Traveling on PA Route 1005, also known locally as “Miola Road,” from Clarion, you encounter the first of many activities: PA Game Commission Rifle Range .

For your shooting enjoyment and to make you a better hunter, the game commission maintains public shooting ranges across the state. Those who shoot firearms at one of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s state game lands public shooting ranges must possess and carry with them either an annual $30 range use permit or a current general hunting or furtaker license. Individuals without a range use permit or hunting or furtaker license may be fined. Each licensed hunter or range permit holder may have one guest.

Cook Forest Scenic Trailride, Dude Ranch & Campground  is your next stop as you continue north of Miola Road. They have many scenic woodland trails you can explore on your own or with a guide. Guides are offered free of charge during their “events.”  They are known as the horse lovers “paradise.”  They continually update their facility, clear new trails, and serve you the best down-home cooking in the east.  They keep the food good and plentiful with a variety and the quality to accommodate your cowboy appetite. They offer a variety of length rides.

Still traveling north and getting very close to our cabins, you will find the next spot: Kalyumet Fore Fun . Be sure to check out the Outdoor Laser Tag Experience. The ultimate team sport, outdoor laser tag, is the perfect family event and appropriate for everyone age six and above. You can also play Mini-Golf on their beautiful 18-hole course complete with challenging greens, a fountain pond, and waterfall. Their course is ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible, so tee it up and get ready!  If you prefer to stay indoors, they also offer an arcade with classic favorites and modern games, a delicious snack bar, and the latest in technology – a VR Escape Room.

Just a minute or two down the road from this is an  area known as Scotch Hill. This is where your relaxing cabin awaits. You may find this hand-drawn map handy as our cabins are off the “beaten path.”

If you are not quite ready for bed or are just looking for a place where your adult family can enjoy food and drinks, then travel north on Miola Road and turn right onto State Route 36.

In another mile, you will find The Knotty Pines Restaurant and Bar . Knotty Pines features an excellent menu with all of the favorites you love as well as legal beverages. Be advised they do not allow patrons under the age of 21.

We have a couple of other stops on our “tour” for the youngsters.

Continuing down the road from here you will come across our next point of interest on the right: Fire Tower Road – Two scenic views are accessible from Fire Tower Road, which are about 1.5 miles from Route 36. The first is from the rock ledges of Seneca Point Overlook; you can see the Clarion River Valley. Do not walk or climb on the rock outcroppings outside of the fenced area. These rock ledges are hazardous. A short walk from there is an 80-foot climb up Historic Fire Tower #9 that reveals a breathtaking view of the entire area. On a clear day, you can see points 15 to 20 miles away. There many hiking and walking trails that intersect this area also.

After you have experienced the awesomeness here, you can head on down to the river to cool off. Just across the bridge is the famed Cook Forest Canoe Rentals  – Featuring Red Old Town Discovery Canoes that glide easily over obstacles while providing a firm platform for your “Discovery” of new territory. They offer a variety of options for you to experience Cook Forest beauty from the water.

This is considered the heart of Cook Forest.

For someone camping or vacationing in the area, MacBeth’s carries about everything needed for the Cook Forest experience. From gas and auto parts for your car to batteries or mantles for the lantern, propane, groceries, snacks and deli foods, ice for the coolers, firewood, magazines and books, cigarettes, hunting and fishing licenses, and maps – they have it all.

In this general area will also be your best bet for fishing. The park service maintains a “kiddie pond” and Tom’s Run is annually stocked with trout. Visit the DCNR Website for more information.

All of this hiking, paddling, and casting has surely worked up an appetite. To silence that growling stomach, head back across the bridge and veer left at the Y. This will take you to Forest Road. A few more miles and you will be at Trails End Restaurant  – A full service restaurant & bar with food choices from grilled prime rib, steaks, and seafood to burgers and wings. Trails End is family friendly and will exceed your expectations every time. Quality, consistency, and service are what they pride themselves on!

Now that your hunger has been tamed, a little shopping could be in your plan. Located a stone’s throw from the last stop is The Simple Things  – Visit the Simple Things of Cook Forest, A Country Mercantile In The Forest, where you’ll find always changing merchandise and antiques. Some different every time you visit.

Proceeding on toward Vowinckel is yet another great place to dine Cook Forest Country Inn  – Whether you’re looking for a great, homemade meal or just a fun relaxing place, check them out! They offer daily food and drink specials and a famous breakfast buffet every Sunday.

From here, you can continue on to the intersection of Forest Road and State Route 66. Turn left and head towards the town of Leeper. In the Leeper area, there are several stores and places to eat.

The Sawmill Restaurant at the intersection of Routes 66 and 36 has been serving food for many years, but they are especially known for having the best soft serve ice cream in the area.

From here, you can follow Route 36 back to Miola Road and to our comfortable cabins.

These are just a small sample of the activities to do in the Cook Forest area.

For even more fun ideas visit CookForest.com.

** Please note that it would be nearly impossible to complete all of these things in a single day.