Pole Steeple Trail
The Pole Steeple Trail is a short, steep hike from Laurel Lake at Pine Grove Furnace State Park up Piney Mountain to Pole Steeple Overlook, a quartzite rock outcrop with a view over the park and Michaux State Forest. DCNR lists it at 0.75 mile, rated most difficult, blue-blazed and out-and-back. It starts at the Pole Steeple parking lot across Old Railroad Bed Road from Laurel Lake.
Pole Steeple at a Glance
The Hike
The trail leaves the Pole Steeple lot opposite Laurel Lake and climbs Piney Mountain to the overlook. DCNR calls it a short but steep climb: expect rocky footing and a real grade for the whole way up. The trail is entirely in Michaux State Forest, which surrounds the park, even though you start inside the park.
Come back down the same way. DCNR gives the trail as 0.75 mile and does not say whether that is one way, so plan for about a mile and a half of walking if it is, and allow extra time for the descent on loose rock.
The View
From the top of the quartzite outcrop, DCNR says the entire park can be seen. Its sightseeing page describes the view as the eastern part of the park and the surrounding Michaux State Forest, and the park guide lists the hike to Pole Steeple Vista in its top 10 things to do.
Safety at the Overlook
- Sheer drop: DCNR warns that the steep grade and sheer drop may stress some people.
- Children: keep them close, especially on the rocks and ledges.
- Footing: wear sturdy shoes; the rock can be slick when wet.
- No cell service: most of the park and state forest has none, so tell someone your plan.
- Hunting season: DCNR says hunting is permitted in the surrounding state forest, so be visible in season (Hunting).
Parking
Use the Pole Steeple parking lot along Old Railroad Bed Road by Laurel Lake. Parking is free (Parking).
Make a Day of It
Climb Pole Steeple in the morning, swim at Laurel Beach in season, then walk the Hiker Biker Trail toward the historic district.
Good For
- A big view for a short walk.
- Fit kids with close supervision.
Maybe Skip If
- You have bad knees or a fear of heights: try the easy Hiker Biker Trail instead.
- You want a long hike: combine with the Appalachian Trail.
Pole Steeple Trail FAQ
How long is the Pole Steeple Trail?
DCNR lists it at 0.75 mile, out-and-back. It is short but steep and rocky.
How hard is the Pole Steeple hike?
DCNR rates it most difficult: a short but steep climb, and it warns that the steep grade and sheer drop may stress some people.
Where do you park for Pole Steeple?
At the Pole Steeple parking lot along Old Railroad Bed Road by Laurel Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
What can you see from Pole Steeple?
The park and the surrounding Michaux State Forest, from a quartzite rock outcrop on Piney Mountain.
Is Pole Steeple good for kids?
Older kids can do it, but DCNR advises parents to supervise children closely on the rocks and ledges.