Appalachian Trail Museum

The Appalachian Trail Museum is a free museum inside Pine Grove Furnace State Park, in the old grist mill at 1120 Pine Grove Road between the park office and the Pine Grove General Store. DCNR calls it the first hiking museum in the United States. It honors the trail's builders and hikers, has a hands-on Children's Discovery Area, and is open seasonally; the museum posts current hours on atmuseum.org. Donations are welcome.

What Is Inside

Exhibits and programs pay tribute to the hikers and pioneer trail-builders of the Appalachian Trail and their commitment to conservation. DCNR names a few of the people featured: Earl Shaffer, Grandma Gatewood, Gene Espy and Ed Garvey.

The Children's Discovery Area offers interactive, hands-on learning for kids. And because the museum sits near the trail's midpoint, it often gives visitors a chance to meet thru-hikers passing through.

The Building

The museum is in the old grist mill of the Pine Grove Iron Works village, one of the buildings that survives from the furnace era (About).

Hours and Admission

• Admission: free; donations are welcome.
• Season: open seasonally. Check atmuseum.org for current days and hours, or call the museum at 717-486-8126.
• Parking: in the lot next to the Furnace Stack Picnic Pavilion (Parking).

The Appalachian Trail Museum Festival

Every June, the museum festival fills a weekend with a banquet, hikes, guest speakers, music and children's programs.

Nearby

• The Appalachian Trail passes right outside.
• The General Store, home of the half-gallon challenge, is next door.
• The Ironmaster's Mansion, a hiker hostel run in partnership with the museum, is up the road.

Not Affiliated

The Appalachian Trail Museum is a separate nonprofit, not part of DCNR, and this website is not connected to either.