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Appalachian Trail Museum

1120 Pine Grove Road,
Gardners, PA 17324
(717) 486-8126
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The Appalachian Trail Museum is the only museum in the country dedicated to hiking. It portrays and preserves the history and the physical, emotional and spiritual human experiences of the Appalachian Trail (A.T). Exhibits are devoted to early founders of the trail - Benton MacKaye and Myron Avery, as well as some of the early Pioneer thru-hikers such as Earl Shaffer (the last remaining shelter he built is on display) and Grandma Gatewood. The museum also features changing exhibits, a thru-hiker photo display of over 10,000 A.T. Hikers, a hiker's lounge, and an indoor/outdoor story-telling center to encourage visitors to share hiking experiences. The ground floor of the building has been transformed into a children's area which features a cement floor painted with a children's version of the A.T. and beautiful panels for children to follow along the route to educate them about each state and the trail itself. 

Recent exhibits installed in 2019 include:

  • "A Night on the Trail": A multi-media exhibit to give children a sense of what it's like to spend a night on the Appalachian Trail.
  • "Blazing the Trail in Maine", featuring photos showing how the Appalachian Trail was established in Maine and featuring the folding kayak (Folbot) used by Appalachian Trail pioneer, Myron Avery.
  • "Walkin' Jim Stoltz"; An exhibit dedicated to the late Jim Stoltz, renowned long distance hiker, songwriter, artist, poet, photographer, author, entertainer, and environmental activist.
  • "Hikanation": Celebrating the groundbreaking, 1980-81, Pacific-to-Atlantic Hike organized by the American Hiking Society.
  • "Our National Scenic Trails": An exhibit celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the National Scenic Trails System established by Act of Congress in 1968.

If it's been awhile since your last visit, come see how the museum has grown. If you can't make it to the museum, enjoy a virtual visit where you can learn more about the AT Hall of Fame, the research library, and the children's section of the museum. You can also read featured articles about the AT, learn more about the Journal Project, and see digital copies of shelter registers and hiker yearbooks.

The A.T. Museum is located inside a 200-year-old grist mill in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, about two hours north of Baltimore and is conveniently located near the midway point of the 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail (A.T.). The museum is situated next to two popular A.T. hiking stops, the Pine Grove General Store, where it is tradition to stop and eat a half gallon of ice cream, and the Ironmaster's Mansion where you can sleep overnight in dormitory-style accommodations.

View the Pine Grove Furnace State Park Map (.pdf) to see where the A.T. Museum is located compared to the other activities at the park.

Parking is limited at the museum itself. If you can't find a free space, park near the Pine Grove General Store or at the large gravel lot near the Pine Grove Iron Furnace. Admission is free.

Groups: Relive the history and memories of the Appalachian Trail through a self-guided tour. Guided tours available upon advanced request.

Because the Museum is located within Pine Grove Furnace State Park, it is required to follow the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Click here to see the current COVID-19 regulations.

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Overview
Things to Do
Group
COVID-19 Updates
Information
  • Gift Shop:
  • Months Open: early April through late October
  • Motorcoach Parking:
  • Notes: Opens for the 2024 season on April 6, 2024. Hours for the season: April - Saturday & Sunday, noon to 4 pm May - Friday, noon-4 pm; Sat. & Sun., 9 am to 4 pm; Memorial Day, 9 am to 4 pm ?June - Mid August, Wed. to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm; July 4, 9 am to 4 pm Mid August to End of August, Wed. to Sun., noon to 4 pm; Sat. & Sun., 9 am to 4 pm Sept. & Oct., noon-4 pm; Sat. & Sun., 9 am to 4 pm; Labor Day, 9 am to 4 pm
  • Parking: Free
Quick Check
  • Handicapped Accessible:
Family Fun
  • All Ages:
Land Recreation
  • Along the Appalachian Trail:
  • Interpretative Signage:
  • Pine Grove Fur. State Park:
General
  • Group Reservations Required:
  • Maximum # of People for Tour: 50
  • Motorcoach Parking:
  • Price Range: vary
Type of Experience
  • Educational:
  • Historical:
General
  • Open For Business:
  • Temporary Hours of Operation: Thurs-Sun 9am-4pm; after September 9 Fri-Sun 9am-4pm
  • Social Distancing Guidelines Enforced:
  • CDC Recommended Cleaning Procedures:
Personal Protection
  • Masks Required-Staff:
  • Masks Required-Guest:
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