South Central PA Hiking Guide: Appalachian Trail, Pole Steeple & Pine Grove Furnace

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South Central PA Hiking Guide: Appalachian Trail, Pole Steeple & Pine Grove Furnace

Quick Facts

  • Location: Cumberland Valley (Carlisle, Shippensburg, Chambersburg area)
  • Key Parks: Michaux State Forest (85,000 acres), Pine Grove Furnace State Park
  • AT Mileage: 46 miles through region (mix of easy valley + rocky ridges)
  • Top Trails: Pole Steeple (overlook), White Rocks (scrambling), Cumberland Valley AT
  • Unique: AT Museum, Half Gallon Challenge, beginner-friendly backpacking

When hikers talk about the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Pennsylvania, they usually mention “Rocksylvania” and the brutal, boot-destroying ridges. But South Central PA is different. Here, the AT drops into the Cumberland Valley, offering some of the flattest, easiest miles on the entire 2,190-mile trail.

This region is the perfect entry point for the AT. You can walk through cornfields and scenic towns like Boiling Springs, then climb into Michaux State Forest for a taste of the rugged stuff. It’s accessible, historic, and undeniably the cultural heart of the AT in Pennsylvania.

Why Hike South Central PA?

The defining feature of this region is the Appalachian Trail corridor. You don’t need to be a grizzled thru-hiker to enjoy it. In fact, this is the best place in the state to experience the AT culture without committing to a six-month trek.

You can visit the Appalachian Trail Museum (the only one in the country), watch thru-hikers attempt the Half Gallon Challenge, and hike scenic sections that range from “walk in the park” easy to “scramble on hands and knees” hard. Whether you want a quick sunset view at Pole Steeple or your first overnight backpacking trip, this region makes the famous trail accessible to everyone.

The Trails: AT Sections & Day Hikes

If You Want the Best View: Pole Steeple Trail

Pole Steeple overlook at sunset, showing Laurel Lake below

  • Distance: 0.75 miles (steep route) or 2+ miles (moderate route)
  • Elevation: 500 ft gain
  • Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (steep route), 1.5-2 hours (moderate route)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steep, rocky)
  • Trailhead: Pole Steeple parking area off Pine Road
  • Best Time: Late afternoon for sunset (mid-October for fall foliage)
  • The Draw: Most popular overlook in the region. Views of Laurel Lake and Pine Grove Furnace.

Pole Steeple is the classic postcard shot of the region. A massive quartzite spire jutting out of the mountain, it offers a commanding view of Laurel Lake and the valley below. The hike is short but steep, getting your heart pumping before rewarding you with the best ledge in the county.

Pro Tip: Sunset is crowded. The parking lot holds ~20 cars and fills by 5 PM on nice weekends. Go for sunrise or midweek.

If You Want Rock Scrambling: White Rocks Trail

White Rocks quartzite pinnacles with hiker scrambling

  • Distance: 1.5 miles to AT junction
  • Elevation: 400 ft gain
  • Time: 1-1.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate (scrambling required)
  • Trailhead: Kuhn Road parking area
  • Best Time: Spring, fall (avoid summer heat on exposed rocks)
  • The Draw: 600-million-year-old quartzite pinnacles. Northernmost Blue Ridge geology.

For those who want a taste of adventure, White Rocks delivers. The trail leads to a ridge of jagged quartzite pinnacles that require hands-on scrambling to navigate. It feels like a jungle gym made of stone.

⚠️ Warning: Rattlesnakes are common here. Watch where you put your hands when scrambling.

If You Want Easy Backpacking: Cumberland Valley AT Section

  • Distance: 13 miles (Boiling Springs to Carlisle)
  • Elevation: Minimal (flat terrain, ~200 ft total gain)
  • Time: 6-8 hours (day hike), overnight recommended
  • Difficulty: Easy (flat, road walks)
  • Access: Boiling Springs trailhead or Carlisle trailhead
  • Best Time: Spring, fall (summer can be hot on exposed farmland)
  • The Draw: Flattest section of the AT. Perfect first overnight trip.

If you’ve never backpacked before, start here. This 13-mile stretch is famously flat, winding through farm fields and quiet woodlots. It’s not the most dramatic scenery, but it’s a gentle introduction to moving with a pack.

If You Want a Challenge: Michaux AT Section

AT white blaze on tree in Michaux State Forest

  • Distance: 37 miles through Michaux State Forest
  • Elevation: Varies (1,000-1,500 ft cumulative gain per 10-mile section)
  • Time: 3-4 days for full section
  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (rocky, elevation changes)
  • Access: Multiple trailheads (Pine Grove Furnace, Caledonia State Park, Route 30)
  • Best Time: Spring (mountain laurel blooms in May), fall (foliage mid-October)
  • Shelters: Tom’s Run, Quarry Gap (called the “Taj Mahal” of AT shelters)
  • Water: Streams (filter required), shelters often have nearby springs

Once the AT leaves the valley and enters Michaux State Forest, it gets real. The trail climbs ridges, dips into rhododendron-filled hollows, and connects major highlights like Pole Steeple and Chimney Rocks. The Quarry Gap Shelter is legendary for its hanging baskets and impeccable maintenance - it’s worth the hike just to see it.

Pine Grove Furnace: The Heart of the AT in PA

Pine Grove Furnace

The Half Gallon Challenge

If you stop at the Pine Grove General Store, you might see a hiker frantically eating a tub of ice cream. This is the Half Gallon Challenge, a tradition where thru-hikers celebrate reaching the trail’s unofficial midpoint by consuming a half-gallon of Hershey’s ice cream in one sitting.

You don’t have to be a thru-hiker to try it (you get a wooden spoon if you finish), but be warned: hiking on a stomach full of ice cream is harder than it looks.

Appalachian Trail Museum

Located in a historic grist mill right across from the general store, this is the only museum in the US dedicated entirely to the AT. It’s filled with artifacts, from the gear of pioneer hikers like Earl Shaffer to a “hall of fame” of trail legends. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged.

The Lakes

After your hike, cool off in Laurel Lake or Fuller Lake. Both are within Pine Grove Furnace State Park and offer sandy beaches and refreshingly cold mountain water.

Camping in South Central PA

Developed Campgrounds

  • Pine Grove Furnace: 70 sites. $20-$25/night. It fills up fast on summer weekends, so book 2-3 months in advance via PA State Parks reservations.
  • Caledonia State Park: 184 sites. $20-$25/night. A massive campground with a swimming pool, located at the southern end of the Michaux AT section.

AT Shelters

Backpackers can stay at the AT shelters, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Quarry Gap Shelter is the highlight, but Tom’s Run and others offer reliable spots to pitch a tent or sleep in the structure. No reservations, no fees.

Dispersed Camping in Michaux

You can camp for free in Michaux State Forest, but unlike the Allegheny National Forest, you need a permit. It’s free and easy to get (register online at the DCNR website or at the forest office), but mandatory. Note that finding a legal site (200 feet from roads/water) can be tough near popular areas like Pole Steeple.

Boiling Springs: The Trail Town

If you want a post-hike meal, head to Boiling Springs. This scenic village sits right on the AT and features “Children’s Lake,” a spring-fed lake that bubbles from underground aquifers. It’s home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Mid-Atlantic Office and feels like the quintessential trail town.

Photography Tips

Best Overlook Photography: Pole Steeple at sunset. Arrive 30 minutes early for golden hour light on Laurel Lake. Fall foliage peaks around mid-October (typically October 10-20). Bring a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for the expansive views.

Best Rock Formation Photography: White Rocks quartzite pinnacles. Late afternoon light creates dramatic shadows between the rocks. A polarizing filter helps cut glare on the white quartzite.

Best Trail Town Photography: Boiling Springs Children’s Lake. Early morning for calm water reflections. The spring bubbles create unique patterns.

Best Fall Foliage: Pole Steeple and Michaux AT sections. Peak timing: October 10-20. Shoot in late afternoon for warm light.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Nearby Hubs

  • Carlisle: 15 miles north of Pine Grove Furnace. Hotels, restaurants, outdoor outfitters. Major hub for AT resupply.
  • Shippensburg: 20 miles west. University town with lodging, dining, and access to Cumberland Valley Rail Trail.
  • Chambersburg: 25 miles southwest. Larger town with full services.

Fire Restrictions

March 1 to May 25 is peak fire season. Open fires are strictly prohibited along the AT in Michaux State Forest during this time. Use a camp stove only.

Rattlesnakes

The rocky ridges (White Rocks, Sunset Rocks, Pole Steeple) are prime rattlesnake habitat. They are generally not aggressive if left alone, but always look before you step or grab a rock.

Thru-Hiker Season

The “bubble” of northbound thru-hikers hits this region from late April to early June. During this time, shelters will be crowded/full by late afternoon. If you’re planning a section hike, bring a tent and be prepared to camp away from the shelters.

Iron History

This entire region was once an industrial powerhouse. Pine Grove Furnace and Caledonia were ironworks that produced cannonballs for wars. Keep an eye out for stone ruins and “charcoal hearths” (flat circular areas in the woods) along the trails.

Best Time to Hike

  • Late Spring (May): The mountain laurel blooms, turning the forest white and pink. The weather is perfect, but the trail is busy with thru-hikers. Best dates: May 15-31 for peak blooms.
  • Summer (June-August): It gets hot and humid in the Cumberland Valley. The lakes at Pine Grove Furnace are the place to be. Trails are less crowded than spring/fall.
  • Fall (October): Peak foliage makes Pole Steeple spectacular - and crowded. Best dates: October 10-20 for peak colors. Go midweek if you can.
  • Winter (December-March): Solitude. The crowds vanish, and you can have the views to yourself. Just watch for ice on rocky sections. Caledonia campground is closed.

FAQ

Where is the Appalachian Trail Museum?
It’s located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, in the old grist mill directly across from the Pine Grove General Store.

Can I camp for free in Michaux State Forest?
Yes, but you must obtain a free dispersed camping permit from the forest district office (in person or online at the DCNR website).

What’s the Half Gallon Challenge?
It’s a tradition where AT thru-hikers attempt to eat a half-gallon of ice cream in one sitting at the Pine Grove General Store to celebrate reaching the trail’s halfway point.

Is the AT in South Central PA hard?
It depends on the section. The 13 miles from Boiling Springs to Carlisle are flat and easy. The sections in Michaux State Forest involve rocky climbs and are moderate to strenuous.

Explore More

Ready to explore the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania? Start with Pole Steeple for the views, visit the AT Museum to learn the history, then plan a beginner backpacking trip on the Cumberland Valley section.