Sunday
May 31, 2026

Guided Old-Growth Forest Walk
through Cook Forest State Park in Pennsylvania

with Carl Harting, Friends of Cook Forest

Register

Photo: Cook Forest State Park by Kevin Frest

Experience the Gem of the Northeast’s Old-Growth Woodlands

Join the Old-Growth Forest Network for a private guided walk through Cook Forest State Park, one of the most iconic old-growth landscapes in the eastern United States, and the very first forest inducted into the Network.

Under the guidance of Carl Harting of the Friends of Cook Forest, we will hike the Longfellow Trail — a 1.2-mile loop that takes approximately two hours to complete.

The hike will conclude where we began, followed by a simple takeout lunch together. Old-Growth Forest Network’s Executive Director, Sarah Adloo, and Development Director, Kayla Green, will join the walk. It will be their first time experiencing Cook Forest as well.

This route leads directly into the heart of the Forest Cathedral. Along the way, we will experience:

  • The largest concentration of towering white pines in the park

  • Massive hemlocks anchoring the valley

  • A majestic 439-year-old cucumber magnolia log

  • The quiet structure and complexity that define true old-growth

What You Will Learn

During the walk, Carl will share:

  • The history of Cook Forest and how it was preserved

  • Why it qualifies as true old-growth

  • The defining characteristics of mature forest ecosystems

  • Tree ages and species composition

  • Research conducted within the forest

We will also pause during the hike for a quiet moment of reflection, an opportunity to sit within the forest and simply take in its presence.

Terrain

The trail begins with a manageable ascent of approximately 100 feet on a wide, well-maintained path. The remainder of the hike is relatively smooth, with occasional stairs, roots, and rocks to navigate, followed by a gradual and manageable descent.

A short video of the terrain is available here for those who would like to preview the trail and ensure it feels comfortable.

If there is interest, we may also take a second optional hike after lunch along the Cook Trail, a two-mile loop through another beautiful section of the forest included in the Old-Growth Forest Network.

Space is intentionally limited. Please RSVP early.
All invitees are welcome to bring one 18+ guest.

Register

Photo: Cook Forest State Park by Kevin Frest

Sunday, May 31, 2026

Cook 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 (including a rain jacket)

  • Water bottle

  • Personal medications

  • Bug protection

This event will take place rain or shine, except in the case of thunderstorms.

Date
Address

Sunday, May 31, 2026

Arrive

10:00am at Log Cabin Center 

Duration

2 hours, lunch provided post-hike

Register

Click here to reserve your spot

Trail

Longfellow Trail - 1.2 Mile Loop

113 River Road, Cooksburg, PA 16217

Limit two people per RSVP to maintain an intimate, conversational experience.

Attendance 
Limit

Travel and Accommodations

Cook Forest is accessible by car from several regional airports:

  • Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): ~2 hours from Cook Forest

  • DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ): ~30 miles away (flights from Pittsburgh/DC)

  • Venango Regional Airport (FKL): ~24–27 miles (Franklin/Oil City)

  • Bradford Regional Airport (BFD): ~50 miles away

  • Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW): ~2.5–3 hours (flights from Chicago/DC), opportunity to drive north and visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater along the way!

Recommended Lodging

Sarah and Kayla will be staying in Cook Forest State Park at Ridge Campground for the weekend. If you are interested in camping with us, we would be happy to have you join. Our current campsite accommodates up to five people, and if additional guests are interested we can reserve a larger site. Please let us know as soon as possible if this is something you would like to do.

If you prefer other accommodations, the following options are located nearby::

Other old-growth forests to explore:

If you are spending extra time in the area, Cook Forest and the surrounding region offer several remarkable trails and nearby old-growth forests worth visiting.

  • Cook Forest State Park - Recommended Trails:

    • Cook Trail
      Distance: 2.0 miles (loop)
      Difficulty: More difficult 
      If there is interest, we may hike the Cook Trail after lunch. This two-mile loop travels through another beautiful section of forest included in the Old-Growth Forest Network. The trail parallels Henry’s Run for about half its length and features standing American chestnut snags dating back to the 1920s.

    • Mohawk Trail
      Distance: 1.4 miles
      Difficulty: More difficult
      This trail begins at the PA-36 / Forest Road intersection near the Park Office and ends at the exit of Fire Tower Road. It winds through magnificent old-growth hemlock forest along a hilltop within the Fire Tower Road loop and along the steep hillside overlooking the Clarion River. Here you will walk among some of the tallest, largest, and oldest hemlocks in the park, many approaching 300 years old.

    • Seneca Trail
      Distance:       0.9 mile
      Difficulty: Most difficult
      This trail climbs from PA-36 to the junction with the Deer Park Trail. It passes through old-growth forest and offers excellent views of the Clarion River. One of the greatest concentrations of tall hemlocks in the northeastern United States can be found here.

  • Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Area
    Distance from Cook Forest: ~1 hour northeast
    This is one of Pennsylvania’s most significant old-growth forests. At roughly 4,000 acres, Tionesta contains the largest tract of old-growth forest in the state. Dominant species include eastern hemlock, many over 400 years old, along with beech, birch, oak, maple, ash, and black cherry.

  • Hearts Content National Scenic Area
    Distance from Cook Forest: ~1 hour north
    Hearts Content protects a hemlock–white pine–northern hardwood forest type. The old-growth forest covers about 122 acres and is best known for its 20-acre stand of towering white pine and eastern hemlock. Many trees exceed 40 inches in diameter and reach heights over 140 feet, with most white pines estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old. A gentle interpretive trail and picnic area make this a wonderful place to explore.