Property at a Glance: Gateway Lodge

The lights of Gateway Lodge glow warmly behind a cluster of old-growth hemlock and pine trees in the hills of Cooksburg. A timber porch and log exterior make the hotel seem like a natural part of its surroundings. Chandeliers made from antlers light the great room, and natural-stone fireplaces warm guests on chilly nights.

• Rustic charm: Many luxury suites and cabins pair charming exposed woodwork with amenities such as mini fridges, spa tubs, and fireplaces.
• Unplug: In order to maintain an air of restful seclusion, most suites don’t have televisions, and all cabins are telephone free; head to the front desk if you need to make a call.
• Complimentary breakfast: Start your day with a delicious choice of items such as fresh fruit, pastries, frittatas, or housemade buttermilk pancakes. Breakfast is included with luxury suite stays only.
• Farm-to-table fare: Savor cedar-plank salmon or lobster near a crackling fireplace at the onsite restaurant, which boasts a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
• The Woods Spa: Skilled massage therapists soothe muscles with treatments infused with natural essential oils. Keep the relaxing vibes going with a complimentary cup of Aveda tea.

Cooksburg, Pennsylvania: Outdoor Recreation in Expansive Old-Growth Forest

A small town in northwestern Pennsylvania, Cooksburg borders Cook Forest State Park and its groves of ancient trees. In milder weather, hikers take to more than 30 miles of trails that weave throughout the old-growth forest. Head to the Cook Forest Fire Tower, an 88-foot-tall structure that dates back to 1929, for an aerial view above the treetops.

There’s also plenty to do when the forest floor is blanketed with snow—the town has more than 10 acres of sledding slopes, three cross-country-ski trails, and a lighted ice-skating pond run by local snowmen.

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