Pine Grove Furnace State Park! The best hiking place in the world - well, probably not, but it is still great! Pine Grove Furnace State Park boasts two nice-sized lakes (Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake), a rail trail for bikers, a museum, a concession stand, part of the Appalachian Trail, and numerous park trails with incredible views. One of the more notable trails at the state park is the Sunset Rock Overlook trail, but be careful - the last portion of the trail is very steep!
There are various places to have cookouts on the park’s charcoal grills, which allows this park to serve as the perfect spot to have family and friend get-togethers. This entire park, trails included, is a stunning 696 acres, which is more than enough space to connect with Pennsylvania's nature. The park offers numerous activities and trail tours that can offer educational experiences about the wildlife and nature of the park. However, if you do manage to visit the state park, you must check out the very entity that gives the park its name! Make sure to get your picture taken in front of the gigantic cobblestone furnace that sits near the entrance of the park! Just don’t expect to cook anything using it; I don’t believe the furnace is active anymore, so you’ll have to use one of the many charcoal grills found around the park.
To get to this park, head North on Interstate 81, get off at the Newville exit, turn right, and just keep driving. You will eventually arrive at the park in 15 to 20 minutes. So now that you know everything about this park, what are you waiting for? Get your swimsuits, your hiking shoes, your food, and come over to Pine Grove Furnace State Park!
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Have you ever been to a state park? If so, which one? If not, which would you most like to travel to?
Happy local travels!
~ Seth Pearson
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