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Pine Grove Furnace State Park
By Producer, Kelly Meinhart
 here
in Pennsylvania can you find breathtaking 360-degree vista views,
with rock outcroppings of quartzite luring climbers, hikers, and photographers
to its den? Take a trip on the wild side to Pine Grove Furnace State
Park in Cumberland County, and you’ll find much more than you’ve
bargained for.
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park lies within the Michaux State Forest, which expands over 85,000
acres in Cumberland County. This outrageously beautiful, mountain
terrain has so many different opportunities within the same state
park that it has become a weekend getaway for many. On any given day
visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, swimming,
picnicking, as well as a walk through a bit of Pennsylvania’s
iron making history. Considering that we’ve been seeing our
share of snow so far this season, I’ll tell you that you can
also go ice-skating, cross-country skiing, and even snowmobiling during
the winter months. Be sure to get a map at the park office before
you head out onto the trails though, you want to be sure to stick
to the designated areas.
[
Pine Grove Furnace State Park Photo Gallery 1]
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with providing visitors with a variety of sports and recreational
opportunities, the park is also a look into the past. Originally opened
in 1764, the original iron furnace, the Pine Grove furnace, operated
on this site for over 100 years. It was here that a variety of cast
iron products were manufactured, such as fireplace backs, iron kettles,
and military supplies. You can visit the remnants of the old furnace
as well as many of the buildings that supported it back in those days.
Many of these buildings have been turned into offices and visitor
centers for the park.
 nce you’ve covered the historical aspects of the park, you
come to my favorite reason for visiting. The hiking, views, and
natural habitats you encounter are a delight. First of all, the
Appalachian Trail runs right through the park. Pennsylvania has
been known as one of the tougher stretches along this 2,000-mile
trail that expands from Maine to Georgia, partly because of our
often-rocky terrain. Well, if it’s rocky terrain you’re
searching for, try the Pole Steeple Trail. This trail is less than
a mile long, but it’s a steep challenge, with a treat at the
top.
[
Pine Grove Furnace State Park Photo Gallery 2 ]
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winding your way to the top of Pole Steeple, you will be delighted
to find a huge quartzite rock outcropping. The outcrop provides a
great place to take in the view, settle down into the rocks and rest,
as well as fantastic photo opportunities. The views are probably the
closest you’ll find to a 360-degree view in Pennsylvania, and
you can see the entire park from atop the rocks. Give yourself enough
time to enjoy the scenery at the top of your hike; you’ll be
glad you did.
 ut
there are other hikes as well, many of which are more relaxed, and
flat. In all, there are 7 trails in the park, and you might be privy
to visit with a beaver, frogs, turtles or other wetland critter on
the “Swamp Nature Trail,” or if its fishing and mountain
streams you prefer, look for “Creek Trail.”
hether
you’re looking for sports and recreational opportunities, or
simply to find a little solitude in natural spaces, Pine Grove Furnace
State Park is a keeper.
For more information about the park and the surrounding Michaux State
Forest, check out these sites:
 DCNR
state parks website
Wildernet
feature
Appalachian
Trail Homepage
Susquehanna
Appalachian Trail Club
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