Hiker Biker Trail
The Hiker Biker Trail is the easiest-rated, family-friendly rail trail of Pine Grove Furnace State Park. It follows the bed of the old South Mountain Railroad from the Furnace Stack area past Fuller Lake to Laurel Lake. DCNR's hiking page lists it at 3.0 miles, easiest and ADA accessible; its biking page calls the route a 2-mile bike trail. Part is paved and part is crushed limestone or gravel, and more than half of it shares Old Railroad Bed Road with cars.
Hiker Biker Trail at a Glance
The Route
Start at the Furnace Stack Day Use Area, where there are restrooms, drinking water and picnic tables. The trail heads east past Fuller Lake and on to the Laurel Lake Day Use Area. Along the way it overlaps the Appalachian Trail and connects to the Swamp Trail loop and the Mountain Creek Trail, which links on to the Koppenhaver Trail (Hiking).
Length: Why Two Numbers
DCNR's hiking page gives 3.0 miles, out-and-back; its biking page describes a 2-mile bike trail between the two day use areas. Either way it is an easy ride or walk; plan on the round trip if you park at one end.
Surface and Accessibility
The surface is paved in places and crushed limestone or gravel elsewhere. DCNR lists the trail as ADA accessible and family-friendly; it has no blazes.
Biking Rules
- Bikes and e-bikes may use park roads and trails designated for biking; not hiking-only trails.
- More than half of the route is on Old Railroad Bed Road, shared with vehicles; ride with care.
- All trails are shared with walkers, so keep speeds safe.
- Pennsylvania law requires riders under 12 to wear a helmet.
- E-bikes must follow DCNR's e-bike guidelines.
In Winter
When there is enough snow, DCNR says skiers enjoy the Hiker Biker Trail for cross-country skiing (Winter).
A Little History
The South Mountain Railroad was completed in 1870 to move raw materials to the furnace and carry finished iron to market (About).
Good For
- Strollers, wheelchairs and kids on bikes.
- An easy walk between the two beaches.
Maybe Skip If
- You want mountain-bike singletrack: look to Michaux State Forest, where DCNR lists mountain biking.
Hiker Biker Trail FAQ
How long is the Hiker Biker Trail at Pine Grove Furnace?
DCNR's hiking page lists 3.0 miles out-and-back; its biking page describes a 2-mile bike trail between the Furnace Stack and Laurel Lake day use areas.
Is the Hiker Biker Trail paved?
Partly. The rest is crushed limestone or gravel, and more than half of the route is on Old Railroad Bed Road, shared with cars.
Is the Hiker Biker Trail wheelchair accessible?
Yes. DCNR lists it as ADA accessible and family-friendly.
Can you ride an e-bike at Pine Grove Furnace?
Yes, on park roads and trails designated for biking, following DCNR's e-bike guidelines.