Pennsylvania Cabin Trip Two — Cook Forest and the Forest Cathedral

Pine forest on steep slope. Note lack of any kind of undergrowth. Photo by author.

The reason Cook Forest State Park exists is the Forest Cathedral.

In 1826, John Cook purchased 765 acres and started to log the land. Most of Pennsylvania was clear cut, leaving the Pennsyvania desert. Thankfully, most of this was restored.

But he left part of his land unlogged so that the forest would eventually recover. In 1910, Israel McCreight talked A.W. Cook into ensuring the forest cathedral’s long term protection. 6,055 acres were eventually purchased to form the first Pennsylvania State Park acquired to preserve a natural landmark.

The park contains the largest old growth grove east of the Rockies.

The trail photographed is Indian Trail, which is above the main forest Cathedral. We took that trail first and then wandered through the old growth trees.

Old growth trees by Tom’s Run. Photo by author.

We then took a longer hike from the Park Office all the way up to the Old Fire Tower.

The precarious looking old fire tower. Photo by author.