Cook Forest State Park is one of my favorite places to explore in PA thanks to its many great spots like the Forest Cathedral, Henry Run Sawmill Dam, the Clarion River, and more. However, one area that often gets overlook is the Fire Tower and Seneca Point.
The Cook Forest Fire Tower and Seneca Point are located adjacent to each other on the park’s southwestern edge. They are located off of Fire Tower Road, a three-mile, one-way gravel road that passes through some of the most beautiful forest in the park.
Roughly 1.5 miles after you turn onto Fire Tower Road from Route 36, you’ll find a parking area for the fire tower and Seneca Point. Make sure you don’t miss it as you’ll have to do the entire loop again since it’s a one-way road, which takes about 15 minutes to complete.
There is no specific address for this parking area, but for those that use coordinates, you can find it here: 41.322555, -79.211981.
[Click here for information on how to use coordinates to find your destination.]
This large parking area is more than big enough, so you don’t have to worry about finding a space. There is a bathroom here, which is a nice feature given how deep in the woods this spot is.
From the parking area, it’s a short and easy walk to both the fire tower and overlook at Seneca Point. While this hike shouldn’t pose much challenge for most, the terrain is a bit uneven and there’s a small hill at the start, so keep that in mind for those who might have mobility issues.
While you can visit either attraction first, I’ve always done it by hiking first to Seneca Point.
To get there, take the obvious trail up the small hill from near the restrooms and bear to the right when the trail separates.
After only a few minutes of walking, you’ll come to the rocky outcropping that makes up Seneca Point, and two small wooden footbridges that span small openings in the rocks.
The overlook itself is made up entirely of the rocks here with a chainlink fence keeping you safely back from the edge. Please don’t go beyond this fence.
While there is some divots in the rocks and they can be slippery when wet, there isn’t any climbing here like you’ll find at spots like Bilger’s Rocks in Clearfield County. While that means there isn’t as much fun to be had here as there is at some other rocky outcroppings, it does mean that the best views are easy to reach and accessible to all that can make the hike here.
The rocks sit approximately 350 feet above the Clarion River below, though the tall trees largely block the view of it from the overlook. Instead, you’ll have a great view of the rolling hillsides of southern Clarion County and northern Jefferson County.
Certainly not the most awe-inspiring vista in PA, but a nice view nevertheless.
One interesting feature here that’s easy to miss are the “Indian Mills”. These are the unnatural indentations in the rock that are said to have been used by Native Americans to grind grains.
Look for these while exploring Seneca Point.
Once you’ve enjoyed Seneca Point, follow the trail back and stay to the right when the trail heads back toward the parking lot. In just a few minutes, you’ll come to the base of the fire tower in Cook Forest State Park.
This tower was built in 1929 and, rather interestingly, was built by the Department of Forest and Waters as a tourist attraction first and foremost. In fact, it wasn’t actually regularly used as a fire tower until 1948. It was then manned during fire season until 1976.
Today, this 87-foot tower is once again serving its original purpose as a tourist attraction. The sign adjacent to it states that it’s “one of the very few remaining original fire towers in the state that permit public access.” However, I can’t actually think of any others that still do. (Let me know in the comments if I’m forgetting some.)
Climbing the fire tower is permitted at any time, and there are about 100 steps to the top. Frequent landings offer the chance to rest or let others pass you as you go up and down.
It’s worth noting that while the tower is obviously safe and sturdy (because it wouldn’t be open if it wasn’t), it does move a bit, and the open construction might intimidate you if you’re afraid of heights.
Sadly, the actual observation platform at the top of the tower is only open during programs, so, most of the time, you’ll have to enjoy the view from near the top of the tower at the last landing on the stairs. (You can check the list of programs in the park to see when it might be open next).
From the top, you can see 10 miles on a clear day, though the massive trees surrounding the tower are starting to encroach on the view a bit. Like Seneca Point, the view lacks any specific points of interest, but it’s still quite a beautiful view. Plus, it’s a lot of fun climbing the tower.
It’s also worth quickly noting that the fire tower is located right along the North Country Trail, a 4,800-mile hiking trail that goes from Vermont to North Dakota. If you head downhill toward the river on this trail (continuing onto the Baker Trail), you can visit the beautiful and historic Henry Run Sawmill Dam.
While this isn’t the easiest way to get to the dam (which isn’t on the park’s map but is right on the trail), it is an option for those looking for a hike from the area around the fire tower.
Overall, while Seneca Point and the Fire Tower probably aren’t must-see spots in Cook Forest State Park, they are still quite beautiful, fun, and easy to visit. Definitely consider adding them to your list the next time you find yourself in this corner of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Looking for even more spots to visit nearby? Check out Beartown Rocks, Clear Creek State Park, and the Greenberg Cadillac Museum.
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