Cook Forest State Park
Website:
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/CookForestStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
Telephone Number:
Location:
113 River Road, Cooksburg, PA 16217
Description:
Cook Forest State Park spans 8,500 acres (3,440 ha) across Farmington Township in Clarion County, Barnett Township in Forest County, and Barnett Township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. Nestled just south of the Allegheny National Forest, this park boasts a lush landscape of rolling hills and mountains along the Clarion River in northwestern Pennsylvania. Renowned for its majestic stands of virgin white pine and hemlock, Cook Forest was once dubbed the "Black Forest" due to its dense evergreen canopy.
Recognized as a National Natural Landmark, Cook Forest has garnered acclaim, earning a spot among America's top 50 state parks according to National Geographic Traveler magazine. Selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Bureau of Parks as one of "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks," it captivates visitors with its pristine natural beauty and rich history.
Long before European settlers arrived, the Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy inhabited these lands, using the area as prime hunting grounds. Over time, ownership of Cook Forest transitioned to English settlers. Seneca Rock serves as a reminder of the region's original inhabitants, while the Paramount Pictures' film "Unconquered" filmed here in 1946 adds to its cinematic legacy.
The park's history is intertwined with that of John Cook, its first permanent American settler. In 1826, John Cook arrived to assess the feasibility of constructing an east-to-west canal along the Clarion River for Pennsylvania. Two years later, he settled on 765 acres (310 ha) of land with his family, establishing his cabin and the first water-driven sawmill near Tom's Run, now situated near the park office.
Andrew Cook, John's son, expanded the family's industry by purchasing additional land and constructing mills, dwellings, and a store. He played a pivotal role in the community, serving as a judge and local bank president. The Cook Homestead, now a bed and breakfast, stands as a testament to the family's enduring legacy. Today, descendants of the Cook family still reside in many of the homes along River Road, preserving the area's rich heritage.
