Vintage black and white photograph of five lumberjacks or forestry workers holding axes in Cook Forest, Pennsylvania, circa late 19th or early 20th century, depicting the rugged individuals and tools of the region's historic timber industry.

Our Journal

Season's Cut

Discover everything there is to see, do, and taste during your visit to Gateway Lodge, Cook Forest, and the surrounding Pennsylvania Wilds.
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The historic Cook Forest Fire Tower, an 80-foot steel structure with a green cab marked with the number

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Best Things to Do in Cook Forest This Fall: Gateway Lodge’s Guide to the Perfect Autumn Getaway

Explore the top fall things to do in Cook Forest—hikes, elk, festivals, and breweries.
Thanksgiving meaning and gratitude

Holiday

Thanksgiving Meaning & Gratitude: Discover the True Spirit of the Holiday

Discover the true Thanksgiving meaning and gratitude this season. Learn how to pause, connect deeply, and embrace life’s blessings.
A close-up, high-definition image of a cluster of Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) growing on a log in Cook Forest, Pennsylvania. The mushrooms display their characteristic concentric rings of earthy brown, tan, and white, with ruffled edges, resembling the feathers of a turkey's tail. A green fern is visible in the background, adding to the lush forest setting. This image highlights the natural beauty found near Gateway Lodge.

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Mushrooms in Cook Forest: A September Guide for Foragers & Nature Lovers

September in Cook Forest brings crisp mornings, golden light, and a forest floor alive with mushrooms.
A woman with short, gray hair, wearing a dark green shirt and beige shorts, walks mindfully through a sun-dappled forest in Cook Forest, Pennsylvania. She holds two hiking poles and has a backpack on, suggesting a slow, deliberate walk. The image is taken from the side, focusing on her presence amidst the tall pine trees, green undergrowth, and soft, natural light, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for forest bathing.

Explore, Forest Guidebook

Forest Bathing in Cook Forest: A Soul-Deep Retreat Among Pennsylvania’s Ancient Trees

Discover the transformative power of forest bathing Cook Forest—your perfect escape to nature’s ancient trees.
Of course. Here is the copy for the image of the twinkling fireflies in Cook Forest State Park. Title A River of Light: Capturing the Magical Firefly Display in Cook Forest State Park Alternative Text A long-exposure, nighttime photograph of a dark forest in Cook Forest State Park, illuminated by the bright, yellow-green light trails of hundreds of flying fireflies that create a magical, twinkling effect against the dark trees and foliage.

Explore, Forest Guidebook

Experience the Magical Glow of Fireflies Near Cook Forest State Park

From paddling the Clarion River to hiking old-growth forests, here are the top summer activities in the forest.
To best ensure that Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania, is found online by potential guests searching for lodging or information about the area's natural beauty (specifically the Mountain Laurel), here's a breakdown of the top choices from the previously generated options: Alternative Text (Alt Text): Option 2 (Detailed & Benefit-Oriented):

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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.
A close-up of a barefoot woman in a flowing green dress carefully stepping onto smooth river stones along the edge of the Clarion River in Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania, on a peaceful early morning, suggesting a tranquil experience available near Gateway Lodge.

Explore, Forest Guidebook

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.
A couple hiking on a picturesque trail through the forest in Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania, enjoying a winter adventure near Gateway Lodge.

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Top Winter Things to Do Near Cook Forest State Park

Discover our favorite winter adventures in and around Cook Forest — from cozy moments to outdoor thrills.
A close-up of homemade stuffing, a comforting side dish likely featured in the dining options at Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania.

Wild Crafting

How to Make Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing: A Simple, Delicious Recipe

Our family’s recipe is simple yet delectable, and—like all tried-and-true recipes passed down through generations—it’s known by heart.
View through a windowpane of a man and woman enjoying a romantic dinner together at the Gateway Lodge restaurant in Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania

Holiday

Embark in the Magic of Winter in the Woods Weekends

A winter in the woods getaway to Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest is like stepping into a snow-laden wonderland!
A warm, sun-drenched image of two young children exploring a forest filled with tall trees and ferns, likely within Cook Forest State Park in Pennsylvania. The children are walking away from the viewer on a path covered with fallen leaves and dappled sunlight. The forest floor is lush with ferns and undergrowth. The scene evokes a sense of childhood adventure and the joy of discovering the natural world, a common experience for families visiting Cook Forest near Gateway Lodge.

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Into the Woods

Cook Forest is known for its history of preservation and breathtaking natural beauty.
A sepia-toned steel and wood engraving from 1874 by William Cullen Bryant depicting the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, representing the historical and natural beauty of the state that guests visiting Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest can appreciate.

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Allegheny National Forest’s Centennial

Join the legacy and celebrate 100 years of natural splendor!
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