Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania:

In a remote corner of northwestern Pennsylvania lies Cook Forest State Park where virgin stands of white pine and giant hemlock have been protected from the timber industry that once thrived in this rust-belt state. Many of the trees are 200 feet tall, making this one of the most important pockets of primeval forest in the eastern United States. Once referred to as the "Black Forest of Pennsylvania", the forest contained in this park covers about 8,500 acres of valleys and gentle hills with the Clarion River bordering the eastern boundary.

The centerpiece of the park is a section of old growth forest that has been designated a National Natural Landmark. Here, a number of excellent hiking trails lead to a peaceful glade called the Forest Cathedral where 300-year old hemlocks and white pines stand like giant sentinels. Rhododendron thickets lace the understory. The Clarion River offers fine canoeing, whitewater rafting, and trout fishing.

Before Europeans moved in, Seneca Indians used the area now occupied by the park as hunting grounds. Up until the early 20th century, Europeans and their American descendants logged much of the rich forest land of Pennsylvania. Realizing the urgent need to safeguard this special remnant from destruction, an association was formed for this purpose and by 1927 it had raised a significant amount of money. The association gave the money to the commonwealth which then purchased the land from a timber company thereby allowing it to be set aside as a state park.

There are 27 different marked hiking trails that explore these deep woods. To access the Forest Cathedral grove, go to the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Center where the best trailheads begin. Park maps can also be found here. Alternatively, you can download a park map from the official web site: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/cookforest/cookforest_mini.pdf. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps moved into the park and built trails, roads, and cabins. Their legacy is now an integral part of the Cook Forest experience.

Recommended Day Hikes:
Longfellow/Ancient Forest Trail
Round Trip Length: 2.5 miles
Trailhead location: Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Center
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Old growth white pines and hemlocks are found along this trail. It cuts right through the Forest Cathedral grove where you can view many of the most impressive specimens of tree. This is the most popular hike in the park.

Tom's Run/Red Eft Trail/Longfellow/Birch Trail Loop
Round Trip Length: about 1.5 miles
Trailhead location: Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Center
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: This loop combines several trails. Along the way, you will see old growth forest and wetlands.

Recommended Points of Interest:
Fire Tower/Seneca Point area: To get here, take the Fire Tower Road off route 36 to the parking area. From the parking area, walk a short distance to Seneca Point where you can absorb a nice vista of the Clarion River Valley. A short distance from the overlook is a tall fire tower which offers more sweeping views of the forested valley. During early summer, the area is alive with rhododendron and mountain laurel blooms.

URL to article: http://www.northamericanparks.com/cook_forest_state_park.asp