Each fall, Laurel Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park transforms into a breathtaking retreat where the lake’s still waters reflect the vibrant colors of the changing leaves above. For those looking to embrace the season, this highlight of Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers an ideal day-trip or weekend escape.
With easily accessible trails and serene, panoramic lake views, Laurel Lake invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak up the season’s beauty. Check out our Laurel Lake itinerary to discover the best spots for leaf peeping and lakeside relaxation.
Morning
A morning at Laurel Lake is best enjoyed from the center of it all — on the water. Start your day with a peaceful paddle around the lake in a canoe or kayak to enjoy picture-perfect views of fall colors mirrored in the water.
Seasonal boat rentals, including canoes, rowboats, paddle boats, kayaks, and electric motorboats, are available through the end of September. Those visiting later in the season will want to bring their own gear.
If you’re looking to pack your fishing rod along on your float, the lake is stocked with pickerel, perch, and brown, brook, and rainbow trout for year-round fishing, weather permitting.
Tip: Fishing and boating regulations apply. Visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission website for additional information.
Midday
Recharge from your morning on the water with a midday lunch break. A packed picnic lunch of cheese, cured meat, nuts, fruits, and veggies for noshing never disappoints. The West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne is open Saturday mornings year-round, with over 50 vendors selling the freshest local food. Or pre-order a grazing board from Central Wedge Cheese Shop in downtown Carlisle, where you can also grab some local provisions to fuel your fall outing.
To enjoy more local flavor, you could also grab takeout from a nearby eatery. Depending on which direction you’re heading into the park from, we’d recommend wings from Three Pines Tavern in Mt. Holly Springs or choose from an extensive selection of specialty sandwiches at Southside Deli in Carlisle. No visit would be complete without a stop at Twirly Top for a classic burger or delicious ice cream treat. (Tip: Twirly Top is open seasonally from the beginning of April through early November. Check their website or Facebook page for hours of operation.)
If you need to grab a last-minute snack or addition for your picnic, pop into the park’s General Store. The store, best known as the location of the Half Gallon Challenge for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, is open seasonally. It’s best to check their Facebook page to confirm hours of operation.
Picnic areas are plentiful throughout the park, and the lake’s day-use area offers indoor bathroom facilities.
Afternoon
Pick up the pace again with an afternoon spent exploring some of the surrounding trails of Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
We’d recommend the 1.4-mile Mountain Creek Trail, which offers a more scenic path to Laurel Lake Day Use Area over the paved roadway. This easy trail meanders through forests and wetlands as it follows the babbling Mountain Creek downstream to the lake.
Alternatively, venture to Koppenhaver Trail, a 1-mile loop that begins at the far end of Fuller Lake behind the bathhouse, crosses Tom’s Run, and cuts through stands of mature pines and hemlocks for a peaceful, tree-lined hike.
Evening
The sunset views at Pine Grove Furnace State Park are made even more stunning in autumn thanks to the golden hues of the leaves. Wrap up your day by taking in a 360-degree view of the park from the quartzite rock outcropping at the top of Pole Steeple. Golden hour is truly the perfect photo opportunity.
If there’s time, grab a draft cider on your way out of the park at Big Hill Ciderworks, where you can enjoy views of South Mountain from their picnic tables and Adirondack chairs or ward off the evening chill around one of their lawn fire pits.
Things to Remember
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Swimming at Laurel Lake, boat rentals, and the General Store are open seasonally and may have limited fall hours or be closed starting Oct. 1. It’s best to check seasonal hours for local food stops or park facilities.
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The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources advises caution due to the lake's extreme depths and cold subsurface waters.
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Cell phone coverage is spotty or nonexistent in many sections of the park.
Whether you're planning a cozy getaway for two, a memorable family outing, or a solo trek to recharge in nature, Laurel Lake offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and savor autumn’s quiet magic.
If you’re on the hunt for even more nature excursions in Cumberland Valley, check out our other outdoor activities. To get even more into the spirit of the season, explore our suggestions for fall festivals, foliage hotspots, orchards, and pumpkin patches throughout Cumberland Valley.
