Pine Grove Furnace State Park Recreational Guides:

Pine Grove Furnace State Park Map (.pdf)
Pine Grove Furnace State Park Recreational Guide (.pdf)
Pine Grove Furnace State Park Hike the Highlands Guide (.pdf)

Nestled in Michaux State Forest, Pine Grove Furnace's 696 acres offer wildlife and nature enthusiasts a variety of activities. Visitors can explore the self-guided historical trail, which investigates the old structures of the Furnace Iron Works, or hike to the quartzite outcrop at the Pole Steeple Overlook. Take binoculars on a stroll along the notable half-way point of the Appalachian Trail, and visit the Appalachian Trail Museum - the first museum in the country to be dedicated to hiking. Be sure to visit Laurel and Fuller lakes (25 acres and 1.7 acres respectively) and wander along Mountain Creek on the easy trail that connects them. Free and open to the public, dawn to dusk all year.

A variety of habitats, including mixed forest, shrub/scrub, and swampland, draws nearly 160 bird species during migration and nesting seasons including warblers, buteos, accipiters, flycatchers, woodpeckers, owls, and vireos. During migration, grebes, puddle ducks, and mergansers splash down in the lakes, stream, and wetlands. Good place for irruptive species such as Red Crossbill and Pine Siskin. Copperhead snakes are also common on Pole Steeple Trail.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park marks the halfway point along the Appalachian Trail. Obeying tradition, hikers eat a half-gallon of ice cream here. Although no camping on the trail is permitted within the park boundaries, there is a youth hostel located on the trail in the park for public use. Pine Grove Furnace does allow overnight parking with proper registration.

Pets are allowed at designated campsites, and throughout the park. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are NOT allowed on the beach. Pets may be taken on trails. Please ensure you clean up after you pet while visiting the park.

Boating: electric motors only

Boating is permitted only on the 25-acre Laurel Lake, which has a boat launch, 85 mooring spaces and a boat rental. Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.  Boat rentals available.

Fishing: The common fish in the 25-acre Laurel Lake and the smaller 1.7-acre Fuller Lake are pickerel, perch and stocked trout. Mountain Creek, which flows through the park, has brown, brook and rainbow trout. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply.

Biking: All park roads and service roads are open to bicycles unless posted otherwise. A two-mile bike trail connects the Furnace Stack Day Use Area with Laurel Lake Day Use Area. Bicyclists are advised to use caution because all trails are shared with pedestrian traffic and some are open to motor vehicles. Pennsylvania state law requires all bicyclists under the age of 12 to wear an approved helmet.

Hunting and Firearms: Over 75 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, rabbit, pheasant and squirrel. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

Swimming: Two beaches are open from May 1 to September 30, 8 a.m. to sunset. 25 acre Laurel Lake Beach is swim at your own risk. 1.7 acre Fuller Lake Beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily unless otherwise posted. Please follow posted rules for swimming when lifeguards are off duty. Swimmers at Laurel Lake and especially at Fuller Lake are advised to exercise caution because of the extreme depths and cold subsurface waters. In the summer season, a snack bar is available at each beach.

Hiking: Pine Grove Furnace State Park has four miles of trails, and connections to longer trails, like the Appalachian Trail. Explore Trails for detailed trail descriptions.  Seven trails include two miles of the Cumberland County Biker-Hiker trail that connects the Furnace with Lurel Lake.  Pole Steeple (.75 mi.) is a blue-blazed trail with steep terrain.  View the entire park from the quartzite rock outcropping.  Begin at the Pole Steeple parking lot, along Railroad Rd by Laurel Lake.

Camping: 70 Sites | Open Apr-Dec | Cabin Rentals | On-site HLD Tank Service | Electric and Water Hook-up | Fishing | Pets Allowed | Handicapped Accessible | American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa Accepted | Organized Group Tenting | Youth Hostel Group Tenting

Iron Master's Mansion: Thanks to over 4,800 volunteer hours in 2010, the Ironmaster's Mansion will re-open on April 5, 2011 as a hostel for scout groups and hikers while also serving as an educational facility and a venue for weddings and special events.
The Ironmaster's Mansion, registered in 1977 with the National Register of Historical Places, holds stories tracing back to 1827 when the bricks to construct the building were made on site.

During the winter months enjoy these activities

• Cross-Country Skiing
• Ice Fishing
• Ice Skating
• Snowmobiling

Other available activities: hawk/bird watching, picnic areas, rental pavilion

Directions: From Interstate 81, take Newville exit 37. Follow Route 233 south eight miles to the park.

Also visit: http://pinegrovefurnace.org/

Make a reservation.