Fuller Lake reaches depths of approximately 65 feet due to its origin as an iron ore quarry.
The park's iron furnace operated from 1764 until 1895, producing pig iron for the American Revolution and the Civil War.
The Appalachian Trail Museum is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the history of the Appalachian Trail.
The park marks the unofficial halfway point for thru-hikers traversing the entire length of the Appalachian Trail.
The name 'Pine Grove Furnace' originates from the charcoal-fueled iron furnace that utilized local timber and nearby ore deposits.
The former general store building, built in 1892, now serves as the park office and information center.
The park is a certified site on the Underground Railroad, as enslaved people utilized the furnace complex for passage north.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located in the Michaux State Forest and serves as the midway point of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. The park features two primary water bodies: Fuller Lake, a former iron ore quarry, and Laurel Lake, which offers a sand beach. The Appalachian Trail Museum, housed in a renovated 1870s-era grist mill, details the history of the trail. Visitors can explore the remnants of the 18th-century iron furnace industry that gave the park its name. The park encompasses 696 acres within the Cumberland Valley. It provides access to varied terrain including mountain biking trails and hiking paths connected to the longer state forest trail system. The park's historic district includes the ruins of the stack and the reconstructed stone structure of the original furnace.
The view from the stone wall overlooking the mirror-like surface of Fuller Lake.
Bring a swimsuit for summer swimming at the Laurel Lake beach area.
Visit the museum before hitting the trails to understand the regional history of the iron industry.
Pack insect repellent, as the forested areas and lakeside locations often have active tick and mosquito populations.
Do not attempt to swim in Fuller Lake outside of designated zones, as the deep water and submerged debris pose significant safety hazards.
The Appalachian Trail Museum is generally open seasonally from spring through late autumn; swimming beaches are strictly seasonal.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; keep pets on a leash in developed areas; dispose of all trash in provided receptacles.
