SCA 2002 Pack Hike
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Sunday, October 13, 2002

Meeting at 8:00 am.
Hoping to start hiking no later than 9:00 am after weigh-in and gear-up.
See map below for meeting location specifics.


 

Come hike with us!
We have some very special plans this year.

Since a portion of the Appalachian Trail passes close to the host hotel, we will be able to incorporate it into our hike.
This is not just ANY old section of the trail, either.
Our hiking path will include the exact mid-point of this historic 2167-mile trail!
 

                
 
 

About the A.T.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,167-mile (3,488 km) footpath along the ridge crests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in north Georgia. The trail traverses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia.

For more information about the A.T., visit the Appalachian Trail website.
 

        
 
 
 

The hike will be approximately 4.8 miles in length. With elevations changes, it will qualify for 5 miles credit toward Working Samoyed titles.  The hike will begin at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
 

The park marks the spot of an iron furnace and mining operation that produced firearms used in the Revolutionary War. The remains of the furnace are visible from the Trail. It ceased operation in the 1890s.

Also in the park is an 1827 mansion that was once a "stop" on the Underground Railroad.
It now serves as a hostel in the American Youth Hostel Network.
 
 


 

Pine Grove Furnace State Park also includes the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail.
This is the first opportunity for thru-hikers to join the traditional "half-gallon club." To belong, you must eat a half-gallon of ice cream to mark the halfway point of your hike.
What a great tradition!
 
 

The trailhead is about 23 miles from the host hotel. Estimated drive time is 45 minutes.

Directions to Trail Head from Host Hotel:

1:   Start out going West on HARRISBURG PIKE by turning left.     0.47 miles

2:  Take the I-81 S ramp towards CHAMBERSBURG.                        0.24 miles

3:   Merge onto I-81 S.                                                                        14.58 miles

4:   Take the PA-233 exit- exit number 37- towards NEWVILLE.         0.13 miles

5:   Turn LEFT onto CENTERVILLE RD                                           0.09 miles

6:   Stay straight to go onto CENTERVILLE RD.                                7.84 miles

Total Estimated Time:   45 minutes
Total Distance:  23.36 miles
 
 


 

We will meet in the LARGE parking lot near Fuller Lake. In the map above, it shows up as the largest of the rust-colored rectangles. When approaching the park on Centerville Road (Route 233), turn LEFT onto Pine Grove Road. Enter the park by turning RIGHT onto Collier Lane to access the parking lot. 


I hope to be able to post signs and balloons to help guide participants to the lot. I am not sure if this is allowed or not, so please do not count on it.

In case anyone has difficulty finding the meeting place on the day of the hike, I will be carrying my cell phone. The number is (301) 758-2629.
Please make a note of it NOW!
 


 
 



 
 

Important Tips for Pack Hike Participants:

 

All dogs participating in the Pack Hike must be on leash. The leash must be no longer than 6 feet in length. Flexi-leads are not allowed.

 
 

Natural water along the trail is not potable. Please plan to carry sufficient water with you.
 


 

Rain is always possible in Pennsylvania. Please plan accordingly.

 

Don't forget sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bug repellant, first aid items, etc.

The trail is quite rocky in some areas. We recommend you bring booties just in case they might be needed.

 

Because of the rocky trail, humans should be sure to wear sturdy boots/shoes with good traction.

This hike will offer excellent photographic opportunities. Be sure to bring your camera!

 

Yes, Virginia, there are ticks in Pennsylvania.

Here are some TIPS for dealing with these unpleasant critters.

As always, we must "walk softly on the earth."

Each participant will be expected to clean up after their dogs and to pack out all that they pack in.

 

 

Pack Hike Coordinator--Lynn Scheffner:  ereborsams@hotmail.com
Alternate Contact for Pack Hike Info--Deb Fiedler:  magicmistsams@yahoo.com
 
 

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