Prepare for Your Cabin Stay
Oh, glorious wilderness! How it beckons us, creatures of comfort, to find solace in nature. Being ill prepared can cause us to drive miles to gather the things we need instead of relaxing by that crackling fire. Prepare for your ideal cabin stay and avoid scurrying like a squirrel for the things you forgot.
Here are a few cabin checklists of preparation, Smokey approved.
Campfire-building Checklist
Purchase small bundles of firewood at a number of locations in Cook Forest State Park. Or choose to purchase Gateway’s 1/8th of dried kiln firewood for $45 in advance. To have it at your cabin upon arrival, please add to your stay at least 24 hours ahead of your arrival. Complimentary fire-starters and a box of matches will be in your cabin. Bring old newspapers or some kindling with you to help start the fire on those rainy or snowy visits. Here is a checklist of other campfire supplies to bring.
- Newspaper or kindling
- Outdoor campfire utensils
- Outdoor charcoal grill with foil (grills provided at Black Bear Cabins)
- Tablecloth for outdoor picnic table
- Outdoor campfire chairs
- Flashlights or lantern
- Paper plates
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Cooler with ice (ice can be purchased at MacBeth’s store)
- Insect repellent
River Floating Checklist
In the summer, there is nothing better than a leisurely float on the Clarion River. Pale Whale Canoe Fleet on River Road rents inner-tubes and group floats. For river fun, you’ll also want to remember these items too.
- River shoes- these can be old “chucks” or water shoes, but steer away from sandals if you want to keep the nibbling minnows off those tootsies
- River towels – having towels that you can slop up is always a good idea
- Carabiner for your keys
- If you take your own vehicle to shuttle everyone, bringing a bicycle and leaving it at the end point of your trip can make things easier to fetch your vehicle. Don’t forget a bike lock
- Waterproof attachable bag for those other essentials
Rails-to-Trails Biking Checklist
Yes, there are plenty of bike trails here, but rentals are limited so you’ll want to plan ahead. Mountain biking is best at Jakes Rocks. There are great rails-to-trails paths neighboring the park and a mountain bike trail that runs through Cook Forest too.
- Bicycle with bike lock
- Helmet – we care about your noggin
- Water bottle – yes, the water at the cabin is good to drink
- Contact PA Great Outdoors for bicycle trail map information
Winter Wonderland Checklist
It’s stunning, it really is, but all that snow comes with some adventure. We highly recommend four-wheel drive when coming for a wintry stay. We have a snow shovel for your porch and we’ll stone the driveways, etc. Here are some things to bring for the winter.
- Snow sleds – there are great sled-riding hills close by
- Cross-country skis for the trails in the forest
- Skates for the frozen pond along River Road
- Durable waterproof hiking boots
We hope these lists help prepare you for a glorious visit. Oh, and there are woodland creatures about and if you are lucky enough to see one, remember not to feed them. They are wild and we like it that way. If you have any questions that we haven’t answered, give us a call. We are happy to help.
