Cook Forest State Park Offers Cure for Winter Blues

| January 8, 2017

winter-weatherCOOKSBURG, Pa. (EYT) — Winter outdoors lovers looking for something to do need to look no further than Cook Forest State Park.

The park has announced its Winter Program schedule, and there are several events planned through early March.

Saturday, January 21

At 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 21, Venture Outdoors program leaders will lead a challenging hike along the trails of the park.

The hike will begin at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom and is being sponsored by Venture Outdoors.

To register and for more information, call Liz Fager at 412-255-0564.

Saturday, January 28

Then, on Saturday, January 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., there will be a candlelight interpretive cross country ski trip in Tom’s Run Valley.

You must bring your skis and headlamps and meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.

You can learn how to identify animal tracks in the snow as you ski within the old growth forest at the base of the Forest Cathedral National Natural Landmark.

If snow conditions aren’t good, we’ll snowshoe or hike instead.

Hot chocolate and a luke-warm cabin will be available to warm up with.

Saturday, February 18

Snowman in the Forest Day

There will be a full day of fun, winter activities along the picturesque National Wild and Scenic Clarion River within the park.

Various activities will be held at the Ice Skating Pond, along River Road, about one mile up-river from the park office.

Things begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and a free Chili Cook-Off with hot and mild divisions.

From noon to 1:15 p.m., there will be a snowshoe interpretive hike within the old growth forest along Cook Trail. Meet at the fire pit by the ice skating pond.

From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., there will be carriage rides, sledding, snowman building and ice skating. Ice skates will be available.

At 1:00 p.m., the Happy Dog contest will be held and at 2:00 p.m., door prizes will be awarded.

Hot chocolate, coffee, and a warming hut will be on hand to help take the chill out of your bones.

Sunday, February 19

Cross Country Ski Program

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., join Venture Outdoors program leaders at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom for an intermediate cross country ski program along the trails of Cook Forest.

The program is being sponsored by Venture Outdoors.

To register and for more information, call Liz Fager at 412-255-0564.

Saturday, March 11

River Otter Watch

Bring your binoculars and spotting scopes to the park office for a driving tour to otter hotspots along the National Wild and Scenic Clarion River.

This is the prime time of the year to witness otter activity.

Chances are good to observe otter sign such as slides, tracks, and carp kills along the banks of the river.

Hot chocolate will be available at the park office to warm us up.

The program begins at 7:30 a.m.


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