Winter along the Clarion River offers quiet snow-dusted trails, prime wildlife watching, and peaceful forest stays without the summer crowds. Home to Cook Forest State Park, Clear Creek State Park, and the Clarion Riverlands, Northwestern Pennsylvania is a prime destination for cross-country skiing, sledding, and cozy cabin retreats.
We’ll let you in on a secret: Cook Forest is a little more magical in winter. ❄️
To make your getaway even sweeter, we’ve teamed up with local cabins and campsites to bring you special deals this season. Check out the current offers and book your winter escape!
Exclusive Winter Lodging & Camping Deals
1. Hemlock Haven Retreats: Winter Escape in the Woods
- Offer: Book a 2-night winter stay in a secluded treehouse or cabin and receive a complimentary noon late checkout.
- Valid Dates: November 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027 (subject to availability).
- How to Redeem: Book direct at Hemlock Haven Retreats and mention “Winter Escape in the Woods” at checkout (2-night minimum stay required).
2. Rustic Acres RV Resort: Long-Term Winter RV Camping Special
- Offer: 30-day winter RV site rental for $499/month (plus electric) on qualifying 30-amp sites with sewer included.
- Valid Dates: November 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027.
- How to Redeem: Call 814-226-9850 and mention the “Clarion County Winter Discount”. Visit Rustic Acres RV Basecamp for details (30-day minimum stay required).
3. Callen Cabins: Dog-friendly and offers both a forced air furnace and gas fireplace.
- Offer: 20% discount (2-night minimum)
- Valid Dates: January 3 – March 31, 2027.
- How to redeem: Book online through Airbnb or Vrbo.
4. Microtel Inn & Sweets by Wyndham: Winter Getaway Special
- Offer: $89/ night
- Valid Date: November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027
- How to redeem: Call 814-227-2223 and mention Winter Getaway Special
5. Camp Coffman: February Romantic Getaway
- Offer: Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and chocolates with your booking (2-night minimum).
- Valid: Through the month of February, 2027
- How to redeem: Book online and mention February Deal
6. Hideaway Haven Farm: Winter Getaway Deal
- Offer: Free charcuterie board when booking
- Valid: November 1, 2026 – January 31st 2027
- How to Redeem: Book online and mention discount code: Highland Cows
👉 Need more options? Browse All Cabins & Vacation Rentals.
Outdoor Winter Adventures in Cook Forest & the Clarion River
Nearly four miles of the Clarion River flow through the park, offering stunning views of the valley. Visitors can explore approximately 24 miles of the river across Clear Creek and Cook Forest State Parks and the Clarion Riverlands.
The riverbanks also offer a glimpse into history. Since the Clarion River was once a vital transportation route, remnants of past settlements can still be seen along the shoreline. The most notable signs of this history come from the logging era, with bracket dams and log landings still visible today.
Check out our events calendar to find guided tours and hikes.
New Year Getaway in Cook Forest with your family and fury friends
Cook Forest State Park offers a variety of outdoor winter activities along the Clarion River, but before you plan to head out, please make sure you read the park’s ice safety guidelines, and DCNR’s winter report to confirm available activities, snowfall, ice depth, and more.
New Year’s Day Events & Hike
Join the Friends of Cook Forest to celebrate the New Year with a hike on the Deer Park and Mohawk Trails. We’ll meet at the entrance to Ridge Camp for a 4-mile hike through some of the finest old growth forest in the Northeast. Please be prepared to walk on roots and rocks, and dress for the weather. Friendly, leashed pets welcome.
- First Day Hike: Deer Park Mohwak Trail: Scheduled for Friday, January 1, 2027 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
- Meeting Location: The Entrance of Ridge Camp, Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, Clarion County, PA 16233
- Hike Details: 4-mile hike through some of the finest old growth forest in the Northeast.
- Highlights: While busier trails like the Forest Cathedral Trail draw heavy crowds, the Mohawk Trail offers a more secluded, “hidden-gem” feel.
- Pets: Leashed, people-friendly pets are welcome.
- Preparation: Please be prepared to walk on roots and rocks, and dress for the weather.
Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoeing and Hiking
Park trails are open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. Please check the trail difficulty rating before adventuring on the trails.
Cross-country skiing is recommended on selected trails. Cook Forest has three groomed trails:
- Fire Tower Road
- Toms Run Road
- Part of Forest Drive
Buy your skiing tickets from the park office, and gear rentals are available at Cooksburg Dry Goods Gift Shop.
Sledding
A slope is available for sledding near the Henrys Run Day Use Area. The parking area is 0.9 mile southeast (upstream) of the Route 36 Cooksburg Bridge along River Road.
Ice Skating
A lighted ice skating area is along River Road. The parking area is 0.9-mile southeast (upstream) of the Route 36 Cooksburg Bridge.
Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single skater and 7” thick for a small group.
Wildlife Watching
Possible sightings include: Otters, black bear, deer, bald eagle, muskrat, merganser, great blue heron, wild turkey, roughed grouse and more…
Scenic Drive
If you’re passing through, why not take a scenic detour along Cook Forest’s River Drive? Enjoy breathtaking views, and you might get lucky enough to spot an otter swimming in the water or a bald eagle soaring overhead. You never know!
Official Visitor Guide: Published by Discover Clarion County, the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Planning a trip to Cook Forest State Park? Check the official DCNR park website for real-time trail conditions and park alerts.