Cook Forest State Park
With stands of old-growth forest, a scenic river, and rugged terrain, Cook Forest State Park offers a taste of the pristine wilderness for which Pennsylvania is famous. Covering 8,500 acres in the state's beautiful northwest, the park offers a tranquil nature escape as well as a long list of outdoor activities. It's also a pet-friendly park, which means you can enjoy a stay in its large campground with your canine companion by your side.
Perhaps the best way to sample what Cook Forest State Park has to offer is to set out on a hike. With a massive 47 miles of hiking trails available, you're certainly spoiled for choice.
The park is also home to the Forest Cathedral Natural Area, which is a registered National Natural Landmark. Featuring imposing white pines and hemlocks more than 300 years old, this area gives you an idea of what northwestern Pennsylvania looked like before the logging industry came to town.
Another great feature of the park is its access to the Clarion River, 13 miles of which flow through the park. This Class 1 river provides excellent canoeing and kayaking, particularly during spring and fall, and also entices anglers targeting trout, panfish, and a variety of other warmwater game fish.
The campground is open from the second Friday in April to the third Friday in December. It has 210 campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring, and pets are allowed on designated sites only. Three of the park's 19 rustic cabins are also pet-friendly. Please note that only designated campsites are pet-friendly, and a pet fee applies. You may want to call ahead to confirm the fee, as the amount is not listed on the park's website.
If you're staying with your pet, make sure you choose a pet-friendly site and you only take your pooch to those areas of the park where dogs are allowed. You'll also need to clean up after your dog and keep them on a leash at all times.
Cook Forest State Park offers memorable scenery and a host of great outdoor experiences. And because you can share the park with your canine pal, it's a wonderful spot for a pet-friendly camping vacation.
