Spruce Flats Bog an often-overlooked natural wonder

A view from the observation platform at Spruce Flats Bog in Forbes State Forest in Cook.

Forbes State Forest environmental education specialist Rachael Mahony leads tours of Spruce Flats Bog in Laurel Summit State Park.

Conifers and some deciduous trees ring the perimeter of Spruce Flats Bog in Laurel Summit State Park.

Cottongrass blooming in the fall at Spruce Flats Bog at Laurel Summit State Park in Cook.

Fall view of Spruce Flats Bog , with cottongrass blooming in the foreground.

Paul Nieman of Ligonier and his yellow Lab, Lily, visit Spruce Flats Bog in Forbes State Forest often.

Pitcher plant flowers stand above cottongrass.

A well-maintained, ¼-mile path lined with ferns and tall trees.

Cottongrass surrounds carnivorous pitcher plants.

Strong winds affect the direction of tree growth at Spruce Flats Bog, located 2,720 feet above sea level on the Laurel Ridge in Cook.

Sundew is one of two carnivorous plants growing in Spruce Flats Bog.

Water stands on the surface of Spruce Flats Bog in April.

View of waterlogged Spruce Flats Bog in April.

This detail from a map of the Laurel Mountain section of Forbes State Forest shows Spruce Flats Bog as a collection of blue dots at lower center. The red dots trace the path of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. This detail from a map of the Laurel Mountain section of Forbes State Forest shows the Wolf Rocks and Beam Rocks overlooks at top left and right, respectively, outlined in pink. Spruce Flats Bog is shown at lower center. The red dots trace the path of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.