Return to nature at Gateway Lodge, a family-owned wilderness retreat in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Nestled in Cook Forest State Park, just south of the Allegheny National Forest, Gateway offers romantic fireside suites, cozy cabins, and seasonal farm-to-table dining — all surrounded by an ancient forest and the winding Clarion River.
CREATURE COMFORTS
Lodge Rooms & Forest Cabins in Cook Forest
Gateway Lodge offers a variety of stays in the heart of Cook Forest State Park, from romantic fireside suites with jetted tubs and balconies to family-friendly cabins with outdoor fire pits. Enjoy complimentary breakfast delivered to rooms, or cook at your pace in cabins with full kitchens. With an onsite farm-to-table restaurant and serene forest surroundings, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway or celebration.
SAVOR LOCAL FLAVORS
We are Wild Crafters: Seasonal, Locally Sourced Dining
At Gateway, we believe the best food is fresh and local. Our Wild Crafter’s Kitchen serves seasonal dishes made from whole foods sourced from the PA Wilds and beyond. Enjoy house-made appetizers, craft beers, wine-tasting dinners, and homemade desserts. Open Thursday to Saturday evenings — come as you are, whether you’re fresh off the trails or celebrating a special moment.
MEMORIAL dAY WEEKEND SPECIAL: MAY 23–26, 2025
Enjoy a Fireside Suite and BBQ Dinner in Cook Forest
Escape to Gateway Lodge in the beautiful Cook Forest State Park this Memorial Day Weekend! Stay for three relaxing nights in a Fireside Suite and enjoy a complimentary BBQ dinner on Sunday evening. Soak up the sunshine, explore scenic nature trails, and experience the beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds during one of the most popular getaway weekends of the year.
Discover Our LODGING Packages
Dream Getaways at Gateway Lodge
Make the most of your stay with Gateway Lodge’s entertainment and meal packages. Enjoy curated experiences and delicious, locally sourced cuisine in an enchanting natural setting. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle, our packages offer the perfect weekend retreat. Open year-round, Gateway Lodge invites you to slow down and embrace the beauty of each season in the heart of Cook Forest State Park.
It’s time to play again
Explore the Outdoors in Cook Forest State Park
Experience the magic of Cook Forest State Park — kayak along the Clarion River, ride horseback through ancient hemlock forests, or fish for trophy brown trout in pristine waters. Every season brings new adventures, and the award-winning interpretive programs at Cook Forest make it a destination for all ages. Come back year after year to rediscover the natural beauty of Cook Forest and explore activities that make every visit special.
Find Inspiration
Our Journal
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Top 10 List of Things to Do in the Forest this Summer
From paddling the Clarion River to hiking old-growth forests, here are the top summer activities in the forest.
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Explore Cook Forest’s Summer Rhododendron & Laurel Blooms
From late June to early July, Cook Forest’s rhododendron and mountain laurel bloom a spectacular display for summer travelers.
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Prepare for Your Cabin Stay
Get ready for your escape to Cook Forest State Park. Use our Smokey Bear approved checklists of preparation.
Share the Wonder with a Gateway Gift Certificate
Purchase a Gateway gift certificate for someone special and give the gift of renewal. Farm-to-table dining, peaceful room and cabin stays, and awe-inspiring experiences in nature—making lifelong memories is easy here. Certificates can be used towards meal and lodging purchases and never expire.