Senica Point has some of the finest rare old growth forest in Pennsylvania, plus a nearly 100-year-old fire tower you can climb.
Senica point is located on a plateau above the Clarion River gorge in Cook Forest State Park, Clarion County PA. Senica point features some of the most magnificent old growth forest we’ve seen in Pennsylvania, a hundred year-old fire tower with splendid views, and trails down the gorge to the meandering Clarion River. From the network of trails running through the majestic old growth forest, we opted to start on the Mohawk trail which begins across from the Cook Forest State Park Campground.
There is a one way road that loops through the old growth forest atop the plateau. If you aren’t into hiking but love the towering ancient forest, we highly recommend the drive. You can park either at the beginning of the road as it enters the forest from Route 36, or at the exit. See the map near the end of the post. In either case, you can pick up the yellow-blazed Mohawk trail from both parking areas.
The old growth forest at Senica Point is as good, if not better than its more renown sister, the Forest Cathedral Natural Area, just down the road. The high, dense canopy of the titan trees covers nearly the entire plateau. Many of the trees are over 150 feet tall and some are over 400 years old. The photos don’t do them justice.
The yellow line around the circumference of the trunk indicates that the tree has been treated to combat the invasive wooly adelgid threatening our beloved hemlocks.
After touring across the Senica Point plateau, the Mohawk Trail meets up with the Baker/North Country Trail. Take the Baker/North Country Trail south as it runs atop the rim of the gorge toward the fire tower. Listen for the Clarion River far below.
As you approach the fire tower, the open forest gives way to dense rhododendron and a few boulder formations.
We could easily discern our proximity to the old fire tower by the sound of voices. The fire tower was a popular place, and for good reason. It is nearly 100 years old and open to the public. There is a parking area (with bathroom) accessible from the scenic one-way loop through the old growth forest. The fire tower and the Senica Point overlook are each about 0.1 miles from the parking lot.
Despite the rickety-sounding ascent, the stairs up the old fire tower were completely safe (otherwise it wouldn’t be open, right?). You can climb to the last landing before the locked box at the pinnacle. According to the sign, the fire tower is 87.5 feet tall.
A bird’s eye view from atop the old fire tower.
The glorious view across the Clarion River gorge from the top of the antique fire tower.
Be sure to visit the Senica Point overlook and rock formation before taking the Baker/North Country trail into the gorge. The trail is moderately steep, but manageable. At the bottom, you are rewarded with more gorgeous forest and the Clarion River. The bottom of the gorge affords a secluded serenity.
We took refreshment from a dip in the Clarion River. In fact, we easily walked across it just for fun. The river was low and slow. Maximum depth in this area during our visit was less than three feet. Not much of a swim, but refreshing, nonetheless. After heading about 0.4 miles west along the Clarion River, you will encounter the River Tail back to the top of the Senica Point Plateau. But don’t head back up yet. Continue west on the Baker/North Country Trail for another 0.3 miles to find the ruins of the sawmill dam and waterfall.
You can continue on the Baker Trail for another 5.4 miles if you are so inclined. Or you can continue on the North Country Trail all the way to North Dakota ;)
But for the time being, we backtracked to the River Trail then ascended the gorge. Our spirits reveled in the magnificent beauty under the dense old growth canopy as we made our way along Fire Tower Road back to the trailhead.
Overall, the route we took was a 5.1-mile loop.
Parking is at 41.33527, -79.22500.
There’s something about wandering through the dappled shade of a cavernous old growth forest that elevates the soul with awe and delight. The forest of titanic trees at Senica Point were some of the tallest, oldest, and finest we’ve seen. The old growth forest plus the fire tower and its scenic views make Senica Point a must-see for any lover of sylvan splendor. Because you can drive through the forest and park within 0.1 miles of the fire tower, this adventure is perfect for lovers of natural beauty, and even if you are not a lover of hiking. Surprisingly, there was cell service in most of the area except down in the Clarion Gorge.
If you are in the area, you can’t miss Forest Cathedral, with some of the tallest trees in the eastern U.S., just a mile down the road.
Thinking camping here? We did the legwork for you: see our The Complete Cook Forest State Park Campground Review so you can pick the perfect spot.
Also, be sure to check out our other adventures.
