Cook Forest State Park Office
Park
4.6 (204)
100 PA-36, Cooksburg, PA 16217
State park with an old growth forest of white pine & hemlock trees, 29 miles of trails & more.
Barbecue grillBasketball courtPicnic tablesPublic restroom
RiverPA
Cook Forest State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a Cook Forest visit with Clarion River access context, canoe-launch directions, facilities, condition checks and reviewed park photos.
Water type
River
Access
Official
Fee
Free
Best season
Plan around current weather, river levels and park notices, not a fixed safe-swimming season. Forest walks provide an alternative when water conditions are unsuitable
Nearby towns
Marienville, Clarion, Cooksburg
Water body
Clarion River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Marienville, Clarion, Cooksburg
Access location source-checked
41.326667, -79.175278
A closer look
Photos of Cook Forest State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location source-checked
- Checked · official carry in river access. The official water-trail map identifies Cook Forest Canoe Launch as a DCNR path/carry-in access with parking for 10-12 cars and a seasonal restroom at 41°19'36"N, 79°10'31"W. Coordinates were converted to decimal degrees. This is a legal public river access pin, not a guarantee that swimming conditions are safe.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Cook Forest and the Clarion River
Cook Forest combines old-growth forest walks with river recreation near Cooksburg, Pennsylvania. VisitPA describes swimming and floating along the Clarion River in the Cook Forest and Clear Creek area. That regional description does not identify a guarded beach or confirm that every bank is a permitted water entry.
Choose an access point before arriving
Our map pin marks the Cook Forest Canoe Launch, a public carry-in access identified on the official Middle Clarion Water Trail map. It is not a verified swimming entry. Ask park staff where swimming is currently permitted and check posted restrictions before entering the water. Keep boat launches clear for paddlers.
Conditions and river planning
Do not treat the river's Class I paddling classification as a beginner-swimming rating. Current, depth and submerged obstacles vary. The park guide says boat launches close when the USGS Cooksburg gauge reaches six feet. That is a launch-closure rule, not a safe-swimming threshold. A lower reading does not establish safe conditions. Plan a take-out before floating and use a properly fitted life jacket.
Facilities and a dry-land alternative
The park has picnic areas, parking, restrooms and camping facilities. Availability varies by location and season; the mapped canoe launch has a seasonal restroom. Nonpowered boats using state-park launches need the applicable registration or launch permit. Forest walks and the observation tower offer alternatives when river conditions are unsuitable. The gallery shows river, tower and forest context, not a verified swimming-entry route.
Getting There
From I-80 east, use Exit 78 and follow PA-36 north toward Cooksburg. From the west, use Exit 60, follow PA-66 north to Leeper, then PA-36 south toward the park. Use the official park and water-trail maps to select an access point. The listing pin identifies a canoe launch, not a swimming beach.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The map pin is Cook Forest Canoe Launch, not a verified swimming entry. Confirm permitted water entry with park staff and obey posted restrictions. Parking and a seasonal restroom are identified at this carry-in access.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Cook Forest State Park
Park
4.9 (682)
Leeper, PA 16233
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Still Hall Parking
Parking lot
2 (1)
Clarion, PA 16214
Clarion Loop Trail
Hiking area
4.7 (14)
1073 E Main St, Clarion, PA 16214
North Country Trail: US-322 Trailhead
Hiking area
4.6 (23)
US-322, Shippenville, PA 16254
Kalyumet Campground
Campground
4.3 (256)
8630 Miola Rd, Lucinda, PA 16235
Rustic Acres RV Resort and Campground
Campground
4.6 (244)
634 Pine Terrace Rd, Shippenville, PA 16254
Wolfs Camping Resort
Campground
4.5 (350)
308 Timberwolf Run, Knox, PA 16232
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook Forest State Park
Does the map pin show a swimming beach?
No. It identifies Cook Forest Canoe Launch, an official public carry-in access. Confirm a permitted swimming entry with park staff before entering the river.
Does a river gauge below six feet mean swimming is safe?
No. The park guide's six-foot rule concerns closing boat launches. Lower readings do not establish safe swimming conditions.
Are there facilities inside the park?
Yes. The park has picnic areas, restrooms, parking and camping. The mapped canoe launch has a seasonal restroom; check availability before your visit.
Do I need a permit for my canoe or kayak?
Nonpowered boats using state-park launches need the applicable boat registration or launch permit. Check DCNR's current requirements before arriving.
Highlights
Clarion River recreation corridor
Old-growth forest walks
Public carry-in canoe access
Observation tower and picnic areas
Unique Features
One of America's finest stands of virgin white pine and hemlock
Once called the 'Black Forest' for its dense evergreen coverage
Historical significance in conservation efforts
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when tubing or canoeing; river currents can be unpredictable
- Check river conditions and weather forecasts before your visit; water levels can change rapidly
- Supervise children closely at all times in and near the water
- Wear sturdy water shoes to protect feet from unseen rocks and debris
- Be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty; you are responsible for your own safety
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The park's virgin timber stands are a relic of Pennsylvania's lumber boom, highlighting the region’s historical importance in conservation and resource management.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Top spots include the riverside at sunrise and sunset, the towering old-growth forests, and autumn foliage along the trails.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Cook Forest State Park is a protected area with old-growth forests requiring careful preservation. Practice Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife habitats.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Plan around current weather, river levels and park notices, not a fixed safe-swimming season. Forest walks provide an alternative when water conditions are unsuitable.
Difficulty Level
Uneven access terrain and moving water. Paddling classifications do not indicate swimming difficulty.
Fee
Free
Facilities
Picnic areas, parking, restrooms and camping are available in the park. Services vary by location and season; the mapped canoe launch has a seasonal restroom.
Activities
Tubing, Canoeing, Swimming
Phone
(814)744-8407
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
At site; Cook Forest S.P.
Nearby Attractions
- Forest Cathedral Natural Area - Natural Area
- Seneca Point - Overlook
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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