So many romantic movies feature snow-covered trees, hikes along a sparkling path, and snuggling by the fireplace. The winter season is downright swoon-worthy! There’s no better place to celebrate the Valentine’s season with your sweetheart than Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest State Park, south of the Allegheny National Forest.
Image: Gateway Lodge’s entrance during the winter season.
Cook Forest welcomes couples in love who also share a love of nature! An old-growth forest, these ancient trees are worth visiting in the Cook Forest and the Ancients landscape within the Pennsylvania Wilds.
It’s an awe-inspiring place. Soak in the majesty of the ancient pines and hemlocks via Liggett Trail, an accessible path on an especially wintry day. Or, for the more adventurous, cross-country ski on Fire Tower Rd, closed during the winter to traffic, this loop is breathtakingly peaceful with its sparkling winter paths.
Take advantage of the winter wonderland you’ll find here! It’s the perfect chance to try something new with your partner. Why not try ice skating, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing? If you didn’t bring skates or skis, don’t worry. Cooksburg Dry Goods (located on River Road) offers rental services for ice skates and cross-country skis for those seeking rental equipment for winter exploration.
If you want to experience that childish sense of joy with your best friend, a sled ride will have you both giddy with excitement. Break out the sled or toboggan and head to the slopes near the Henrys Run Day Use Area. Located less than a mile southeast (upstream) of the Route 36 Cooksburg Bridge along River Road, this dedicated sledding area promises winter fun for thrill-seekers. Bundle up, grab your sled, and experience the joy of speeding down the snowy hills surrounded by the natural beauty of Cook Forest State Park.
Image: The forest near Gateway Lodge. Photo credit photographer Kevin Kaltenbaugh.
Once it’s time to warm up from your snowy winter adventures, come inside Gateway Lodge. Friendly faces, cozy fireplaces, great food, and beautiful rooms await.
Gateway’s restaurant offers a wine collection to appease the most discerning palette and delectable farm-to-table dining in a charming, low-lit cabin atmosphere. The menu is innovative yet full of comfort food. From their Wild Crafter’s menu, indulge in Gateway’s signature decadent chocolate cake along with a robust glass of red wine. Your Valentine deserves it, and love is certainly something worth celebrating!
Make it a visit to remember by booking a packaged two-night stay at the lodge or in one of Gateway’s cabins. Gateway Lodge has swooning credibility with fireside jetted tubs in each suite, breakfast delivered, king bedrooms with fine linens, and private balconies for morning lounging. You’ll have a fantastic view of the storybook forest too.
Image: Musicians at Gateway Lodge.
Now is the time to romance your favorite Valentine. Gateway Lodge offers Valentine Romance Weekend packages! Rooms have already sold out for Valentine’s weekend, but there is still availability for booking the package on February 6th–9th or 7th–9th. The package includes a stay in a luxury fireside suite, scratch-made breakfasts each morning, and a three-course dinner for Saturday evening with wine pairings and live musical entertainment.
Image: The dining room at Gateway Lodge.
Before you arrive, choose to add on an artisan cheese board with curated wine, sparkling wine, roses, or chocolate truffles. The friendly staff is happy to make recommendations as you plan your experience. And yes, the folks at Gateway Lodge love seeing proposals this time of year too!
Reserve your romantic getaway by calling 814-744-8017 or booking at GatewayLodge.com.
Jody Fesco is a long-time resident of the Pennsylvania Wilds since 2008. She’s a mom of three nature-loving kids, wife, homeschooler, and nature wellness advocate. She is a member of the family cohort invested in the warm hospitality of Gateway and in the tourism of Cook Forest.
Author: Britt Madera
Britt joined the PA Wilds team as communications manager in 2022, helping to tell the stories that make our region so unique, whether that is covering our beautiful landscapes, the innovative businesses, or the spunky people that call it home. She had worked the last 10 years in radio and news broadcasting, and now she’s continuing to connect media outlets with positive news stories. Britt oversees external communications, media relations, and paid and volunteer content on the blog. As someone who grew up in Clearfield County and moved back shortly after college, Britt is eager to share her passion for the PA Wilds and help our area grow and shine.