Pine Grove Furnace State Park —
Your Complete Guide
Two swimming lakes, the Appalachian Trail's halfway point and a 1764 iron furnace village on South Mountain, free to visit every day.
What is Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a free, 696-acre Pennsylvania state park on South Mountain near Gardners, in Cumberland County, open every day from sunrise to sunset. It is built around an iron-making village whose furnace ran from 1764 to 1895. Visitors come for two swimming lakes, Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake, the Appalachian Trail at its symbolic halfway point, the Appalachian Trail Museum and a 70-site campground.
A good first visit: walk the historic district past the furnace stack, the Ironmaster's Mansion and the General Store, where thru-hikers take on the half-gallon ice cream challenge; swim at the guarded Fuller Lake beach; then drive to Laurel Lake for a paddle and the short, steep climb to Pole Steeple Overlook.
Two things to plan for. Cell service is not available in most of the park, so download DCNR's park map before you go. And the park is an island in the 85,500-acre Michaux State Forest, so longer hikes, ATV and snowmobile trails start right at its edge.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park at a Glance
Things to Do at Pine Grove Furnace
Swim, paddle, hike a piece of the Appalachian Trail or walk through an iron-making village. Entry is free.
Fuller Lake
A flooded iron ore quarry with the park's lifeguarded beach. Deep, cold water; no boats.
Guarded Beach →
Laurel Lake
25 acres with a beach, boat rental, kayak launch and electric-motor boating.
Beach & Boats →
Appalachian Trail
1.4 miles of the AT, overnight hiker parking and the half-gallon challenge.
Halfway Point →
Iron Furnace History
An iron works from 1764 to 1895; its furnace stack, mansion and mill still stand.
History →Trails at Pine Grove Furnace
DCNR counts about 4 miles of trails in the park, with longer routes into Michaux State Forest.
The old railroad bed from the Furnace Stack past Fuller Lake to Laurel Lake.
The famous footpath at its symbolic halfway point.
A steep climb in Michaux State Forest to a quartzite overlook.
Along Mountain Creek through forest and wetland to Laurel Lake.
How to Get to Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Free parking at the Furnace Stack, Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake day use areas.
Directions
I-81 Exit 37, then PA 233 south about 8 miles. Parking and lots.
Park Office
1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324. Phone 717-486-7174. GPS 40.03295, -77.30467.
Beach Season
May 1 to September 30, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swimming guide.
History You Can Walk Through
Pine Grove Iron Works ran from 1764 until its furnace went out of blast in 1895. The stone furnace stack, the 1829 Ironmaster's Mansion, the old grist mill (now the Appalachian Trail Museum) and the mule stable (now the General Store) still stand, and the iron works is on the National Register of Historic Places. Read the full history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pine Grove Furnace State Park free?
Yes. Pennsylvania state parks charge no entrance or day-use fees, and parking is free. Campsites, the cabin, reserved pavilions and boat rentals cost money.
Can you swim at Pine Grove Furnace?
Yes, at Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake, May 1 to September 30, 8 a.m. to sunset. Fuller Beach has lifeguards 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.
Are dogs allowed at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
Yes, on a leash and attended. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches, in swimming areas or in buildings; designated campsites take pets for a fee.
Is Pine Grove Furnace the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail?
It is the symbolic halfway point where thru-hikers celebrate. DCNR says the true midpoint lies several miles south in Michaux State Forest.
Can you camp at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
Yes. The Charcoal Hearth Campground has 70 tent and trailer sites, 45 with electric, open late March to mid-December. The Paymaster's Cabin rents year-round.
Where is Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
At 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324. From I-81 take Exit 37 and follow PA 233 south about 8 miles. Park office GPS: 40.03295, -77.30467.
How big is Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
696 acres, surrounded by the 85,500-acre Michaux State Forest.