PA Wilds Stays: Overnight accommodations in the Cook Forest and the Ancients landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds

Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy all there is to do while you’re visiting the Cook Forest and the Ancients landscape of the PA Wilds. Don’t try to fit everything into one day! Instead, plan to stay overnight at one of the many beautiful accommodations available. Whether you’re looking for a quaint cabin in the forest, an apartment on an uptown street, or a guest room in a bed and breakfast, you’ll be able to find it here.

You can’t visit the Cook Forest and the Ancients landscape without visiting Cook Forest State Park itself! The park features 47 miles of hiking trails that explore many habitats including old growth forest. The 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park and 3,136 acre Clarion River Lands are popular for hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Explore the Long Fellow Trail loop and surround yourself with the calm of this ancient forest.

Why do they call it an ancient forest? Famous for its stands of old growth forest known as the “The Ancients,” Cook Forest State Park’s Forest Cathedral of towering white pines and hemlocks is a National Natural Landmark. The towering canopy is between 350-450 years old.

Cook Forest State Park isn’t the only state park in this area! Very nearby, you’ll find Clear Creek State Park. Take a leisurely stroll on 25 miles of hiking trails along Clear Creek, wandering across the surrounding hillsides to several scenic overlooks and along the Clarion River. Most trails follow old roads or logging skid paths through second growth, mixed hardwood, and evergreen forests. An understory of mountain laurel and rhododendron bloom in mid-June and early July respectively.

Also in this area, you’ll find Clear Creek State Forest, just a short drive north of I-80. Inside Clear Creek State Forest, Beartown Rocks is a rock city with a view. Massive, house-sized boulders, separated by narrow to wide “streets,” occupy a wooded hill on state forest land. Known as “one of the best kept secrets” in Clear Creek State Forest, these massive boulders offer breathtaking scenic views of the valley below. Hike up the rock formation staircase to take in a view of the valley below. Bring your camera!

Ready for one of the most famous hikes in the northeast? The North Country National Scenic Trail (NST) intersects Cook Forest State Park and State forest lands. From leisurely day hikes, to intensive days or month-long treks, the NST offers a hike for everyone. Be sure to use the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace… including Plan Ahead and Prepare, by grabbing physical maps from park offices before you hit the trail.

The Clarion River meanders through the Cook Forest and the Ancients landscape of the PA Wilds. Hear the bubbling water and watch as wildlife travel along the riverbanks. You can travel along River Road, a beautiful drive that runs along the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. A 13-mile stretch of the Clarion River flows through Cook Forest State Park and is popular for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Pale Whale Canoe Fleet is available seasonally to rent boats and tubes to get you out onto the water, or you can bring your own equipment!

While you’re in the area, take in a dazzling view from Seneca Point Overlook! To enjoy this popular viewing site, visitors can park and walk a short distance to Seneca Point Overlook from the Cook Forest Fire Tower for a magnificent view of the Clarion River from an elevation of 1600 feet.

Deer Creek Winery is a unique blend of winery, B&B, and event center. Enjoy wine tasting everyday and live music entertainment every Thursday through Sunday where you can relax, have some wine and food, and spend time with your friends and family. Overnight accommodations at the Inn include eight rooms, five of which have in-room hot tubs. Just a short walk from the winery is The Manor, which features five private guest rooms. Wherever you stay, you’ll be treated to a variety of amenities.

Fair Winds offers affordable, pet-friendly cabin rentals in the Cook Forest & the Ancients Landscape of the PA Wilds, with three locations conveniently located near Cook Forest State Park, Clear Creek State Park (and the Allegheny National Forest). The Fair Winds River Cottage, open year-round, is located along the Clarion River and sleeps 6 guests, with three bedrooms, a large covered deck, Wi-Fi, and a stone fireplace. Also open year-round, the Cook Riverside Cabins (pictured) include 21 cabins, cottages, and vacation homes located on 15 acres adjacent to the Clarion River that sleep up to 12 guests. Whispering Oaks Cabins include seven cabins available April through December that each sleep up to eight and border Cook Forest State Park. Fair Winds in the Forest Cabins & Lodge describes nine cabins on three acres, some of which are available year-round.

Located in the Cook Forest & the Ancients Landscape of the PA Wilds, Gateway Lodge is just a half-hour drive from the I-80 Frontier town of Clarion. The remote lodge offers luxury suites, rustic and luxury cabins, an on-site restaurant and a spa. Nestled in the old growth forests and tranquil surroundings of Cook Forest State Park, Gateway Lodge is the perfect setting for couples, retreat groups, weddings and family gatherings. Luxury accommodations include romantic fireside Jacuzzi suites, charmingly intimate historic rooms, and rustic cabins.

Hominy Ridge Lodge and Cabins is situated just minutes from the old growth forest cathedral at Cook Forest State Park; the Clarion River, one of two nationally-designated Wild & Scenic Rivers in the PA Wilds; and tremendous other outdoor experiences! This year-round getaway is situated on 7 acres of land and offers amenities to ensure an enjoyable trip for the whole family.  The property includes a gift shop and store for quick pick-ups, souvenirs, fishing necessities and more!