Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail runs right through Pine Grove Furnace State Park, which hikers treat as the halfway point of the roughly 2,190-mile footpath from Georgia to Maine. DCNR notes the true midpoint is several miles south in Michaux State Forest, but the park is where thru-hikers celebrate. The trail covers 1.4 easy, white-blazed miles in the park, and backpackers can leave a car overnight in the Furnace Stack lot.
The AT at a Glance
The AT in the Park
Inside the park the trail is 1.4 miles long and rated the easiest hiking in the park. Look for white blazes near the Pine Grove General Store, the Appalachian Trail Museum, the Fuller Lake Day Use Area and along the Hiker Biker Trail, which shares part of its route. The trailhead has modern restrooms, drinking water and picnic tables.
The Halfway Point
About 4,000 people try to thru-hike the whole trail each year, and DCNR says about one in four finish. Thru-hikers pass through the park from late spring through the summer months. Reaching Pine Grove Furnace is a symbolic halfway milestone; the true halfway point lies several miles south of the park in Michaux State Forest.
The Half-Gallon Challenge
To mark finishing half the trail, it is a thru-hiker tradition to try to eat a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting. On summer days, DCNR says, it is common to see hikers working on it at the Pine Grove General Store (General Store).
Day Hikes From the Park
- Easy: walk the AT and Hiker Biker Trail to Fuller Lake and back.
- Longer: Boiling Springs to the north and Caledonia State Park to the south are each about a 20-mile hike, good for an overnight section hike with a car shuttle.
- With a view: pair the AT with the short, steep Pole Steeple climb near Laurel Lake.
Overnight Parking and Registration
Backpackers may park overnight in a marked section of the Furnace Stack parking lot. DCNR's hiking page asks section hikers to register their car at the overnight parking area; the park guide asks backpackers to check in at the park office to register their vehicle, leave contact information and give an itinerary. Do both if you can (Parking).
Where Hikers Sleep
The Ironmaster's Mansion, open April to December, is a hostel with dormitory-style lodging for AT hikers, run in partnership with the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Museum. The park campground is another option.
Planning Resources
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (appalachiantrail.org) publishes maps, guides and shuttle information for the whole trail. DCNR's park map shows the AT through the park (Trail Map).
Good For
- A first taste of the AT on a section DCNR rates easiest.
- Section hikers who need safe overnight parking.
Maybe Skip If
- You want solitude in summer: thru-hiker season makes the park busy.
Appalachian Trail FAQ
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 of the park in Michaux State Forest.
How long is the Appalachian Trail in Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
1.4 miles, marked with white blazes and rated easiest.
Can I park overnight at Pine Grove Furnace to hike the AT?
Yes, in a marked section of the Furnace Stack lot. Register your car at the overnight parking area (DCNR hiking page); the park guide also asks backpackers to check in at the park office with an itinerary.
What is the half-gallon challenge at Pine Grove Furnace?
A thru-hiker tradition of eating a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting to celebrate the halfway point, often at the Pine Grove General Store.
How far is Boiling Springs from Pine Grove Furnace on the AT?
About 20 miles north. Caledonia State Park is about 20 miles south.