Mushrooms in Cook Forest: A September Guide for Foragers and Nature Lovers
September in Cook Forest brings crisp mornings, golden light, and a forest floor alive with mushrooms. Foragers and naturalists come seeking what lies beneath the towering hemlocks and pines. With 11,536 acres of protected land and one of the largest stands of old-growth hemlock and pine in the Eastern U.S., Cook Forest is a fungi paradise.
Discovering Mushrooms in Cook Forest
Cook Forest’s shaded trails and damp soil create ideal conditions for mushrooms of all kinds. Pennsylvania is home to over 2,000 species of wild mushrooms, and naturalists estimate that hundreds of them thrive within Cook Forest. On guided forays, it’s not unusual to identify 50 to 100 species in a single day, depending on rainfall and season.
On any given walk, you might spot:
- Lion’s Mane — shaggy white clusters clinging to tree trunks, prized for their crab-like flavor.
- Hen of the Woods (Maitake) — layered fans at the base of oaks, a favorite among cooks.
- Chanterelles — golden, trumpet-shaped fungi with a fruity aroma.
- Old Man of the Woods — dark, scaly mushrooms with a rugged look.
- Bay Bolete (Boletus badius) — chestnut-brown caps often found near conifers.
- Morels — honeycomb-like mushrooms that thrill foragers each spring.
- Puffballs — round fungi that, when mature, release a smoky cloud of spores.
Each hike brings new discoveries. Mushrooms remind us that the forest is alive with hidden treasures, waiting for those who slow down and look closely.
Upcoming Events in Cook Forest
September is also the season of mushroom walks and forays in Cook Forest. These guided programs invite you to see fungi with new eyes.
Fluorescent Mushroom Foray
Date & Time: September 18, 7:30—9:30 PM
Details: Join Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club mycologists at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom to see fungi that glow under UV light.
Gary Lincoff Memorial Foray
Date & Time: September 19, beginning at 10:00 AM
Details: A daylong event honoring the famed mycologist with walks, talks, and identification sessions.
Cultivating Medicinal & Gourmet Mushrooms Workshop
Date & Time: October 4, Saturday, 10:00 AM—4:00 PM
Location: Quiet Creek Herb Farm
Details: $100.00 per person, 20 spots available. Includes a mushroom log, spawn, Rusty’s mushroom growing booklet, and a mushroom luncheon.
Mushroom Walk in Cook Forest’s Old-Growth Forest
Date & Time: October 10
Details: WPMC President Barbora Batokova leads a three-mile hike during the Keystone Trail Association’s Hiking & Outdoor Weekend.
For more mushroom events throughout the year, visit the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club. With over 1,200 members, it is the largest mycological club in the U.S. and hosts many events, offering one of the best ways to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
The World of Fantastic Fungi
These events often point to something deeper. Mushrooms remind us that we are part of a vast, unseen web. The acclaimed documentary Fantastic Fungi, viewed by millions worldwide and translated into dozens of languages, reveals fungi as healers, recyclers, and connectors of life. Watching time-lapse footage of the forest floor blooming feels almost spiritual.
Like mushrooms, Gateway Lodge offers what modern life often lacks: peace, connection, and rest. Here, guests find slow mornings, nourishing food, and a community rooted in nature. It’s a place to breathe deeply and rediscover stillness.
Culinary Experiences at the Wild Crafter’s Kitchen
That sense of wonder continues in the kitchen. At Gateway Lodge’s Wild Crafter’s Kitchen, mushrooms inspire seasonal dishes that honor the forest’s gifts. This November, the beloved Hen of the Woods Crepes will return for a limited time — a dish of delicate crepes filled with local Hen of the Woods mushrooms and Chihuahua cheese. Its fleeting appearance makes it even more memorable.
Nearby, the PA Mushroom Company in Lucinda grows 10+ specialty mushroom varieties year-round and serves the area’s best mushroom-centered pizza and pasta. For coffee lovers, their Lion’s Mane coffee is a must-try — smooth, earthy, and a perfect companion to a chilly September morning.
Learn from Local & Regional Pennsylvania Mushroom Experts
Pennsylvania’s love of mushrooms stretches from Cook Forest and beyond.
Claire & Rusty Orner
Local mushroom foragers Claire and Rusty Orner hail from Quiet Creek Herb Farm & School of Country Living in Brookville. They’re passionate educators and foragers who bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to everything they do. Don’t miss the chance to connect with them during your stay at Gateway Lodge.
Espo Wilcox
Espo Wilcox, of PA Mushroom Company in Lucinda, is another of our favorite “fun guys.” With deep expertise in fungi and a love for the local forest ecosystem, Espo is a go-to for fresh mushrooms and foraging know-how. Be sure to pay him a visit while you’re here!
Adam Haritan
Pittsburgh-based foraging expert, Adam Haritan, from learnyourland.com offers online mushroom education and foraging workshops. His most popular video on mushroom identification has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.
Barbora Batokova
A member on the board of directors of the Western PA Mushroom Club, Barbora offers guided mushroom walks. Her website, Fungiwoman.com is a great resource along with her book, Hunting Mushrooms. She profiles 25+ fungi and includes 16 recipes, helping readers forage and cook with confidence.
Together, these voices create a rich network for anyone eager to learn, forage, and taste.
Gateway Lodge: Rest Among the Mushrooms
After a day of foraging and tasting, cool September evenings call for rest. At Gateway Lodge, cozy cabins and fireside suites provide warmth and quiet. On the lodge property alone, dozens of mushroom species appear after autumn rains. For many guests, the discovery of fungi just steps from their cabin is part of the magic.
Whether sipping coffee on the porch or walking among hemlocks, Cook Forest in September offers both discovery and renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mushrooms in Cook Forest
When is the best time to see mushrooms in Cook Forest?
September is peak season, though spring morels and summer boletes also draw foragers. After rainfall, the forest is especially abundant.
Do I need a permit to forage mushrooms in Cook Forest State Park?
Foraging for personal use is generally allowed in moderation. Always follow DCNR guidelines and never take more than you need.
Are there guided mushroom walks in Cook Forest?
Yes. Cook Forest State Park naturalists and the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club host mushroom programs in September.
Which mushrooms are edible?
Lion’s Mane, chanterelles, hen of the woods, and morels are prized edibles. However, some mushrooms are toxic look-alikes. Always forage with an expert or join a local club for guidance.
Where can I stay near Cook Forest for a mushroom-themed getaway?
Gateway Lodge offers cabins, suites, and a forest-centered retreat experience, perfect for foragers and nature lovers.
Where can I buy mushroom-inspired products nearby?
The PA Mushroom Company is a trusted source for mushroom products like Lion’s Mane coffee, tinctures, and dried fungi.
Cook Forest in September is a living classroom, a kitchen, and a sanctuary. With hundreds of fungi species, 11,000+ acres of forest, and seasonal rains that awaken the soil, it’s one of Pennsylvania’s premier mushroom destinations. From the trails to the table, mushrooms remind us of the deep connections between nature and ourselves. Whether you come to forage, to taste, or to rest, the forest always has something to share.