From staff reports
COOKSBURG – While most people think of hiking and bird watching as fair weather activities, the truth is these can be enjoyed during the winter months as well.
To get people out of their cozy cabins this year, Cook Forest State Park is offering “Venture Outdoors” sponsored programs with fun activities for enjoying the outdoors this winter.
Venture Outdoors Cook Forest hike: 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, join the Venture Outdoors program leaders at the Log Cabin Inn environmental learning classroom for a challenging six-hour hike along Cook Forest trails.To register or more information contact Liz Fager at (412) 255-0564.
Cross country ski Cook Forest at night: (from Log Cabin Inn to swinging bridge: 6 p.m., Jan. 28, bring cross country skis and headlamps and meet at the Log Cabin Inn environmental learning classroom for a candlelit evening interpretive cross country ski trip within the picturesque Tom’s Run Valley.
Learn how to identify animal tracks in the snow while skiing within the old growth forest at the base of the Forest Cathedral National Natural Landmark. If snow conditions aren’t good, they will snowshoe or hike instead.
Hot chocolate and a luke-warm cabin will be available to warm up after the three-hour trip.
Snowman in the Forest Day: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Come to the forest for three hours of fun wintry activities along the picturesque National Wild and Scenic Clarion River within Cook Forest State Park.
Various winter events will be held at the ice skating pond, along River Road, approximately one-mile up-river from the park office. The event issponsored by the Cook Forest Vacation Bureau.
For more information, go to info@cookforest.org.
Venture Outdoors destination cross country skiing: 10 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 19. Join Venture Outdoors program leaders at the Log Cabin Inn environmental learning classroom for a four-hour intermediate cross country ski program along the trails of Cook Forest.
To register and more information contact Liz Fager at (412) 255-0564.
Otter watch: 7:30 a.m., Saturday, March 11. Please bring binoculars and spotting scopes to the park office for a two-hour driving tour to otter hotspots along the Clarion River.
This is the prime time of the year to witness otter activity. Chances are good to observe otter signs such as slides, tracks, and carp kills along the banks of the river.
Hot chocolate will be available at the park office to warm us up.
Eagle watch: 8:30 a.m., Saturday, March 18. Please bring binoculars and spotting scopes to the park office for a three-hour driving tour to eagle hotspots along the Clarion River.
This is the prime time of the year to view bald eagles on their nests and find new nesting sites. Expect a long car-pool and aggressive hike to some of the better areas, but the rewards will be worth it.
Hot chocolate and coffee will be available at the park office to warm us up.