A.T.

Hike Name: A.T. Location: south PA Length: 45 Submitted by: Jeff Senft Date Submitted: 2/9/08 Rating:	more Pennsylvania trail reviews Pennsylvania national parks Pennsylvania state parks
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Description
This section starts at MD/PA line and ends at Rte 34. Most of the area is in the beautiful Michaux State Forest and is the only area on the AT which has the two shelter system. The trail and shelters along this section are well maintained.

If you are section hiking there is parking at aprox 50 yards from the MD/PA line. If this small lot is full there is additional parking at Buena Vista Rd and PA-16.

First shelter you come to going north is the Deer Lick Shelter, the first two shelter system you run into heading north. If you are a fisherman then stay at the next shelter Antietam. Antietem creek goes by this shelter and has native brook trout and is also stocked in spring with both brook and brown.

After Antietem is well maintained Tumbling Run shelters again two shelters. North of Tumbling Run is Chimney Rocks, a nice lookout. After you go over RT 233 check out the neat rock formations on the east side of the trail.

Next shelter you come to is Rocky Mountain shelter, another two shelter system. Problem with this shelter is its approx 1/2 mile from trail and is straight down. Even more of a problem is the spring which is another approx 1/2 mile straight down from this shelter.

My recommendation is move on to what is called the best maintained shelter on trail. But before you do, if its between Memorial and Labor day then stop by the swimming pool at Caledonia. You can grab a quick bite and shower too.

Quarry Gap shelter is the next shelter you come to. This is a five star shelter. My wife used the outhouse at this shelter and was so clean she stated this was an outhouse she could use on a regular basis. The shelter is also beautiful with hanging flowers and a small creek in front of shelter landscaped with stone banks. Almost forgot, the trail just south of this shelter has a tunnel of rhododendron that is beautiful even when not in bloom.

Next shelter you come to is also impressive and is the Birch Run Shelter. Two years ago when I saw this new shelter for the first time the hardwood floor shined so bright I was afraid to wear my shoes on the shelter floor. There is also a picnic table on the front deck of this shelter and well flowing stream in front of shelter.

Approx 10 miles from this shelter is Pine Grove Furnace where you can try the ice cream challenge. There is also another nice trout stream(Mountain Creek)here which has browns and brook trout. Not that far north of Pine Grove is the
1/2 point marker.

Along with the shelters not all mentioned above, there are alot of tent sites. Most of the hiking is ridge walking so is a good hike for beginners or those not in good shape. Lastly there are four cabins which can be rented along this section maintained by PATC. One is modern and the other three are primitive.

One last mention, PA is noted for being very rocky and hard on the feet. This section is the exception. You will mostly be walking on dirt and pine needles.

Happy Hiking!

Directions to Hike
To the MD/PA line, from Gettysburg take 116 to
Rt 16. Go West on Rt 16 till you reach old Rt 16. Take old Rt 16 to Church Rd. The Church Rd to Pen Mar Rd. Pen Mar Rd will cross AT and there is a small parking lot at the AT.

Contact Information
Michaux State Forest, 10099 Linconl Way East, Fayetteville, PA 17222-9609
Phone 717-352-2211

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