38 Clear Creek Park Road, Sigel, PA 15860-6702
Join the park naturalist at the nature center to learn about tips and tricks to use while tracking an animal. Learn how to tell the difference between a bobcat track and a coyote track. We will then use plaster to make your very own track that you can take home. While they are drying, we will look around the nature center to see if we can find any tracks!
Friday, May 30, 2025 6:30pm to 8pm
38 Clear Creek Park Road, Sigel, PA 15860-6702
Join the park naturalist at the amphitheater to test your knowledge on bird songs that you might hear while you are staying in a PA park this summer or just in your back yard! We will learn some common bird songs and then test your knowledge while we play some BINGO to review what you’ve learned.
*Program will be moved to the Nature Center in the event of rain.
Sunday, May 25, 2025 4pm to 5pm
38 Clear Creek Park Road, Sigel, PA 15860-6702
Join the park naturalist at the amphitheater around the campfire to discuss the history of how the delicious campfire treat, that we know today as the s’more, came to be. We will discuss the history and then enjoy the delicious treat.
Brining a camp chair is encouraged, as well as your best campfire tale.
* Program will be moved to the Nature Center in the event of rain.
Sunday, May 25, 2025 8pm to 9:30pm
100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA 16217-0120
Children 12 years and under are permitted to fish freshly stocked Tom’s Run from the Swinging Bridge to the Children’s Fishing Pond. Registration and prize give-away will be held at the Children's Fishing Pond behind the Park Office. This event is sponsored by the Marienville Rod & Gun Club, PA Fish & Boat Commission, Cook Forest Vacation Bureau, and Cook Forest State Park. All prizes donated by area merchants.
Sunday, June 1, 2025 1pm to 3pm
Clear Creek State Park
38 Clear Creek Park Road, Sigel, PA 15860-6702
Calling all self-proclaimed naturalists! If you are a mushroom hunter, fisherman, birder, or just like walking the trails and discovering the diversity of our parks, we need YOU! To help us learn about the diversity of organisms in our park, we are competing with other parks in a state-wide Bio Blitz competition!
To participate, download the iNaturalist app on your phone, create an account, and start uploading observations found in your favorite parks! iNaturalist is a free citizen science project application that allows users to locate and identify organisms anywhere in the world! You don't have to be an expert to join, simply take photos of organisms in the parks you visit (or your own backyard) and upload them to iNaturalist - all of which is done in the app itself. It's very user friendly and can help scientists discover new populations of organisms and track those that may be declining. It really is an awesome tool for research!
To get started, visit https://www.inaturalist.org/home and create your account. Then, simply visit our park in June and upload sightings within the park! They will automatically be submitted as part of the Bio Blitz. The more sightings, the more chances our park will win, so record everything!
Rules for submissions are as follows:
Recordings of birds and frogs are acceptable, as long as they are clear enough to recognize. You can upload merlin recordings as well through a PC.
Trail camera photos are accepted and encouraged for nocturnal life. Time and date stamps should be visible. Honors system on this one!
Plants must be WILD in your park. We will not accept garden grown plants/trees this year. It’s too easy to stand in a butterfly garden and grab dozens of species without moving. They need to be growing wild, whether they are native or invasive. This goes for natives in butterfly gardens as well. I would like to know where these species are growing wild, not where they’ve been planted. If you’re not certain, you can include it, but make note of its uncertain origin.
No dead animals. Let’s not include roadkill, and absolutely no taxidermy.
No pets or “escapees”. The bobwhite running around your park is not wild, and neither is the loose dog.
Sunday, June 1, 2025
More dates through June 30, 2025
Cook Forest State Park will host a series of living history events depicting life during the French & Indian War. Highlights of this full two-day encampment include woodland natives, cannon and musket firing, cooking, primitive skills, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, pottery, children’s games, sutler camp, renown living historians, French & Indian War Era artisans, and live tactical engagements. Every battle is different! Take a walk back in time along the Black Bear Trail by the Sawmill Center for the Arts during open camp hours to view British, Colonial, French, and Native American re-enactors as they portray lifestyles of the 18th century.
Saturday, June 7
1000am-600pm Event Open
1000am-1100am Blacksmithing Demonstration - by ‘Friends of Dennis Murray, across from Sawmill Craft Market
1000am-400pm Cooking Demonstration - by Geoffrey Domowicz, Compagnie LeBoeuf chef, along Black Bear Trail at the main encampment site
1030pm-500pm French & Indian War Era Art & Demonstrators - meet with distinguished artists, authors, artisans, and demonstrators in the Old Sawmill Classroom
1030pm-500pm Sutler Row Demonstrators - Want to meet with skilled artisans to make a trade or purchase? Looking to get into the hobby and need clothing & accoutrements? Meet tinsmiths, cordwainers, leather workers, cooks, gunsmiths, clothiers, weapons outfitters, and gourd makers in the long field on your right as you come into the main Sawmill entrance.
1100am-1130am Cannon & Musket Firing Demonstration - by the camp Corps of Artillery, located in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
1130am-1200pm Peril in the Forest - tactical engagement in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
100pm-200pm Nasty Ned the Frontiersmen: 18th Century Teller of Tales & Historical Fact’- by Paul Stillman, living historian from Historically Speaking, at the Sawmill Theater
200pm-300pm 18th Century Children’s Games - by the Noel family-Compagnie LeBoeuf, along Black Bear Trail at the main encampment site
300pm-600pm Powderhorn Fabrication Workshop - by Paul Stillman, living historian from Historically Speaking in the Old Sawmill Classroom, $25 for materials
300pm-500pm Blacksmithing Demonstration - by ‘Friends of Dennis Murray’, across from Sawmill Craft Market
330pm-400pm Cannon & Musket Firing Demo - by the camp Corps of Artillery, located in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
400pm-430pm Peril in the Forest - tactical engagement in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
Sunday, June 8
900am-330pm Event Open
900am-930am 18th Century Sunday Service by Rick Sanguigni of ’Friends of Dennis Murray’, located in the main encampment site along Black Bear Trail
930am-1100am Blacksmithing Demonstration by ‘Friends of Dennis Murray’, across from Sawmill Craft Market
930am-300pm French & Indian War Era Art & Demonstrators Meet with distinguished artists, authors, artisans, and demonstrators in the old Sawmill Classroom
930pm-300pm Sutler Row Demonstrators - Want to meet with skilled artisans to make a trade or purchase? Looking to get into the hobby and need clothing & accoutrements? Meet tinsmiths, cordwainers, leather workers, cooks, gunsmiths, clothiers, weapons outfitters, and gourd makers in the long field on your right as you come into the main Sawmill entrance.
1015am-1045am 18th Century Children’s Games - by the Noel Family-Compagnie LeBoeuf, along Black Bear Trail at the main encampment site
1100am-200pm Turkey Wingbone Call Fabrication - by Paul Stillman, living historian from Historically Speaking, in the Old Sawmill Classroom, $15 for materials
1130am-1200pm In Defense of the Homeland– morning surprise tactical assault at the main encampment site along Black Bear Trail
1230pm-200pm Blacksmithing Demonstration by ‘Friends of Dennis Murray’, across from Sawmill Craft Market
200pm-230pm Cannon & Musket Firing Demonstration by the camp Corps of Artillery, in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
230pm-300pm Peril in the Forest - tactical engagement in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
Please meet at the new parking lot at the Cooksburg Canoe Launch for an intermediate skill level kayaking class. Remember to bring your swimsuits, sturdy river sneakers, change of clothes, and lunch. Everyone WILL get wet! Designed to integrate skills learned in ACA’s Introduction to Kayaking, we will be focusing on T-Rescues, self recovery, buddy assists, and ferrying. Participants must pre-register by 6/16 by contacting Dale Luthringer at (814)744-8407. Cost is $40/boat with check or money order made out to the ‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’. All boats and kayaking gear provided. We’re only accepting 5 participants for this course. Space is limited so please reserve early. Sorry, no children under 16 years old. Minors must be with a participating adult. This course can be used as a pre-requisite to Kayaking 301 and to justify skill level requisites for more advanced river boating programs to be held later this year. Participants who complete any of our kayak trainings qualify for a 50% discount on future river boating programs.
Friday, June 20, 2025 9am to 1pm
Please join us for an interpretive guided float down the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Wildlife and lumber history abound along this secluded stretch of the river. Fishing is excellent. Help us document wood duck nesting success, river otter sign, and bald eagle nests while we kayak through the Steel Trap. This is a true wilderness boating experience. No sign of human occupation until we get near the end. Only experienced boaters permitted. Please meet at the Park Office where we will drive to the starting point. Folks must pre-register by 6/23 by contacting the Park Office at (814)744-8407. Registration limited to 10 boats. Cost is $50/boat payable by cash, check or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior Cook Forest kayak training participants receive a 50% discount. Register early, available spots go fast. See you on the river!
Friday, June 27, 2025 8:30am to 4:30pm
Please bring your binoculars and meet at the Fire Tower Parking Lot for an historical interpretive tour of the Fire Tower and Seneca Point by DCNR Conservation Volunteer, Greg Burns. Learn about local logging history, observe Indian sign, and take a breathtaking view from the top of the Fire Tower.
Friday, June 27, 2025 1pm to 2:30pm
Join us for a strenuous but scenic 6.5 mile interpretive hike ((sometimes off-trail) to the Hogback, a peculiar horseshoe curve and steep razorback ridge where the picturesque Clarion River wraps around you along the Tobecco Trail. If time permits, we’ll measure big pitch pines on the hilltops and the park’s largest cucumber tree 350ft down at the valley floor. Pack a lunch & water. Please meet at the Park Office where we’ll drive to the starting point.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 9am to 1pm
Please meet at the new parking lot at the Cooksburg Canoe Launch for an advanced skill level kayaking class. Remember to bring your earplugs, swimsuits, sturdy river sneakers, change of clothes, and lunch. Boats and all necessary kayaking gear provided. We WILL get wet! Designed to integrate skills learned in Kayaking 201, we will continue practicing our T-rescues, self recovery, and buddy assists, as well incorporating various throw bag rescues, and dumping with skirts. Kayaking 201 or appropriate equivalent is a pre-requisite for this class. Participants must pre-register by 6/30 by contacting Dale Luthringer at (814)744-8407. Cost is $40/boat with check or money order made out to ‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’. All boats and kayaking gear provided. We’re only accepting 5 participants for this course. Space is limited so please reserve early. Sorry, no children under 16 years old. Minors must be with a participating adult. Participants who complete any of our kayak trainings qualify for a 50% discount on future river boating programs.
Thursday, July 3, 2025 9am to 1pm
Please meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom for an interpretive hike into the Forest Cathedral, a registered National Natural Landmark. Learn how to identify old growth forest characteristics, and observe different types of environmental disturbance that are an integral part of old growth forest ecosystems.
Saturday, July 5, 2025 3pm to 5pm
There are many things to see and do during your stay at Cook Forest, from walking amongst magnificent tall and ancient old growth forests to taking a scenic float down the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Do you like to investigate wildlife, take a hike on a trail, or are you just trying to find a short break from the rigors of life? There’s just so much to do in such a short amount of time that it’s just impossible to pack it all into one trip. We challenge you to leave your electronic gadgets at home and start a family tradition that will last generations… many of your fellow campers already have. Bring your chairs and blankets to the Ridge Camp park amphitheater for an evening virtual tour that will bring back many memories and help you to make new ones.
Saturday, July 5, 2025 8:30pm to 9:30pm
Please bring your binoculars and meet at the Fire Tower Parking Lot for an historical interpretive tour of the Fire Tower and Seneca Point by DCNR Conservation Volunteer, Greg Burns. Learn about local logging history, observe Indian sign, and take a breathtaking view from the top of the Fire Tower.
Friday, June 27, 2025 1pm to 2:30pm
Enjoy an evening nurturing your mental and physical health. Moderate level hiking. Approximately 2 hours long. Open to all women (ages 14 & up). Please meet at the River Pavilion on River Road. For more information, please contact Meredith Reinhart at (814)319-4621.
Sunday, July 6, 2025 5pm to 7pm
Cook Forest State Park will be conducting a 5.4 mile interpretive guided float down the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River from Arroyo Bridge to Spring Creek. This section of river is rich in local history and contains the most challenging set of rapids on the river, “THE X,Y,Z”. We will be passing remnants of the Arroyo Tannery and have lunch along the abandoned Clarion River Railway near the Lilly Pond. This is a true wilderness experience. Fishing is excellent here so don’t forget your poles! Only experienced boaters permitted. Please meet at the Park Office where we will drive to the starting point. Participants must pre-register by 7/7 by contacting the Park Office at (814)744-8407. Registration limited to 10 boats. Cost is $50/boat payable by cash, check, or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior Cook Forest kayak training participants receive a 50% discount.
Friday, July 11, 2025 8:30am to 4:30pm
Join Friends of Cook Forest and the park naturalist as we hike the seldom visited Blyson Run Loop in the Clarion River Lands. We’ll discuss local history as we walk from the river up to the ridge and back. Expect a steep climb from the river and small stream crossings. We’ll meet at the park office to shuttle/car pool to the parking area. Friendly dogs are welcome.
Saturday, July 26, 2025 9am to 2pm
Enjoy an evening nurturing your mental and physical health. Moderate level hiking. Approximately 2 hours long. Open to all women (ages 14 & up). Please meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom. For more information, please contact Meredith Reinhart at (814)319-4621.
Sunday, August 3, 2025 5pm to 7pm
100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA 16217-0120
Enjoy an evening nurturing your mental and physical health. Moderate level hiking. Approximately 2 hours long. Open to all women (ages 14 & up). Enjoy an evening nurturing your mental and physical health. Moderate level hiking. Approximately 2 hours long. Open to all women (ages 14 & up). Please meet at the Park Office. For more information, please contact Meredith Reinhart at (814)319-4621.
Sunday, September 28, 2025 5pm to 7pm