Sunday
May 31, 2026Guided Old-Growth Forest Walk
through Cook Forest State Park in Pennsylvania
with Carl Harting, Friends of Cook Forest
Experience the gem of the northeast's old-growth woodlands, Cook Forest State Park Join the Old-Growth Forest Network for a private guided walk through one of the most iconic old-growth landscapes in the eastern U.S. and the very first forest to join the Old-Growth Forest Network, Cook Forest State Park (joined on April 19th, 2012). In this forest cathedral, nature has made a grand statement with 1,500 acres of inspiring old-growth. Cook Forest itself features 27 miles of trails winding through 8,000 acres.
We will hike the Longfellow Trail, a ~1.2 miles / ~2 hours (loop) to experience the “Forest Cathedral,” the heart of Cook Forest’s old-growth. This trail will take us through the largest concentration of towering white pines* in the park and large hemlocks as well as a majestic 439-year-old cucumber magnolia.
Space is limited. Please RSVP early.
All invitees are welcome to bring one guest.
RSVP: [Insert RSVP Link]
Questions: Contact Kayla Green at kayla@oldgrowthforest.net or call 404-585-0329.
We will hike the Longfellow Trail, a 1.2 mile loop that will take us about 2 hours to complete. Longfellow Trail begins beside the Log Cabin Inn Educational Center, passes Memorial Fountain, traverses the heart of the Forest Cathedral, and ends on Forest Road (S.R. 1015). There is a short uphill climb at the start (~100 ft), on a nice wide trail. It is otherwise smooth, gradual trail and gentle descent. No stream crossings. Here is a video to show you the terrain of the trail to determine if you are comfortable with this hike.
During the walk, our guide Carl will go over:
History of Cook Forest and its preservation
Why it qualifies as true old-growth
Key old-growth characteristics
Tree ages and species
Research conducted at Cook Forest
During the hike, we will take a moment to sit in the forest and reflect on its beauty. We will conclude the hike back where started and gather for a simple takeout lunch together after the hike.
What to expect
Saturday, April 25, 2026Cook Forest State Park
The trail into the Forest Cathedral area starts just behind the Log Cabin Inn environmental center (photo left) which is located 1 mile up Forest Road from Rt 36. There is ample parking at the center and we will meet at the Log Cabin.
To Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate layers
Water bottle
Personal medications
Address207 Bryant Rd, Cummington, MA 01026
Duration2.5 - 3 hours
RegisterParking lot behind the Homestead barn
Light refreshments including granola bars and water will be available at the Visitors Center before we begin.
Arrive10:00am
Meet$50 to support the Old-Growth Forest Network | Register Here
Suggested DonationLimit two people per RSVP to maintain an intimate, conversational experience.
Attendance
LimitTravel and Accommodations
Nearest Major Airport
The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL), located near Hartford, Connecticut. It is approximately 1 hour 30 to 45 minutes from Cummington and offers the best combination of flight availability and driving distance.
Additional airport options:
Albany International Airport (ALB) – approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Logan International Airport (BOS) – approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Recommended Towns for Lodging
Northampton, MA – approximately 35 minutes away
A lively college town, home of Smith College, with excellent restaurants, walkability, and boutique hotels. The town also features an outstanding museum of art and a beautiful botanic garden.
Williamstown, MA – approximately 45 minutes away
Located in the northwest corner of Massachusetts near the Vermont and New York borders, Williamstown offers classic New England charm and mountain views. It is home to Williams College and the renowned Clark Art Institute.
Both towns allow guests to stay in one location for the weekend while comfortably traveling to the William Cullen Bryant Homestead for the event.
Vacation rentals through Airbnb and VRBO are also available in Cummington and the surrounding hilltowns for those seeking a quieter, more secluded stay.
Other nearby old-growth forest walks to explore:
If you plan to visit any of these forests, we are glad to share more detailed guidance on how to experience their finest old-growth areas.
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This state forest covers 7,758 total acres of which between 400 and 500 acres are old growth. The oldest trees in the forest are hemlocks, which have been dated to 500 years.
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From the parking area off River Road, hike the Dunbar Brook Trail through shaded stands of old-growth old-growth Eastern Hemlock and associated northern hardwood trees. The pristine brook tumbles and drops 700 vertical feet in two miles, over huge moss-covered boulders forming entrancing waterfalls, rapids and pools.
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The Ice Glen is a glacial ravine in the southeast area of Stockbridge, MA. The sides of the glen are covered with old-stand pine and hemlock. Because of this the pines grow tall and go uncut, and many consider Ice Glen as the most accessible old-growth forest in the state.
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Guilder Pond in Mount Washington is the second highest Pond in Mass with Mount Everett in the background, you will experience nature at its finest here and amazing mountain laurel and azalea in spring. Old-growth hemlock grows here with some dating between 350-400 years old.
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Bash Bish Falls State Park offers scenic viewing of the Commonwealth’s largest waterfall. Bash Bish is contiguous with Mount Washington State Forest and other preserved lands. Together, they constitute a densely biodiverse habitat for many protected species, and home to old growth forest areas.
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Located in the rolling hills of the Berkshires, Windsor State Forest provides visitors with the relaxation of deep woods trails, views of the scenic Westfield River, historic CCC-era architecture, and sunny fields for picnic and play. A short hike takes guests up to the Windsor Jambs waterfall, featuring the Windsor Jambs Brook cascading between 80 foot high granite walls. There is a small area of hemlock-red spruce old-growth in the scenic gorge
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Further away in Central MA.
High Meadow Trail passes through old-growth forest dominated by Sugar Maple trees; in the springtime this area is a showcase for ephemeral wildflowers such as bloodroot, trout lily, and dutchman’s breeches. Jack Frost Trail is dominated by extremely old hemlock trees.