The Cook Forest State Park was named after John Cook who was known in history as the pioneer American settler in this area of Pennsylvania. He came here in 1826 to find out the possibility of creating a canal that will course through the Clarion River. In 1828, he acquired 310 hectares of the land and lived there with his wife and ten kids.

That piece of land is now known as the Cook Forest State Park or Black Forest of Pennsylvania and covers 6,668 acres of the northwestern part of the state. It became famous for its virgin forest of hemlock and white pine. It welcomes visitors year-round for camping, fishing, swimming, canoeing, hiking and picnicking. It is also a popular venue for various winter activities such as cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating and snowmobiling.