In 1895, Pine Grove Furnace ended a 130 year legacy of iron production, but in 1913, 17,000 acres were purchased by the Commonwealth for a new legacy as Michaux State Forest and Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Cumberland County.

An iron ore mining pit filled with water and became Fuller Lake, and Laurel Lake shifted from powering a foundry to refreshing the public.

Today, Pine Grove Furnace State Park and its recreation facilities entertain a million people each year with hiking, swimming, kayaking, picnicking, and more.

Special events have been taking place to commemorate this year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the park. 

On August 10, local resident Andre Weltman hosted "Unknown Stories of Pine Grove Furnace," where he shared little known, personal stories related to the park to educate the public about the area's unique and fascinating history.     

On September 14, two sessions will be held to hike all four miles of the park's trails in a single day in the Pine Grove Furnace Super Hike. Hikers can choose to complete one session and hike half of the available trails, or hang on for a second session to complete all of the trails.

October 26-27 will see South Mountain's 5th Annual Fall Furnace Fest, which features nature crafts, pumpkin carving, hayrides, apple cider, music and vendors. This year, to celebrate the 100th Anniversary, the festival will have a special historical theme that will observe the transition of the area from an industrial one to a recreational one. 

For more information, download the 100th Anniversary Celebration brochure or visit the Pine Grove Furnace State Park webpage.

(Reprinted from the August issue of Central PA Conservancy News.)

8/19/2013