Cook Forest State Park
| Clarion |
| DESCRIPTION: Long ago in the High Plateau region of northwestern Pennsylvania, the Clarion River carved a steep-walled, meandering valley through nearly flat sedimentary rocks. After the Ice Age the whole area was covered by a virgin forest of white pine and eastern hemlock. Cook Forest State Park preserves a remnant of this ancient forest. The combination of a steep river valley with deeply cut tributaries and the presence of primeval and second-growth forests provides a variety of habitats for animals and plants. Birding is not always easy in Cook Forest. The trees are tall, the vegetation is dense and the terrain is steep, but the birds are there. Listening is often more rewarding than looking. Five localities will provide a variety of birds for the careful observer: Forest Cathedral, Tom's Run Road, Forest Drive, River Road, and Fire Tower Loop.Access for the birder can be by foot on a network of trails, by car or bicycle on paved or dirt roads, by horseback or by canoe. Bike and canoe rentals are easily available including the necessary shuttle because travel by canoe is downstream only. Cook Forest State Park is mostly on U.S.G.S. Cooksburg topographical map but small portions are also on the Marienville West, Lucinda and Tylershurg 7-1/2 quadrangles. Maps and bird lists for the park are usually available at the park office or on the porch if the office is closed. |
DIRECTIONS: The Cook Forest birding loops originate and end at Cooksburg. From leave Exit 8 (Shippenville) on I-80, take PA 66 north to Leeper. Turn right on PA 36 directly to Cooksburg. |
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Maps - other than Google (Click on map for larger view)
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| Posted: 2009-10-24 00:00:00 Updated: |
