{"id":10001,"date":"2026-09-24T11:16:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T11:16:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wix-post-64b752f0-9976-4344-b588-4c48d76f54f0"},"modified":"2026-10-05T16:46:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T16:46:59","slug":"things-to-do-in-cook-forest-pa-the-ultimate-weekend-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/?p=10001","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Cook Forest, PA: The Ultimate Weekend Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Updated: September 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning a trip to <\/span>Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/span>? If giant old-growth trees, scenic hikes, kayaking, horseback riding and finding places you probably didn’t know existed in Pennsylvania sound like your kind of trip, put this one on your list.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cook Forest is part of the Pennsylvania Wilds and is known as the <\/span>\u201cLand of Giants\u201d<\/strong><\/span> thanks to its Forest Cathedral of ancient white pines and hemlocks\u2014some of the tallest and oldest trees in the Northeast.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And there’s WAY more to do here than hike.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We spent a long weekend exploring <\/span>Cook Forest & The Ancients Landscape in the <\/strong><\/span>PA Wilds<\/strong><\/span><\/u><\/a>, checking out some of the area’s best hikes, exploring the Clarion River, horseback riding, visiting a hands-on deer ranch, scrambling around giant rock formations, visiting family-owned businesses and staying in one seriously cute vintage camper.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will cover the <\/span>best things to do in Cook Forest<\/strong><\/span>, where to stay, the best hikes and outdoor adventures, where to eat, and how to turn your next trip into the perfect <\/span>Cook Forest weekend getaway<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Guide to Cook Forest & The Ancients<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Hiking, outdoor adventures, families, couples + fall road trips<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long to stay:<\/strong><\/span> 2\u20133 nights<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best time to visit:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf41 <\/span>Fall:<\/strong><\/span> Fall foliage + one of the prettiest times to hike through the old-growth forest<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2744\ufe0f <\/span>Winter:<\/strong><\/span> Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding + ice skating<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf37 <\/span>Spring:<\/strong><\/span> Cooler hiking weather + fewer crowds<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2600\ufe0f <\/span>Summer:<\/strong><\/span> Long days for hiking, exploring + river activities<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/strong><\/span> Forest Cathedral, Fire Tower #9, horseback riding, Double Diamond Deer Ranch + Beartown Rocks<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay:<\/strong><\/span> Rustic Acres RV Resort & Campground for camping or a unique glamping experience in Tilly, their vintage camper. For a cozy Airbnb stay with more room for families or groups, check out Route 66 Rails to Trails Home.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closest major cities:<\/strong><\/span> Pittsburgh, Erie, Buffalo<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for kids:<\/strong><\/span> Yes \u2014 especially Double Diamond Deer Ranch, Beartown Rocks + the shorter hikes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for dogs:<\/strong><\/span> Yes \u2014 with miles of dog-friendly hiking trails, plenty of outdoor space to explore and dog-friendly lodging options, this is a great weekend getaway to bring your pup along<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Car needed:<\/strong><\/span> Yes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In This Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n

  1. Best Things to Do in Cook Forest<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  2. Best Hikes in Cook Forest<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  3. Where to Stay in Cook Forest<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  4. Where to Eat in Cook Forest<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  5. The Perfect 3-Day Cook Forest Weekend Itinerary<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  6. Best Time to Visit Cook Forest<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  7. Know Before You Go<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/p>
    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Best Things to Do in Cook Forest, PA<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    Climb Cook Forest Fire Tower #9<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Views + a little bit of history<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cost:<\/strong><\/span> Free<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Good to know:<\/strong><\/span> There are <\/span>96 steps<\/strong><\/span> to the top, and yes, you will feel it in your legs afterwards.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Built in <\/span>1929<\/strong><\/span>, Cook Forest\u2019s historic Fire Tower #9 is 87.5 feet tall and was once used by firefighters to spot wildfires from as far as <\/span>15\u201320 miles away<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Climb to the top for one of the best views in Pennsylvania, especially during the fall when the foliage is popping.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> If you\u2019re not afraid of heights, climb it. The view from the top is worth the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Go Horseback Riding Through Cook Forest<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> A different way to explore the forest<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How long:<\/strong><\/span> About 2 hours<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Silver Stallion Stables | Cooksburg<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Definitely one of the most unique ways to explore Cook Forest! <\/span>Silver Stallion Stables<\/strong><\/span> offers beginner-friendly guided horseback rides through the forest, so you don\u2019t need any previous riding experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our horses were so sweet and gentle, and our guide shared lots of cool history about the area along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> Seeing Cook Forest on horseback is one of the most unique experiences in the <\/span>PA Wilds<\/strong><\/span> and should definitely be on your <\/span>Pennsylvania bucket list<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Visit Double Diamond Deer Ranch<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Families + animal lovers<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cost:<\/strong><\/span> $10 per person, ages 4 and under and free<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Double Diamond Deer Ranch | Clarington<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Get up close with whitetail deer at <\/span>Double Diamond Deer Ranch<\/strong><\/span>, a hands-on and educational deer ranch where you can feed and pet some of the friendly deer. They also offer special experiences like <\/span>bottle-feeding fawns<\/strong><\/span> during certain times of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You\u2019ll also get to see some very unique deer, they have brown, white and piebald deer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> This is such a fun stop, especially with kids, and the deer are so sweet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Explore Beartown Rocks<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Rock maze + a unique hike<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cost:<\/strong><\/span> Free<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Beartown Rocks | Clear Creek State Forest<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Basically a giant natural playground. Explore this <\/span>giant rock maze<\/strong><\/span> and see if you\u2019re brave enough to squeeze through some of the narrower passages between massive sandstone boulders. Some of the rock formations are <\/span>over 300 million years old<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> It\u2019s free and easily one of the most unique hikes in Pennsylvania.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative:<\/strong><\/span> If you love exploring giant rock formations, <\/span>Bilger\u2019s Rocks<\/strong><\/span> in Grampian is another similar spot to add to your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Visit Legacy Acreage Home & Garden<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Local goods + a family-owned farm<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Legacy Acreage Home & Garden | Clarion<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    This family-owned farm produces everything from <\/span>honey and maple syrup to flowers, freeze-dried fruit and freshly roasted coffee<\/strong><\/span>. During flower season, you can also head into the fields for fresh flowers and seasonal flower experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> A fun way to support a local family-owned business and bring home some farm-fresh goodies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stay in a Vintage Camper at Rustic Acres<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> A unique glamping experience<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Rustic Acres RV Resort & Campground | Shippenville<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Tilly<\/strong><\/span> is a renovated vintage Silver Stream camper that sleeps five and is definitely one of the most unique glamping experiences in Pennsylvania. You get all the fun of camping without actually having to set up camp, plus a deck, fire pit and plenty of space to hang out and enjoy the retro vibes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rustic Acres makes a great basecamp for exploring <\/span>Cook Forest & The Ancients Landscape<\/strong><\/span>, with camping, glamping and RV sites available throughout the resort.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> Retro camper + Cook Forest weekend getaway = pretty much the perfect Pennsylvania road trip.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kayak, Canoe or Tube the Clarion River<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Exploring the PA Wilds from the water<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Cook Forest Canoe Rental | Cooksburg<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The <\/span>Clarion River is a National Wild & Scenic River<\/strong><\/span> and runs right through Cook Forest. Rent a kayak or canoe at <\/span>Cook Forest Canoe Rental<\/strong><\/span> for a different way to explore the PA Wilds. They also offer tubing during the summer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> Everyone knows the views are better from a canoe. Book it. You won’t be disappointed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best Hikes in Cook Forest, PA<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    You could spend an entire weekend just hiking in <\/span>Cook Forest State Park<\/strong><\/span>, but these are some of the trails worth putting at the top of your list. Your biggest problem will be deciding where to go first and how many insanely gorgeous hikes you can squeeze into one trip. <\/span>Trust me, it will be a hard choice.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mohawk Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Distance:<\/strong><\/span> 1.4 miles<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Difficulty:<\/strong><\/span> Moderate \u2014 short but steep with elevation gain<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> A hidden-gem old-growth hike<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re looking for a <\/span>hidden gem in Cook Forest<\/strong><\/span>, Mohawk Trail is a quieter alternative to the more well-known Forest Cathedral trails. This short hike takes you through a gorgeous old-growth forest full of massive eastern hemlocks, some around 300 years old.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> A short hike with a lot packed into it and one of the best ways to experience why this area is called the <\/span>Land of Giants<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Doe Run + North Country National Scenic Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Distance:<\/strong><\/span> Choose your distance<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Difficulty:<\/strong><\/span> Easy<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Waterfalls, forest + hiking part of America\u2019s longest National Scenic Trail<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The <\/span>Doe Run section of the North Country National Scenic Trail<\/strong><\/span> is a particularly pretty piece of America\u2019s longest National Scenic Trail. The <\/span>North Country Trail stretches 4,600 miles from Vermont to North Dakota<\/strong><\/span>, crossing eight states along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The section through <\/span>Cook Forest and the surrounding Pennsylvania Wilds<\/strong><\/span> takes you through old-growth forest, along the Clarion River and past waterfalls, <\/span>showing off exactly why Pennsylvania is so darn pretty.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> Want to casually say you hiked one of America’s longest trails? Here you go. Hike as little or as much as you want.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Longfellow Trail + Ancient Forest Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Distance:<\/strong><\/span> 1.2-mile Longfellow Trail + 0.3-mile Ancient Forest Trail<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Difficulty:<\/strong><\/span> Moderately difficult<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Forest Cathedral + old-growth trees<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is one of those hikes where you’ll walk through and wonder if you’re still in Pennsylvania. <\/span>Longfellow Trail<\/strong><\/span> takes you through the famous Forest Cathedral, a National Natural Landmark filled with ancient white pines and eastern hemlocks. Some of the trees in this part of Cook Forest date back to the <\/span>early 1500s<\/strong><\/span>, and some of the tallest pines are <\/span>almost 200 feet tall<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Connect with the surrounding Forest Cathedral trails and you’ll find <\/span>wooden bridges, stone steps, streams, giant boulders and huge trees that make this whole area feel like something out of a fairy tale.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> This is one of the prettiest forests we’ve ever seen on the East Coast. This is absolutely a <\/span>Pennsylvania bucket list hike<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Current trail note \u2014 September 2026:<\/strong><\/span> A bridge in the Forest Cathedral trail network near Pavilion #1 is currently closed. Check current trail conditions and the park map before choosing your route.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seneca Point<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Distance:<\/strong><\/span> About 0.9 mile out and back<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Difficulty:<\/strong><\/span> Easy<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Big views without a long hike<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seneca Point gives you <\/span>amazing views over the Clarion River<\/strong><\/span> and is easy to pair with nearby <\/span>Fire Tower #9<\/strong><\/span>, so you can knock out two of Cook Forest’s best viewpoints in one stop.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> Do both. Climb the fire tower first, then head over to Seneca Point for a completely different view.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cook Forest Hiking Quick Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Hike<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Distance<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Difficulty<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Best For<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

    \n

    Mohawk Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    1.4 miles<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Moderate \u2014 short but steep<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Hidden-gem old-growth hike<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

    \n

    Doe Run + North Country National Scenic Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Choose your distance<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Easy<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Waterfalls, forest + North Country Trail<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

    \n

    Longfellow + Ancient Forest Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    1.2 miles + 0.3 mile<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Moderately difficult<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Forest Cathedral + old-growth trees<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

    \n

    Seneca Point<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    About 0.9 mile out and back<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Easy<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Big views without a long hike<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Where to Stay in Cook Forest, PA<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    Rustic Acres RV Resort & Campground<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Camping + unique glamping stays<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Shippenville, PA<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our stay:<\/strong><\/span> Tilly the vintage camper<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you’re looking for a unique stay, <\/span>Rustic Acres RV Resort & Campground<\/strong><\/span> has an adorable retro camper you can rent and makes a great basecamp for exploring <\/span>Cook Forest & The Ancients Landscape<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stayed in <\/span>Tilly<\/strong><\/span>, a renovated vintage Silver Stream camper that sleeps five and comes with a full kitchen, bathroom, heat and AC, Wi-Fi, an outdoor deck and fire pit. The campground also offers RV and tent camping, other glamping options, hiking trails, a swimming hole, playground, camp store and The Hub, a coworking and hangout space with Wi-Fi.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Good to know:<\/strong><\/span> Rustic Acres has dog-friendly camping options, but Tilly itself does not allow pets.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> If you want the camping experience without actually having to set up camp, Tilly is such a fun place to stay\u2014and the retro vibes make it even better.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Route 66 Rails to Trails Home<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Families, groups + a cozy home base<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Shippenville, PA<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If glamping isn\u2019t your thing or you want a little more room, <\/span>Route 66 Rails to Trails Home<\/strong><\/span> is another great option for exploring Cook Forest. This three-bedroom vacation rental sleeps up to eight and is fully stocked with anything you need. It\u2019s also located right along the <\/span>Route 66 Rail Trail<\/strong><\/span>, making it easy to hop right onto the trail during your stay.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bonus:<\/strong><\/span> It\u2019s dog-friendly, so you can bring your adventure pup along.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> A great choice for families or groups who want a little more space to spread out and easy access to everything.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where to Eat in Cook Forest, PA<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    Trail\u2019s End Restaurant<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> A casual meal after a day of exploring<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Cooksburg, PA<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Trail\u2019s End Restaurant<\/strong><\/span> is right across the street from <\/span>Silver Stallion Stables<\/strong><\/span>, making it an easy stop before or after your horseback ride. It has a fun <\/span>Western vibe<\/strong><\/span>, and their <\/span>buffalo nachos are huge and definitely worth a try<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> The Western vibe makes it the perfect place to grab a bite after exploring Cook Forest on horseback.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sweet Basil<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Italian food + awesome lunch specials<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Shippenville, PA<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sweet Basil<\/strong><\/span> had all of our Italian favorites like pasta, pizza, subs and strombolis. Be sure to visit during their <\/span>lunch specials<\/strong><\/span>. They had tons of great deals on food and drinks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> A great spot to load up on carbs for all that hiking you\u2019re going to do.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cooksburg Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Best for:<\/strong><\/span> Ice cream + a post-hike sweet treat<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where:<\/strong><\/span> Cooksburg, PA<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cooksburg Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/span> is in Cook Forest and perfect for an after-hike treat. They have burgers, sandwiches and tons of ice cream flavors. Your biggest problem will be picking which flavor to get!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our take:<\/strong><\/span> There\u2019s nothing better than a couple scoops of ice cream after a hike. Definitely a must-visit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More Places to Eat + Drink Near Cook Forest<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Looking for more options? Here are a few more places to add to your list:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Restaurants<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n