MONT ALTO STATE PARK
The 23-acre Mont Alto State Park is in Franklin County. It can be reached from Caledonia State Park on US 30, the Lincoln Highway, by traveling seven miles south on PA 233 or, from the south, travel north on PA 233, one mile from the town of Mont Alto.
Adjacent to the park was the site of the Mont Alto Iron Furnace. Daniel and Samuel Hughes built the furnace in 1807. Originally, it was 31 feet high, 8 feet wide at the boshes and produced 2-3 tons of iron a day.
George Weistling purchased the furnace and associated holdings in 1864. Weistling started the Mont Alto Iron Company, which was responsible for many changes in the area. The Mont Alto Railroad was also completed and connected with the Cumberland County Railroad, 3.5 miles northeast of Chambersburg. Railroad trains brought visitors to the attractive mountain setting. In 1875, the ?Magnificent Summer Resort,? Mont Alto Park, was opened and soon became a very popular recreational area. The area was acquired by the Commonwealth on May 1, 1902, and became the first ?state forest park.?
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.
16 miles from park*
Enjoy fishing in a peaceful creek setting, home to trout and other species. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required.
Mont Alto State Park is located near Chambersburg, Fayetteville and Gettysburg
Mont Alto State Park offers picnic tables, charcoal grills and a pavilion for picnicking. Restrooms are available nearby.
Birdwatchers can enjoy a variety of species in the park's mixed hardwood and pine forests. The Conococheague Creek, running through the park, attracts waterfowl and other aquatic birds. Spring migration season is particularly active for birding opportunities.
For more information on regional attractions, contact Pennsylvania?s Capital Region Vacation Bureau, 800-995-0969.
Adjacent to the park is the Mont Alto Campus of the Pennsylvania State University. At the Campus Chapel, the famed abolitionist John Brown taught Sunday school while living in Chambersburg and planning his raid on the Harpers Ferry Arsenal.
Michaux State Forest: This 83,949-acre forest features hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation. The 611-acre Meeting of the Pines State Forest Natural Area is just north of the park in the Michaux State Forest. Northern and southern species of pine grow in this area, including table mountain pine, pitch pine, short-leaf pine, white pine and Virginia pine. 717-352-2211
Rouzerville Fish & Game
11721 Woodhaven Rd
Waynesboro, PA
(717) 762-5098
Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center
78 Country Club Trl
Fairfield, PA
(717) 642-8282
Mont Alto State Park, in southeastern Franklin County, contains 24 acres of land. It can be reached from Caledonia State Park on US 30, the Lincoln Highway, by traveling seven miles south on PA 233 or by traveling north on PA 233, one mile from the town of Mont Alto.
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