If you live in or around PA, you should spend a weekend in Cook Forest. It is one of the most relaxing, non-commercialized areas I’ve ever visited. It is a national park with plenty of camping areas, bed and breakfasts, and a few hotels. I guess I should preface this with, if you don’t like being outdoors, maybe don’t try vacationing here.
What is Cook Forest
Cook Forest is a great place just to get away, even if it’s just for the weekend. There’s no cell phone reception so, even if you want to reconnect with the world, you can’t (unless you need it so badly that you’re willing to drive about 15 miles to get it).
My Experience
My boyfriend and I spent the weekend up there at a lodge called Clarion River Woodland Lodge and it was awesome. The lodge is a combination bed and breakfast with a restaurant and bar. The chef there made the some of the best food I’ve ever tasted (including pork belly mac and cheese, Dr, Pepper braised beef short ribs, Carmel Apple pork chops, bacon or duck fat fries, etc. not to mention the fantastic Easter buffet). Breakfast was included in our stay, and it was within a few miles from some great hiking trails.
The best part? We were in great company. We met some very nice people (some of which stayed at the Clarion River Woodland Lodge, all who worked there, and some nice people on the trails) while we were up there that really made the whole trip for us.
I really wish I could share pictures of the lodge, but I didn’t take any. I know, shame on me 🙁 but we will be going again so I’ll be sure to take some then. Here’s some shots from a 7 mile hike we took yesterday.
Wow, looks like an amazing place!
It was beautiful! I can’t wait to book another trip there.
Beautiful shots Megan.
Thank you! That place was beautiful. I really didn’t want to leave.
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Reblogged this on Oyia Brown and commented:
Wonderful!
It’s breathtakingly beautiful. So glad you enjoyed a weekend away.
Thanks Mom 🙂 It was sooooo pretty!
Beautiful photos! I want to go for a nature walk now.
Take pictures if you do! I want to see your version of nature 🙂
What a lovely get-away & what lovely surroundings in the nature. 😊
It was an amazing trip! I wish I could do this every weekend. It would do so much for my stress levels.
For mine too! 😉
Where are you located? Anywhere within distance of a woodland retreat?
I have always wanted to visit PA and this looks like a beautiful location. You caught me at Carmel Apple pork chops!!!
Omgosh, Cynthia, you have to go there if you come to PA. You would get the best pictures and it’s such a relaxing area. I can’t wait to go back. I want to go again in the fall when the leaves start changing.