Pole Steeple Cliffs sit 526 feet above a pristine mountain lake and provides a spectacular view. If you’re lucky enough to come at the right time, you’ll see rock climbers all roped up and doing their thing. For hikers, there’s a second highlight. This hike uses a section of the Appalachian Trail. Less than a mile from the start, hikers come to the halfway point of the 2,138-mile-long trail. Check out the trail register to see what weary hikers have to say. The last two miles of this hike are flat and popular with cyclists, but the bicycle traffic is modest and shouldn’t be a concern. Also, the rustic buildings, the iron furnace, stables, and the iron-master’s mansion have been designated a National Historic Area. Terrain: Follow a level railroad grade and make a gradual mountain ascent on an old logging road to quartzite cliffs, mountain lakes, and streams.

Dress properly for the hike. shirt / tank-top, walking pants or shorts, and hiking shoes with appropriate socks are recommended. Wear a daypack to place your munchies, water, extra shirt/shorts, camera, etc...

We start as a group and finish as a group. We wait at all trail junctions and summits. This trip isn't for you if you are faster than the group and don't want to hike with us, if you want to head off on your own, or if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you. If you are unsure of your abilities, contact me and let us assess together!

 Check out the following site for Trail Statistics & Information - https://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGN175-025

You (up to three passangers) meet me at my place at 10:30 am and ride along or meet there at noon.

Driving directions – From Harrisburg; take I-81 south, take “Exit 37, 233 Newville exit”, Turn left onto PA-233 south for about 8 miles to you see the Pine Grove Furnace State Park sign, turn left onto Hunters Run Road for about 2 miles (go past Fuller Lake, the boat rentals, and the damn which you see on the right side), until you see a “small” sign on the right stating “Pole Steeple day-use parking”, Turn right at this sign, Turn right at the stop sign, and I will be at the picnic tables overlooking the lake.