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While traveling on Rt. 36 from Leeper to Brookville Pennsylvania, the scenery will be the most breathtaking that you will ever see. As you leave Leeper you will be leaving the farm land behind and start entering the hilly beautiful drive through Cooks Forest. Rt. 36 is located just off Interstate 80 which travels through the center of Pennsylvania.
Cooks Forest State Park is located on 6,888 acres in Forest, Clarion and Jefferson counties, in the very southern corner of Northwest Pennsylvania. As you enter “The Forest” you will see the most beautiful stand of virgin White Pine and Hemlock trees. Some of these trees are 250 to 300 years old and stand almost 200 feet tall. The road winds through this stand of timber, and up and down some very large hills. At the bottom of one of the hills is a very small town named Cooksburg along with the Clarion River.
In the 1900's Anthony Wayne Cook, a lumberman, set aside 3000 acres of timber around his home to be preserved. After many years of struggling to keep this timber safe, in 1927 they were finally able to have this preserved as a state park. It has now been classified as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.
For any outdoor lover this would be a perfect spot to visit. Most things in the park are open all year round. But of course you may want to check with the local park service to see what is available at the time that you will wish to visit.
There is wonderful fishing on and along the Clarion River. And for youngsters, under 12, and physically challenged guests there is a pond well stocked with fish. This will certainly make fishing a fun experience for them.
There are plenty of picnic and camping spots, both privately and park owned. When driving through the area there are plenty of cabin rentals and lodges in which to stay. The cabins are log and rustic looking, with smoke spiraling from the chimneys during the colder months. Most of the lodges are a bigger version of the cabins, there is even one lodge with a Honeymoon Suite, complete with Jacuzzi.
There are swimming pools located both in the park and camping areas, but I think your favorite place to swim will be just next to the bridge in the river. There are huge rocks to walk out on, the river there is actually not very deep so if you happen to step off the rocks you won't be in over your head. There is a small beach and parking area just at the bottom of the hill, next to the bridge in Cooksburg.
There are plenty of places to rent canoes, so that you could have a lazy day just floating around on the river. Or you can try your hand at fishing from a rented canoe. The rental places will also equip you with your life jackets.
Into hiking, how about 27 miles of trails? Some even going as far away as Pittsburgh. It is recommend that people with heart problems check the maps for large hilly trails.
You will also find several places that rent horses, and you can either take a ride on your own or have a guided tour.
For those of you into more touristy things, or have teens to entertain, there are several go-cart tracks, water slides and miniature golf courses.
Hunters, there are 4000 acres set aside for hunting deer, turkey, small game and birds.
Winter sports are plenty here, too, three cross country ski trails, twenty miles of snowmobile trails, ten acres of sled riding hills and there are places to ice skate. Some of the camp grounds are even open in the winter time, as are the cabins and lodges.
The Sawmill Arts Center is a must see. This Arts & Crafts Center and Museum is located near Cooksburg in an old sawmill. They display crafts made from local crafters, give craft demonstrations and lessons. There is also a quilt auction held here during the summer. The museum is filled with historical logging and rafting displays. Also located here is the Theater, an interesting hexagon shaped building that plays host to Broadway Shows, Clarion University Shows and other Shows from northwestern Pennsylvania theater groups.
There are also many little antique and craft shops, some located in privately owned homes. Several larger shops and trading posts sell everything from Yankee Candles to beautiful handmade rustic cedar furniture.
There are a few restaurants on this scenic drive, there is one located next to the bridge in Cooksburg. But if you are looking for fast food, you will have to travel a little further on down the road to Brookville.
No matter what the time of year you will travel through there, you will be amazed at the beauty of these woods. In the fall, the leaves in the surrounding areas are spectacular. In the winter the snow on the overhanging branches of the pine will make you feel like you are driving through a winter wonderland. In the heat of the summer, “The Forest” seems to be cooler since the trees are thick. In the spring the new growth turning lush and green makes a great statement to the new life that is forming.
I would highly recommend a trip to this beautiful part of Pennsylvania, my words cannot hardly begin to describe what you will see there. You need to see it for yourself.
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