Family Retreats in the Heart of Cook Forest: Black Bear Cabins at Gateway Lodge

Yes. All Black Bear Cabins at Gateway Lodge include freshly laundered bed linens, blankets, pillows, and bath towels.You can pack light and settle right in upon arrival. We follow the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Safe Stay cleaning standards. Each cabin is cleaned and sanitized to the highest level before every guest’s stay.

If you need more towels or linens, bring your used items to the front desk for exchange. We do not provide in-stay cabin cleaning or room service. This allows you to enjoy a private and uninterrupted stay.

Breakfast is not included with Black Bear Cabin stays. Guests may pre-order our Eggy Chive English Muffin Sandwich breakfast when reserving or at check-in. Each breakfast includes fresh fruit, a pastry, and orange juice. The cost is $20 per person.

Breakfasts are prepared fresh each morning and available for pickup at the Gateway Lodge front desk between 9:15 and 9:30 a.m. The sandwich features organic smoked bacon, arugula, tomato, white cheddar, and Dijon aioli, and can be made gluten- and/or dairy-free upon request.

Prefer to dine out? Local options include The Sawmill Restaurant (about 15 minutes away for hearty diner-style fare), or a wider variety in Clarion and Brookville — try County Seat Restaurant or Michelle’s Café in Clarion, or Courthouse Grille & Pub in Brookville, each about a 25-minute drive from Cook Forest.

All Black Bear Cabins include a full kitchen, perfect for cooking your own breakfast and enjoying a slow morning in the forest.

While we don’t serve lunch, there are several great local options. In Cook Forest, favorites include Cousin Basil’s for Italian fare, Farmer’s Inn Restaurant for casual buffet-style dining, and Cooksburg Cafe, which offers pizza, salads, burgers, and the best ice cream in the area with outdoor picnic seating. For barbecue lovers, DB’s Smokin’ BBQ in Lucinda serves award-winning BBQ. If traveling to nearby towns, Clarion offers Michelle’s Cafe and Clarion River Brewing Company, while Brookville has Courthouse Pub & Grille and Nam Nam Vietnamese (takeout only). These options make it easy to enjoy a satisfying lunch before returning to your forest adventures.

We adore animals, but our cabins and lodge are not suitable for pets in order to preserve the clean, tranquil, and allergen-free environment our guests have come to expect. Many visitors appreciate the peace of mind this offers—especially those with sensitivities.

If you’re traveling with a furry companion, The Vintage Country Pet Resort — located about 25 minutes away — offers excellent boarding and care in a country setting. Some guests also use Rover, a trusted service that connects pet owners with local caregivers for both dogs and cats, offering sitting, boarding, walking, and daycare while you relax and unwind in Cook Forest State Park.

Yes! Black Bear Cabins at Gateway Lodge are open in all four seasons, each offering its own unique charm. In summer, enjoy forest breezes and Clarion River adventures; in fall, watch the canopy burst into brilliant color; in winter, cozy up by crackling fires inside your cabin; and in spring, explore trails as the forest comes alive again.

To fully immerse yourself in the best of each season, check out our Journal page for curated to-do lists, seasonal activities, and insider tips for your visit.

Black Bear Cabin 1 sleeps up to four guests, while Black Bear Cabins 2, 3 and 4 accommodate up to six. You can view each cabin’s capacity when booking. For everyone’s comfort and safety, cabins must stay within their listed occupancy limits. Larger groups often reserve multiple cabins close together to stay nearby.

If you’re traveling with family or a larger group, we’re happy to help you choose the right cabins so everyone can stay close together while enjoying comfort and privacy. Give us a call at the front desk, and we’ll make sure your group has the perfect setup.

Check-in for cabins is between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. If you plan to arrive later than 6:00 p.m., please call us in advance so we can make arrangements. For arrivals on Monday or Tuesday, we use a Contactless Check-in process. Detailed instructions will be sent to your email and/or phone number prior to arrival.

Check-out is by 10:30 a.m. Late check-out may be available if there are no incoming guests the same day, for a $75 fee with a departure time of 3:00 p.m. Please notify us in advance so we can accommodate your request.

We typically require a two-night minimum stay, with longer minimums on holiday weekends and during peak seasons. During certain months, weekly minimums may also apply. Midweek stays often have more flexibility, so if you’re planning a spontaneous escape, contact our front desk for current availability.

The Cook Cabin, part of our Heritage Cabins located just across from the Gateway Lodge entrance, is our only officially ADA-compliant cabin.

While not ADA-rated, Black Bear Cabins 1 and 4 — located about half a mile (roughly two minutes away) — offer easy access and nearby firepit areas, making them suitable for many guests seeking added convenience and comfort. Learn more about Cook Cabin.

Cabins are thoughtfully spaced to provide guests with peace, quiet, and a sense of seclusion among the trees. While you may see another cabin beside you, each one is positioned to offer privacy and a natural forest setting. It’s that sweet spot between “off the grid ” and “not quite lost ” — a perfect balance of solitude and community in the heart of Cook Forest. *See property map below for a visual reference.

The four Black Bear Cabins are located just half a mile from the lodge — only about a two-minute drive through the quiet forest.

After checking in at Gateway Lodge, turn left onto Route 36 as you leave the lodge entrance. Continue along Route 36 until you see Blackbeary Lane and a small Black Bear Cabins sign on your right. Turn right onto Blackbeary Lane and follow the road until you reach a “T” intersection. Take the right turn at the “T” and continue down the lane until you arrive at your cabin.

All Black Bear Cabins have a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, range (stovetop with oven), microwave, toaster, and standard drip coffee maker. Coffee is not provided, but it can be purchased in our retail area during check-in.

All kitchens include dishware, glassware, silverware, basic cookware, and utensils for the cabin’s occupancy, along with dish soap, towels, and a drying rack. Please note that condiments, spices, and cooking oils are not provided, so plan to bring your own for full meal preparation. You may also bring specialty items such as a blender, coffee grinder, roasting pan, stockpot, chef’s knives, pie pans, or a rolling pin. For a full list of what each cabin includes, click our Black Bear Cabin Kitchen Checklist.

Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast before a hike or a cozy dinner by the fire, our kitchens make self-catering simple and enjoyable.

All Black Bear Cabins are comfortably heated for cooler months, ensuring a cozy stay by the fire in winter. While the cabins do not have air-conditioning, many are shaded by the property’s towering hemlocks and pines, keeping them naturally cool in the summer. Guests may also request a fan if desired for added comfort.

Black Bear Cabins offer Starlink satellite Wi-Fi, though connection strength may vary slightly among the trees. While most guests love the chance to unplug and enjoy the forest’s natural rhythm each Black Bear Cabin has a small TV with Roku setup for easy streaming.

We provide the essentials — linens, towels, servingware, and kitchen basics — so you can travel light. Guests should plan to bring personal items such as groceries, favorite condiments, coffee, and hiking gear. For cozy evenings by the fire, don’t forget your preferred beverages, snacks, and warm outdoor clothing.

In summer, items like bug spray, flashlights, and charcoal can be especially handy, while in winter, we provide shovels and stone to help manage ice around your cabin for safe footing. Guests may also wish to bring insulated boots, gloves, and extra layers for outdoor exploring.

For more detailed guidance, including seasonal packing tips, check out our article: Cabin Essentials: Packing Lists for Every Season & Adventure.

All cabins come with a standard drip coffee maker; however, filters are not provided. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite ground coffee, or choose from our selection at the Gateway Lodge Gift Shop, including ground Cordial Cabin Retreat Coffee, DeFer Coffee steeped brew bags, and Partners Coffee Roasters for decaf.

If you’d rather venture out, two of our local favorites are Michelle’s Cafe and Canyon Coffee Co. in Clarion (about 25 minutes away). Whether you brew in the cabin or grab a cup nearby, you’ll be ready for a cozy morning surrounded by the forest.

Each cabin comes stocked with toilet paper and a bar of soap for your convenience. If you’d like extra supplies during your stay, just let us know at the front desk. Guests should bring their own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash if they prefer.

Guests may bring their own local or certified pest-free firewood (from within 25 miles), or purchase kiln-dried firewood from us for $45 per 1/8 cord, delivered before check-in. Additional firewood can be requested before noon for same-day delivery.

For reference, 1/8 cord is about one row of wood across a standard pickup truck bed, as high as the tailgate — enough for many fires. For more information on safe firewood transport, visit Don’t Move Firewood – Pennsylvania.

All cabins have an outdoor fire pit and an indoor fireplace. Each Black Bear Cabin also has a park-style charcoal grill.

Seating varies by cabin. Each cabin includes a picnic table near the fire pit, and some also feature large slabs of barn-like stone that serve as natural seating nearby. For added comfort, guests often like to bring their own folding or camp chairs to create the perfect fireside spot.

No, the fire pits at the Black Bear Cabins do not include cooking grates. However, each cabin is equipped with a park-style charcoal grill, perfect for preparing meals outdoors. We recommend bringing charcoal, foil, long-handled tongs, or a cast-iron skillet or grill pan if you’d like to cook during your stay. Cleaning supplies are also helpful to have on hand, as we don’t provide skewers, s’more sticks, or other campfire utensils.

We don’t provide cribs or pack-and-plays in the cabins, so please plan to bring your own. This helps ensure your little one has a safe and familiar sleeping space while you enjoy your stay in the forest.

There are no guest laundry facilities at the Heritage Cabins. For those needing to wash clothes during their stay, Clarion Coin Laundry and Marianne Laundromat — both about 30 minutes from Gateway Lodge — offer 24-hour self-service options.

At the end of your stay, you may bundle your trash and leave it on your porch entry for pickup. If you have excess trash during your stay, please use the green dumpsters on the property before exiting Blackbeary Lane. You’ll see them on your right: The right dumpster is for all other non-recyclable trash. The left dumpster is for clean recyclables such as paper, glass, plastic, and cardboard.

There are no hiking trails directly on the Black Bear Cabin property, but you’re just minutes away from some of Cook Forest’s most beautiful trails. Guests can hike the Tobecco Trail, which begins near Gateway Lodge—only about a half-mile (roughly two minutes) from the cabins.

To access it, park or walk up the Gateway Lodge main drive and follow the sign to the right toward the back suite parking area. There, you’ll find the Tobecco Trail marker, which begins its scenic route along the Wild & Scenic Clarion River. The trail stretches roughly 10 miles, connecting Cook Forest State Park and Clear Creek State Park, with riverbank views and a few gentle ridge climbs.

For an unforgettable experience among Pennsylvania’s ancient giants, you can also drive less than five minutes to the Forest Cathedral area, where towering hemlocks and white pines—some over 450 years old—create a cathedral-like canopy. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring hiking areas in the entire state.

Cook Forest offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. Guests can explore hiking trails, kayak, canoe, or tube on the Clarion River, fish, horseback ride, or watch wildlife in their natural habitat. One of the highlights is the old-growth forest area, where you can hike among 450-year-old hemlocks and pines, an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Forest bathing can be enjoyed anytime during the year, while winter brings quiet trails perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. In summer, the river is ideal for paddling, making every season a chance to connect with nature.

Nearby attractions add even more variety to your stay. Don’t miss the Fire Tower and Seneca Point Overlook for breathtaking views, or catch a performance at the Sawmill Theater. The Clarion River Lands National Wild & Scenic Area offers miles of protected natural beauty, and a short drive north brings you to the Elk Country Visitor Center, where you can see Pennsylvania’s wild elk herd up close—a must for nature lovers. For a dramatic view from above, visit the Kinzua Skywalk, and for something a little different, explore the local antiquing shops in the surrounding towns.

For seasonal suggestions, check out our Journal for our top recommendations of what to do during each time of year.

Cook Forest is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with white-tailed deer gracefully moving through the trees, wild turkeys foraging along the forest floor, red foxes darting across meadows, and owls gliding silently at dusk. Black bears are occasionally seen, though sightings are rare and typically from a safe distance.

Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of songbirds, woodpeckers, and majestic bald eagles, which can often be seen soaring along the bends of the river, diving to catch fish. In the streams and rivers, playful otters are sometimes spotted sliding and swimming, even in the ice of winter.

The forest floor is equally captivating, with the bright Red Eft newts, an array of unique and colorful mushrooms, and lush ferns adding beauty and intrigue to every hike. Smaller woodland creatures such as squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits are frequently seen near the cabins, making each walk or quiet moment outdoors an opportunity for discovery.

For the best wildlife viewing, bring binoculars or a camera and explore the trails and riverbanks slowly and quietly—every turn in the forest offers a new chance to encounter the fascinating creatures that call Cook Forest home.

To keep the forest peaceful and safe for everyone, tents aren’t allowed on the cabin grounds. Each cabin has a set occupancy, and adding a tent could disturb wildlife or other guests. If you need extra space, consider booking a nearby cabin — still close enough to enjoy the forest together.

We understand the thrill of off-road adventures, but for the safety and enjoyment of all guests, ATVs, snowmobiles, and dirt bikes are not permitted on the Heritage Cabins property. This policy aligns with Pennsylvania state park regulations, which generally prohibit motorized vehicles in state parks and non-designated areas Pennsylvania Governor’s Office.

However, if you’re eager to explore the great outdoors on wheels, there are designated trails nearby where motorized recreation is allowed:

• Timberline ATV Trail: Located in the Allegheny National Forest, this trail offers 39 miles of interconnected paths suitable for ATVs and motorcycles. It’s a scenic ride through forested hills and connects to the Marienville ATV/OHM Trail Pennsylvania Wilds.
  
• Marienville ATV/OHM Trail: Also in the Allegheny National Forest, this trail system provides a network of paths for off-highway vehicles, including ATVs and dirt bikes.
  
• Northcentral Regional ATV Trail: A 600-mile trail system that traverses various terrains, offering ample opportunities for ATV enthusiasts Pennsylvania Wilds.
  

Please ensure you have the necessary permits and adhere to all local regulations when using these trails. If you need assistance with directions or more information on these trails, feel free to ask!

Families visiting Cook Forest State Park have a wide range of activities year-round, ensuring kids of all ages are entertained. During the warmer months, Cook Forest Fun Park is a favorite destination, offering go-karts, bumper boats, a large waterslide, and an 18-hole mini golf course with waterfalls, koi ponds, and running streams. Kids love the hands-on fun, and parents can relax while the whole family enjoys Hershey’s ice cream on-site. In colder months, children can enjoy sledding and ice skating at nearby recreational areas.

Absolutely! Trails like the Black Bear Trail and Longfellow Trail are ideal for families, offering gentle terrain that young hikers can manage. Along the way, kids can marvel at the park’s ancient hemlocks and towering pines, spot wildlife, and explore streams. These trails provide a perfect introduction to the forest ecosystem, making hikes both educational and adventurous.

For summer water fun, Clear Creek State Park offers a beautiful beach and designated swimming area, ideal for families with children. The calm waters are perfect for wading or swimming, and there’s ample space for picnics, relaxation, and beach games. Families can spend a full day enjoying the sun, sand, and scenic surroundings.

Yes! Cook Forest Scenic Trailride Dude Ranch & Campground provides a safe, family-friendly environment for horseback rides through the forest. Children can learn to ride with guidance from experienced instructors and explore trails at a relaxed pace. This is a fantastic way for kids to experience the park’s beauty from horseback while creating lasting memories.

Double Diamond Deer Ranch offers a unique wildlife experience that children love. Kids can feed and pet over 20 white-tailed deer, explore a wildlife museum called the Buck Barn with taxidermy displays, and enjoy a large playground with slides and themed play structures. It’s a hands-on educational opportunity that combines fun with learning about local wildlife and conservation.

Families can experience local arts and culture at the Sawmill Theatre, a historic venue near Cook Forest. The theater hosts live performances suitable for children and adults alike, including plays, musicals, and seasonal shows. This gives families a chance to enjoy the region’s rich cultural scene while staying close to the park.

After exploring the forest, families can visit local shops for unique keepsakes and fun finds. Pickle Barrel offers trinkets and snacks, Cooksburg Dry Goods has gifts plus seasonal ski and skate rentals, Parker’s Indian Trading Post features Native-inspired items and the iconic Yogi Bear statue for photos, and the Cook Forest Trading Post carries a wide range of local crafts and apparel. These stops let visitors take home a piece of Cook Forest while enjoying a relaxed outing.

Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol to enjoy inside their cabin or at their outdoor fire pit. Please drink responsibly and be considerate of other guests enjoying the peaceful forest setting.

Smoking of any kind — including cigarettes, vaping, and marijuana — is strictly prohibited inside all cabins. This policy protects our historic cabins, furnishings, and the comfort of all guests. Evidence of smoking inside a cabin will result in a minimum fine of $500, which covers the professional cleaning and restoration needed to remove smoke odors and ensure the cabin is fresh for incoming guests.

Yes. Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. to ensure all guests enjoy the peaceful retreat atmosphere. Many visitors come specifically for the stillness of the forest—one of Gateway Lodge’s most cherished qualities.

To maintain the peaceful setting for all, only registered guests are permitted at the cabins unless approved in advance by management. Please contact the front desk if you wish to have daytime visitors.

Cabins are thoroughly cleaned before each guest’s arrival, but daily housekeeping is not provided to preserve privacy and support sustainable practices. For longer stays, guests can exchange used towels and linens for a fresh set by stopping by the front desk. Additional supplies or linen refreshes are also available upon request — just let us know, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Cabin guests are welcome to enjoy the Wild Crafter’s Kitchen, which is open to the public and accepts reservations. The Great Room and Billiards Room, however, are reserved for suite and room guests as part of their stay, so these spaces are not available to cabin guests. This helps ensure a comfortable and private experience for everyone.

To keep the property peaceful and easy to navigate for everyone, each cabin allows parking for up to two vehicles. This helps maintain the quiet, natural feel of the forest and ensures space for all guests to enjoy. If you’re traveling with an extra vehicle or a trailer, RV, or vehicle towing equipment, please contact the Cook Forest State Park Office for nearby parking options—they’ll be happy to assist.

While there isn’t an EV charging station directly on Gateway Lodge property, guests can charge their vehicles nearby at the Cook Forest State Park Office. It features an Enphase HCS-60 Level 2 charger—just turn into the office parking lot, stay left, and drive behind the building; the station is on the right across from the Children’s Fishing Pond. Charging is first-come, first-served. For additional options, Walmart in Clarion (about 20 minutes away) also offers EV charging stations.

Most guests can call using cell phones if you have Verizon or AT&T, but reception may be spotty in the forest. There is also an emergency phone at the entrance porch (to the left of the door) that rings automatically to someone onsite or nearby.

For quick essentials, snacks, or cabin supplies, MacBeth’s Gas Station & Store is within walking distance of the cabins, though it is not open year-round. A short 10-minute drive will take you to Leeper Red & White Market, which offers a wider selection of groceries, deli items, and everyday necessities. For full-service grocery shopping, you can drive about 25 minutes to Aldi or Walmart in Clarion, or Giant Eagle in Brookville. These larger stores provide fresh produce, household items, and everything you might need to stock your cabin for a comfortable stay.

For fresh local ingredients, Carr Farms offers free-range eggs and seasonal produce, while Clarion Farms provides locally raised meats perfect for cabin cooking.

The closest gas stations are MacBeth’s Store in Cooksburg and Exxon in Leeper, both offering fuel and basic convenience items. For additional options, including Sheetz and other 24-hour fuel stations, the nearby towns of Clarion and Brookville provide several convenient stops along Route 36 and I-80. For banking needs, you’ll find ATMs in Leeper and at major banks in Clarion, just 25 minutes away. Pharmacy services are available at Walmart and CVS in Clarion, while Clarion Hospital provides urgent care if needed. These nearby stops make it easy to refuel, restock, or handle basic errands without traveling far from your cabin retreat.

Cell service in Cook Forest can vary by provider due to the park’s dense forest and rural terrain. Verizon generally offers the most reliable coverage, while other carriers may experience spotty reception. Guests staying at Gateway Lodge or the Heritage Cabins have access to satellite Wi-Fi, suitable for light browsing, email, and messaging.