Pine Grove Furnace: Ice Cream, Iron, and the AT Midpoint

Quick Facts

• Location: Cumberland County (Michaux State Forest)
• Size: 696 acres
• Key Feature: Appalachian Trail midpoint celebration, Half Gallon Challenge, two lakes, Pole Steeple
• Best For: AT thru-hikers, families, swimmers, day hikers
• Warnings: Fuller Lake is freezing (even in summer), Pole Steeple is steep, respect the thru-hikers.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park is where Appalachian Trail thru-hikers stop to eat ice cream. Not a scoop - 1.5 quarts. In one sitting. At the General Store, you’ll see skinny, sunburned hikers shivering through the Half Gallon Challenge, celebrating the halfway point of their 2,190-mile journey. The actual AT midpoint marker is 4 miles away in Michaux State Forest, but this park is the spiritual halfway point. It’s also a family park with two lakes (Fuller is freezing, Laurel is warmer), a steep hike to Pole Steeple’s overlook, and the only Appalachian Trail Museum in the US. You’ll share the park with thru-hikers and families. It’s free to enter, and the vibe is half pilgrimage site, half summer camp.

Located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the park is named for the historic iron furnace that operated here from 1764 to 1895. Visit the Appalachian Trail Museum and check AllTrails for current Pole Steeple conditions.

The Half Gallon Challenge (The Main Event)

What It Is

The Half Gallon Challenge is a tradition for AT thru-hikers. You buy 1.5 quarts of ice cream at the Pine Grove General Store and eat it in one sitting. If you finish in 30 minutes, you get a wooden spoon and bragging rights.

The Rules

• Buy any flavor (or multiple) from the General Store
• Eat 1.5 quarts (used to be a full half-gallon, but ice cream containers changed)
• 30-minute time limit for the record
• Reward: A wooden spoon with “Half Gallon Challenge” inscribed

The Scene

You’ll see thru-hikers sitting outside the store, shivering and sweating, surrounded by empty ice cream containers. It’s a rite of passage. Even if you’re not a thru-hiker, you can attempt it.

The Appalachian Trail Midpoint

Where Is It?

The official AT midpoint marker is about 4 miles away in Michaux State Forest (GPS: 40.03661, -77.35732). It’s a 1-mile hike from a parking area.

Why Pine Grove Furnace?

The park is the closest gathering spot to the marker. Thru-hikers stop here for the General Store, the AT Museum, and the Half Gallon Challenge. It’s the spiritual halfway point.

The AT Museum

The only museum in the US dedicated to the Appalachian Trail. Located in the park. Free admission. Worth a stop if you’re interested in trail history.

The only AT Museum in the US - free admission

The Lakes (Fuller vs Laurel)

Fuller Lake

• Size: 1.7 acres (small)
• Water: Freezing cold (spring-fed, old quarry)
• Lifeguards: Yes (seasonal, Memorial Day to Labor Day)
• Boating: No
• Vibe: Family-friendly, supervised swimming

Laurel Lake

• Size: 25 acres (large)
• Water: Warmer than Fuller (but still cool)
• Lifeguards: No (swim at your own risk)
• Boating: Yes (electric motors, kayak/canoe rentals)
• Vibe: More adventurous, longer beach

Which Lake Should You Choose?

Fuller if you want lifeguards and don’t mind freezing water. Laurel if you want to kayak or prefer a bigger beach (but no lifeguards).

Pole Steeple Trail (The View)

The Hike

• Distance: 0.75 miles one-way (steep uphill)
• Elevation Gain: ~500 feet
• Difficulty: Short but strenuous. Blue blazes. Rock scramble at the top.
• Trailhead: Near Laurel Lake (parking off Old Railroad Bed Road)

The View

Spectacular quartzite rock outcropping overlooking Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Laurel Lake, and Michaux State Forest. Worth the climb.

Tips

• Go early on weekends (it gets crowded)
• Bring water (it’s steep)
• Watch for loose rocks

The view from Pole Steeple is worth the steep climb

Camping

Charcoal Hearth Campground

• Sites: ~70 sites (most with electric hookups)
• Best Sites: Perimeter sites for privacy
• Season: Year-round (some sites)
• Amenities: Bathhouse, camp store

Ironmaster’s Mansion

Historic building now used as a hostel and event space. You can stay here if you’re a thru-hiker or book it for events.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

It’s Free

No entrance fee. No parking fee.

Respect the Thru-Hikers

They’ve been walking for months. They smell bad. They have great stories. Be kind.

Fuller Lake Is Freezing

Even in July. It’s refreshing but shocking. Prepare yourself.

Dogs Are Allowed (But Not on Beaches)

Dogs are welcome on leash, but not on the swim beaches.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Thru-hikers start arriving (northbound hikers). Quieter than summer.
• Summer: Peak season. Both lakes are open. Crowded on weekends.
• Fall: Beautiful foliage. Southbound hikers passing through. Cooler water.
• Winter: Quiet. Lakes are closed for swimming. Good for hiking Pole Steeple.

FAQ

Where is the AT midpoint marker? About 4 miles away in Michaux State Forest. The park is the celebration spot.

Can you swim? Yes. Fuller Lake (lifeguards) and Laurel Lake (no lifeguards).

Is the Half Gallon Challenge free? No. You have to buy the ice cream (~$30).

Are dogs allowed? Yes, on leash, but not on swim beaches.

Explore More

• Check out the Laurel Highlands region guide.
• Visit Michaux State Forest nearby.