Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Pine Grove Furnace State Park, a free 696-acre Pennsylvania state park near Gardners in Cumberland County. Each answer links to the page that covers it in full.
Planning
Start with Hours & Fees, Parking & Directions and Plan Your Visit. For the lakes, see Fuller Lake, Laurel Lake and Swimming.
Pine Grove Furnace FAQ
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.
What are the hours at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
Sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. Day-use areas close at dusk.
Can you swim at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
Yes, at the Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake beaches, 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; Laurel Beach is swim at your own risk.
Are dogs allowed at Pine Grove Furnace?
Yes, on a leash and attended. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches, in swimming areas or in buildings. Pets may stay only on designated campsites, for a fee.
Can you camp at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
Yes. The campground has 70 tent and trailer sites, 45 with electric hookups, open late March to mid-December. The Paymaster's Cabin rents year-round.
Is Pine Grove Furnace the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail?
It is the symbolic halfway point. DCNR says the true midpoint lies several miles south of the park in Michaux State Forest.
What is the half-gallon challenge?
A thru-hiker tradition: eating a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting to mark reaching the halfway point. Hikers often try it at the Pine Grove General Store.
Can you rent boats at Pine Grove Furnace?
Yes, on Laurel Lake, which has a boat rental, a boat launch and mooring. Only electric motors are allowed, at slow, no-wake speed. Boating is prohibited on Fuller Lake.
How deep is Fuller Lake?
DCNR does not publish a depth, but it warns swimmers about the extreme depths and cold water below the surface. Fuller Lake is a flooded iron ore quarry.
How long is the Pole Steeple hike?
The Pole Steeple Trail is 0.75 mile and rated most difficult: a short, steep climb to a quartzite overlook. It starts across Old Railroad Bed Road from Laurel Lake.
Is there fishing at Pine Grove Furnace?
Yes. Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake hold pickerel, perch, bass and stocked trout, and Mountain Creek has brown, brook and rainbow trout. Pennsylvania fishing rules apply.
Is there cell service at Pine Grove Furnace?
Mostly not. Download the park map before you go; the General Store may have Wi-Fi in season.
When is the Fall Furnace Festival?
A weekend in October, with the Legend of the Hairy Hand and hundreds of lit jack-o'-lanterns floating on Fuller Lake.
How big is Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
696 acres, surrounded by the 85,500-acre Michaux State Forest.
Who manages Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of State Parks. This website is an independent guide, not affiliated with DCNR.