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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
South-Central Region
Michaux State Forest
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Michaux State Forest © Pam Boyer
Michaux State Forest © Pam Boyer
Michaux State Forest © Pam Boyer
Michaux State Forest © Pam Boyer
Michaux State Forest Winter wonderland © Donna Quante
If you arent the lead dog, the scenery never changes. But its beautiful
Michaux State Forest Mush Fun © Donna Quante
Heading down the trail in Michaux
Michaux State Forest My dog team © Donna Quante
My dog team in Michaux State Forest Leroy, Maggie, Copper and Fritter.
Michaux State Forest © Pam Boyer
Michaux State Forest © Pam Boyer
Michaux State Forest © Pam Boyer
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MICHAUX STATE FOREST
MICHAUX STATE FOREST
The Michaux State Forest is located in Adams, Cumberland and Franklin counties. It is named in honor of Andre Michaux, a French botanist, dispatched by the King and Queen of France in 1785 to gather plants for the Royal Gardens. He and his son Francois Andre Michaux are noted for discovering and identifying a host of flowers, shrubs and trees.
History of the Area
The Michaux State Forest is located in Adams, Cumberland and Franklin counties. It is named in honor of Andre Michaux, a French botanist, dispatched by the King and Queen of France in 1785 to gather plants for the Royal Gardens. He and his son Francois Andre Michaux are noted for discovering and identifying a host of flowers, shrubs and trees.

From the mid-eighteenth century to the early twentieth century, the lands that are now the Michaux State Forest were owned by large iron companies. Iron furnaces processed iron ore, dug from open pits, into "pig iron", which was forged into iron tools, stoves, kettles, and a variety of other implements. The largest iron furnaces were located at Caledonia, Mont Alto and Pine Grove Furnace. Cannon balls made from these furnace's were used during the Revolutionary War. The iron companies needed large land holdings from which to cut wood that was converted to charcoal and used to fuel the iron furnaces. The iron industry disappeared in this area when it could no longer compete with new technology and richer ore deposits found to the west.

The Michaux State Forest can boast many firsts in forestry in Pennsylvania. The first forest tree nursery was established in Mont Alto in 1902, the first wooden fire tower in established in 1905 and the first steel fire tower in 1914. In 1903, the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy was established at Mont Alto. It was the first of its kind in the state and only the second in the nation to train professional foresters. Prior to this, foresters went to Europe for training.

Today, the Michaux State Forest, comprising more than 85,000 acres, is managed for a variety of uses that benefit not only the citizens of Pennsylvania, but also the nation and the world. A variety of wood products are produced from the timber resources providing for the needs of millions of people as well as aiding the local economy.

Potable water may be the Michaux's most valuable resource. Numerous local communities depend on its pure water for their municipal water supplies.
Camping
1. Michaux State Forest Campgrounds: This campground offers a variety of camping options including tent, trailer and RV sites.

2. Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel: Located within the forest itself, this hostel provides lodging for hikers on the Appalachian Trail as well as other visitors to the area.

3. Pine Grove Furnace State Park: Situated in Michaux state forest is home to several campgrounds that offer both modern facilities and rustic charm with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings etc.,.

4. Tumbling Run Shelters: These are two small shelters located along the Appalachian trail inside Michaux state park which can be used by backpackers or thru:hikers on first-come-first-serve basis.

5. Birch Run Shelter: Another shelter available for overnight stay situated near Birch run creek providing serene environment amidst nature.

6. Quarry Gap Shelters: Two more shelters nestled deep into woods offering peaceful surroundings away from hustle bustle of city life.

7. Caledonia State Park: Although not directly part of michaoux but it's just few miles east where you get access to campsites equipped with electric hookups, restrooms & showers.
Nearby Accommodations
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The Brickhouse Inn - Gettysburg, PA
BBs / Inns
Gracious accommodations and in-town convenience are the perfect combination for your stay in Gettysbug. 1898 brick Victorian in historic district. Walk to battlefield, restaurants, shops.
13.3 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
BBs / Inns
Enjoy casual and comfortable, country elegance and delicious breakfasts in this 200 year old brick farmhouse situated on 10 acres. We are located near the Appalachian Trail and numerous outdoor activities which include world-class fly fishing. We are less than 5 miles away from the The US Army Heritage and Education Center and many Carlisle collector car events throughout the year.
19.3 miles from park*
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Trails
The Appalachian Trail:

The Appalachian Trail is a continuous, marked footpath extending along the crest of the Appalachian Mountain range for more than 2,100 miles from Mt. Katahdin in central Maine, south to Springer Mountain in Georgia, traversing 14 states along the way.

The Trail stretches diagonally across eastern Pennsylvania covering a distance of 228.8 miles. Forty-five of these miles are located on state forest lands. About 39 miles are on the Michaux State Forest located just north of the Maryland state line. The remaining six miles are divided between the Weiser and Delaware State Forests. The Trail is marked by either two different signs. One is a white rectangular paint blazes two inches wide by six inches high, usually on trees. The second is a diamond-shaped metal marker with the Trail Monogram on it.

On state forest lands the Appalachian Trail is contained within a buffer zone where timber harvesting is restricted to the removal of hazardous trees that pose as a risk to public safety. Outside the buffer zone, various types of cutting practices are used to provide a continuous supply of wood products and to enhance the quality of various wildlife habitats. The hiker who ventures off the main trail may have the opportunity to see various states of forest progression and encounter a wider diversity of both plants and animals.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 1
park review stars; one to five BEAUTIFUL AND PEACEFUL. mor private than other campgrounds
April 19 A Great Escape by P Boyer
park review stars; one to five There are so many beautiful trails( including the Appalacian Trail) to visit and Long Pine Run lake is great for canoeing etc. The wild Rhododendrons are gorgeous along many of the roads by the lake especially. You also have Caledonia State Park with great campimg. The area is just loaded with places to investigate and enjoy. Plenty of places to ride horses-hike a waterfall-or just relax.
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Area Campgrounds
Cherokee Campground
200 Pine Grove Road
Gardners, PA
717-486-8000
Deer Run Campground
111 Sheet Iron Roof Road
Gardners, PA
Mountain Creek Campground
349 Pine Grove Road
Gardners, PA
717-486-7681
Artillery Ridge Camping Resort
610 Taneytown Road
Gettysburg, PA
717-334-1288
Drummer Boy Camping Resort
1300 Hanover Road
Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg Campground
2030 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg KOA Kampground
20 Knox Road
Gettysburg, PA
717-642-5713
Granite Hill Camping Resort
3340 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA
Western Village RV Park Inc
200 Greenview Drive
Carlisle, PA
717-243-1179
Pine Ridge Campground
2635 Shippensburg Road
Biglerville, PA
717-316-0040

Directions
1. Start by heading onto I-81.
2. Take Exit 37 for PA-233 toward Newville/Walnut Bottom.
3. Turn onto PA-233 South and continue for approximately 10 miles.
4. Next, turn right onto Letterkenny Road.
5. Continue on Letterkenny Road for about 8 miles until you reach Foote Road.
6. Turn left onto Foote Road.
7. Follow Foote Road for approximately 3 miles.
8. Finally, turn left onto Ridge Road and continue for about a mile until you reach the entrance of Michaux State Forest.

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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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