Kalyumet is located right next to historic Cook Forest State Park which offers several sights and activities for all visitors to enjoy. Visitors can marvel at the stunning forest cathedral, go fishing or kayaking on the Clarion River, or hike among stately old-growth white pine and hemlock trees. 

Cook Forest makes for a beautiful detour if you’re staying at Kalyumet and is a wonderful daytime excursion full of fun things to do for the whole family. Check out what Cook Forest has in store for you and plan your trip to Kalyumet today!

Sights and Attractions

Cook Forest State Park is known for its old-growth forest cathedral and is one of America’s must-see state parks. Here are some of the best sightseeing spots and attractions in the area to view, whatever the season.

  • Forest Cathedral: The Forest Cathedral is what Cook Forest is most known for, so called for the towering height of the trees, the extensive evergreen forest cover creating a ceiling, and the tranquil solemnity they evoke. In fact, Cook Forest is considered the most important tract of virgin timberland in Pennsylvania and is home to some of the finest virgin old-growth white pine and hemlock trees. It used to be called the “Black Forest” because of the expansive growth of evergreen trees in the area. Some of these trees have grown to over 200 ft tall and have lived for up to 300 years! You won’t find anything quite like this anywhere else.
  • Seneca Point Overlook: From an elevation of about 1600 feet, Seneca Point Overlook provides a breathtaking view of the Clarion River Valley. You can hike all the way up and it makes for an excellent place to stop and take in the sights.
  • Fire Tower #9:  For a complete aerial view of the entire forest, the one from atop Fire Tower #9 can’t be beat. This 80-foot structure was built in 1929 to make it easier to spot forest fires and still stands for visitors to see and climb.
  • Clarion River: The Clarion River runs for a 13-mile stretch through the entire park and is great for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.
  • Sawmill Center for the Arts: The Cook Forest Sawmill Center for the Arts is a premier location within the state park “where nature meets the arts”. Housed in an old sawmill, the Center for the Arts holds live theater performances, arts and crafts classes, festivals, and a craft market full of handmade goods.
  • Clear Creek State Park: If you can’t get enough of nature and the forest, Clear Creek State Park is located right near Cook Forest.

Things To Do

There’s more to sightseeing at Cook Forest State Park. Here are some of the activities you can look forward to when you explore Cook Forest:

  • Hiking: Cook Forest State Park has at least 16 marked hiking trails that run for more than 47 miles.
  • Biking: Biking is permitted on one-way dirt roads in the park, a 13-mile bicycle trail, and a portion of the Hefren Run Trail.
  • Horseback riding: The park has a designated loop trail that begins at Forest Drive and passes through beautiful pine plantations.
  • Fishing: The Clarion River and Tom’s Run are great fishing spots for trout, warm water game fish, and panfish.
  • Kayaking and canoeing: The Clarion River is also good for kayaking and canoeing and has an average downward flow of 4 miles per hour, with two paddling trips at 4 or 10-mile lengths.
  • Wildlife spotting: Cook Forest is home to many varied flora and fauna, from hundred-year-old white pines and hemlock trees to wildlife like deer, black bears, otters, wild turkeys, and even bald eagles.  Hunting: Hunting, trapping, and dog training are allowed during established seasons and within certain areas of the forest. People interested can hunt for deer, bears, squirrels, and turkeys. Hunting of groundhogs or woodchucks, however, is prohibited. 
  • Picnicking: Cook Forest is a wonderful place for picnics! You’ll find plenty of picnic areas and grills all over the park, including picnic shelters and pavilions that can be reserved for large groups in advance.
  • Camping: Overnight stays are always welcome at Cook Forest State Park! There are 210 designated campsites with toilet, shower, and laundry facilities, full hookups, electric hookups, sewage hookups, onsite water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Rustic cabins are also available for rent for one-week stays, with beds, heat, refrigerators, stoves, tables, chairs, and a nearby shower house.

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When you’re staying with us here at Kalyumet, a detour to Cook Forest State Park is highly recommended. Whether you’re there for the day or for the night, Cook Forest promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for everyone.