially popular in the summer months for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing, and swimming.
![Bridge spanning the Clarion River near the Cook Forest State Park office.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Clarion-River-Bridge-Fall-Foliage-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
5. Spend the Night in a Historic Cabin
The Indian Cabin Historic District is composed of 11 single room log cabins, located on Tom’s Run behind the park office.
![The Indian Cabins at Cook Forest State Park are along Toms Run behind the park office.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Cabins-Fall-Foliage-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
Constructed between 1933-35 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), these cabins were built from salvaged American chestnut trees killed by blight; they were subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
![The Indian Cabin Historic District at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Indian-Cabin-Historic-District-Cook-Forest-State-Park.jpg)
6. Cross the Swinging Bridge
Located just a short hike from the park office along Route 36, the Swinging Bridge at Cook Forest State Park is one of the most popular attractions at the park.
![The swinging bridge at Cook Forest State Park is just a short walk from the park office along Route 36.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Crossing-the-Swinging-Bridge-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
Simply follow the Birch Trail as it leads north away from the park office parking lot, and you’ll arrive at the Cook Forest swinging bridge in less than 5 minutes.
![The Birch Trail at Cook Forest State Park in Clarion County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Birch-Trail-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
This suspension bridge serves as a connector between the Birch Trail and Tom’s Run Trail.
![The suspension bridge at Cook Forest State Park serves as a connector between the Birch Trail and Tom's Run Trail.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Swinging-Bridge-Fall-Foliage-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
The bridge really does swing and bounce a bit when you cross it, so if you’ve ever wanted to live out those scenes from Indiana Jones without too much risk, here’s your chance!
![View from the banks of Tom's Run, looking up at the swinging bridge at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Swinging-Bridge-Fall-Foliage-Toms-Run-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
7. Take a Kid Fishing
The Children’s Fishing Pond behind the park office (and next to the Indian Cabin Historic District) is available for use by children 12 and younger, as well as by people with a disability.
![The Children's Fishing Pond at Cook Forest State Park is stoked with trout.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-childrens-Fishing-Pond-sign-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The pond is stocked with trout (including some palominos), and is a beautiful spot to see, even if you don’t fish.
![The Children's Fishing Pond at Cook Forest State Park was constructed by damming Tom's Run.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Fall-Foliage-Kids-Fishing-Pond-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-1.jpg)
8. Take a Hike
Cook Forest State Park features 27 blazed trails, totaling some 47 miles for hiking.
![The Indian Trail at Cook Forest State Park starts on the north side of the Children’s Fishing Pond](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Indian-Trail-Sign-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
From paved, ADA-accessible trails to steep, rugged single-tracks, there’s a trail for nearly everyone at Cook Forest State Park.
![Cook Forest State Park has 29 miles of hiking trails to explore.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Hiking-Trails.jpg)
9. Take a Bike Ride
Bikes are permitted on all one-way forest roads within Cook Forest State Park, including Fire Tower Road pictured here.
![Bicycles are permitted on all one-way dirt roads within Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cook-Forest-State-Park-Forest-Road-Northwestern-Pennsylvania.jpg)
10. Visit a Movie Set
That’s right – some scenes from the 1947 movie “Unconquered”, directed by Cecil B. DeMille, were filmed at Cook Forest State Park, including some of the rocky grottos around Seneca Point and along the Deer Park Trail.
![Some scenes from the 1947 movie “Unconquered,” directed by Cecil B. DeMille, were filmed at Cook Forest State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Rocky-Grotto-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Unconquered-Film-Location-1946.jpg)
So there you have it – 10 of the best things to see and do at Cook Forest State Park!
![Approaching the swinging bridge at Cook Forest State Park from the Birch Trail.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Swinging-Bridge-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Clarion-County-Pennsylvania-October-2022.jpg)
So much to do, in fact, that you’ll bear-ly be able to contain yourself!
![Chainsaw-carved bear next to the old Cook Forest State Park office along River Road.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Chainsaw-Carved-Bear-Cook-Forest-State-Park-Old-Park-Office.jpg)
Nearby Attractions
Beartown Rocks in the Clear Creek State Forest features an exceptional scenic overlook perched high atop a “rock city” dating back to the last Ice Age!
![The scenic overlook platform at Beartown Rocks in the Clear Creek State Forest is perched atop a gigantic rock formation.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Beartown-Rocks-Scenic-Overlook-Tower-Jefferson-County-Pennsylvania-Fall-Foliage.jpg)
Beartown Rocks is essentially a roadside attraction, meaning you can park right next to it and take a leisurely stroll through this “rock city” in Jefferson County.
![Fall foliage views near the Beartown Rocks trail head in Jefferson County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Beartown-Rocks-Trail-Jefferson-County-Pennsylvania-Fall-Foliage-Scene.jpg)
Clear Creek State Park encompasses 1,901 acres near the Clarion River in Jefferson County.
![Jefferson County Pennsylvania fall foliage views from Clear Creek State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Jefferson-Couty-Fall-Foliage-Clear-Creek-State-Park-October-2022.jpg)
Rapp Run Falls is a nearly-roadside waterfall on State Game Lands 72 in Clarion County.
![Rapp Run Falls in Clarion County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Rapp-Run-Falls-Clarion-County-PA.jpg)
Brady’s Bend Overlook is a gorgeous roadside overlook perched some 520 feet above the Allegheny River in Clarion County.
![Brady's Bend Scenic Overlook in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Bradys-Bend-Scenic-Overlook-Clarion-County-PA.jpg)
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