First day hike - 1/1/22

Get geared up for our First Day Hike - January 1, 2022, 1-4pm  

Meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom for this challenging 3 mile hike along Ridge Camp,
Corduroy, and Liggett Trails.   We’ll walk through some of the finest old growth hemlock forest in the Northeast
as we circle Ridge Camp, returning along Tom’s run.  Please be prepared for the weather.  If trail conditions
​are a concern, we may walk an alternate route instead.  People/pet friendly pets welcome.
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Camp Fright!  Join us next year!

Mark your calendar!  Reserve you spot at Ridge Camp! Get those decorations ready!
​Camp Fright is scheduled for Friday October 7 & Saturday October 8, 2022!  See you there!

And a big THANK YOU to those who participated in decorating, voting and
donating towards the replacement of the playground equipment at Ridge Camp.
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2021 Friends Events - update!

Cook Forest State Park Programs Update 
As per the Cook Forest State Park website:
COVID-19 Mitigation UPDATE 6/1/21 until further notice): 
  • Outdoor programming resumes normal occupancy.
  • Indoor programming resumes at 50% occupancy.
  • Visitor center exhibit halls resume normal occupancy.
  • During programming, masking is not required for vaccinated visitors. Masking is required for unvaccinated visitors.
If you have questions, please call the park office before your visit.
​For the latest updates, please visit the DCNR website:  DCNR website

Sensory Trail Project
Please see the full plans on the special project page: here


​The Friends of Cook Forest have taken on a new project - turning the 0.2 mile Paved Trail into a "Sensory Trail".  This ADA-accessible trail loop winds through a mature hardwood forest. It can be reached via the water tower access road near the entrance of the Sawmill Center for the Arts. 

​Plans include adding a guide rope the length of the trail, braille/raised letter signage, frequent benches for resting, repairing & sealing the pavement, and leveling the sides with a natural crushed stone.  You can help us achieve our goal with your donation​.  Read our latest newsletter article about the project here.
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Example of a braille/raised letter sign from another park

​Crossing one bridge at a time campaign

Click here to read how you can help the deteriorating bridges at Cook Forest.  Shareable flyer here.

​Become one with the Forest...

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​The Clarion River and the Forest Cathedral are the stars of the show here at Cook Forest, and the Friends of Cook Forest take full advantage of the natural wonders of our park! In fact, our number one priority is an all out assault on the Hemlock woolly adelgid that threaten the beautiful hemlocks of the Forest.

The Friends Group joined in a community search for locations of Hemlock woolly adelgid in Cook Forest. We found them, and it became an important part of The Cathedral documentary being filmed at the time. The films production and viewing around the state helped earn Cook Forest State Park the '2018 Pennsylvania State Park of the Year' Award. 

Breathtaking adventures

Plan your Cook Forest Visit!  The Friends of Cook Forest are happy to provide you with a 7-day forecast so you can be prepared for all kinds of weather-whether hiking, camping, canoeing, cross country skiing, biking or any of the other wonderful outdoor activities available at the Park!  
COOKSBURG WEATHER


​The Forest is CALLing.
WILL YOU ANSWER?
 
​Join us as a member, volunteer or VISITOR!

membership

Membership in the Friends of Cook Forest (FOCF) is open to anyone interested in supporting Cook Forest State Park, its mission and programs.  Please click below for more information.

Volunteer

Become a volunteer to preserve Cook Forest for future generations.  Help is needed with a variety of park projects and programs. 
​Please click below for more information.
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Donate

While we would love to have you as a member of the FOCF, you can help Cook Forest with your tax deductible donation. ​Please click below for more information.
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