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Summary: ATTENTION: This trail passes over a boulder outcrop, and should only be attempted by hikers in good physical condition. Thick-soled boots are also recommended for the short climb over these rocks. Others who wish to visit the overlook may make a left at the first trail junction, shortening the hike by 4.4 miles. This hike explores a section of the Appalachian trail rich in local history. This region was the site of an iron furnace in the 19th century, a Civilian Conservation Corp camp in the 1930's, and a World War II Prisoner of War Camp in the 1940's. Along the way, you see spicebush, stone ruins, and towering oak trees. The scramble over boulders on the Sunset Rocks trail is not difficult for an experienced hiker, but could be dangerous in wet conditions. The only confusing trail junction occurs just before reaching the overlook at Sunset Rocks. The sign shows an arrow pointing due left. This is the trail back to the AT. To get to the vista, just go straight. Trailhead: From I-81 in Pennsylvania: take the exit for PA 233, and follow PA 233 south for about 8.5 miles. At Pine Grove Furnace State Park, take a left onto Bendersville Rd. Park at the Pine Grove Furnace Park Store. NOTE: This store is near the halfway point along the 2,138 mile Appalachian Trail, and it is traditional for through-hikers to stop here for a half-gallon of ice cream. Take a minute to talk to the friendly people who run the establishment. (Lat:40.0333333 Lon:-77.2988887999999) Trail Guides for Sunset Rocks: Hike America Pennsylvania by John Young (Beachway Press Publishing Inc.) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 717-486-7174, pinegrovesp@state.pa.us Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jeremy Taitelbaum, who has posted 9 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by SierraGS on 4/13/2008 Hooray! We made it! After failing in June 2007 (see below) we approached Sunset Rocks in the opposite direction. I drove out Michaux Rd. to pick up the blue blaze trail just before Sunset Rocks. The same boulder crossing that stopped my dog last spring was easy to leap from the opposite direction (approach from a narrow rock onto a large, flat rock, instead of the opposite.) There was only one place where I felt the need to lift her down from a rock. While it was a challenge, it was wicked fun!!! The rest of the hike was mostly flat and sedate, but we enjoyed lunch at Sunset Rocks and talking to a pair of thru-hikers for over an hour at Tom's Run shelter. Cutting off the out-and-back makes it a shorter hike (about 4.5 miles.)
Reviewed by TLLee on 9/6/2007 Loved the rock outcropping. We don't consider ourselves experienced, but it was accessible if you follow the blue markings. The view was very nice. A great workout.
Reviewed by SierraGS on 6/23/2007 This is probably a really great hike, but we were unable to complete the loop. I am an extremely experienced hiker, and my 3-year old black lab is an experienced hiker and extremely athletic. But we came to a point - approximately .25 miles west of Sunset Rocks - where she could/would not cross. A gap in the rocks created an 8-10 ft drop, and we couldn't find any way to bypass it. The rocks on the west side were so pointed, I couldn't balance to lift her across, and she wouldn't use my make-shift bridge (my legs stretched across the gap.) On the advice of PENNSYLVANIA HIKING TRAILS 12th Edition (KTA) we started at the end of Old Shippensburg Road. Easy hike uphill to the rocks - less than 1 mi. round trip since we couldn't do the loop. 
Reviewed by Tom on 5/5/2007 I've lived in the area all my life and have hiked this loop countless times. It's one of my favorites. The boulders are really tough for a dog, though. Fall is the best. On a clear day the ridges you see in the distance from Sunset Rocks are in Maryland. For a good walk with less fit walkers (i.e. grandparents) and dogs skip the climb to the rocks and follow the unmarked, but easy to follow flat trail SW from the blue blaze/AT intersection to Michaux Rd. where you pick up the blue blaze again and continue to Tom's Run and the AT before looping back.
Reviewed by alex on 12/3/2006 got a basic map from the hostel. parked by the store even though we were told not to(appearently the ranger is strict?) walked down a bit down 233 then up the driveway to the trail. got to the blue blazed sunset rocks trail and made the left up the mountian and found it worth the steep leafy hill. those who werent comfortable with the rocks could make their way around the trail but we typically found it almost easier to stay on the trail and on the rocks. ran into some vultures and either a turkey or huge grouse. down the trail, then to the road, almost missed the trail, then walked down to the AT and found our way back. nice hike. 3-4 hours w/ lunch & new hikers & light packs. saw the ruins, the ccc camp sign, but where was the pow camp?
Reviewed by DB on 4/26/2006 April 26, 2006 Great Hike with great views. Started at Dead Woman's Hollow on the AT then took the blue blaze Sunset Rocks loop and got back on the AT and went to Pine Grove. Total Miles was 8 1/2. Make Sure you take your Camera. We did see a "big" black Snake resting on top of one of the rocks. He didn't bug us and we didn't bug him. We did get a good picture of him. Hope to go back this fall.
Reviewed by Nick on 1/8/2006 This was a great hike and I intend on returning again someday. The views are spectacular from the overlook and would be amazing if everything was covered in snow. I had my Siberian Husky with me and she did very well working her way through the boulders on the ridge. However, I did have to pick her up a few times to get past a few areas. I wouldn't reccomend an unexperienced hiker taking their dog through that section on the trail. The trail also offers a lot of transition. Ten minutes hiking up and ten down (personally I find that much more enjoyable than straight up and straight down). Minus a few short breaks we made the loop in 3 hours (Total time: 3.5 hrs).
Reviewed by Ted on 10/11/2005 Great hike that might never have taken place without a bit of luck and persistence. Went on Columbus Day, a holiday for the park service so no maps or advice could be gotten from the park office (closed!). The map normally hanging outside the store was gone. Nice guy running the store was told to not give directions! Finally found on a map, on the board nearby the furnace down the hill from the store, in very small print: Sunset Rocks(upper left hand corner of the map)! It is a loop that is marked by blue slashes that comes off the southbound AT. You have to walk along highway 233 from the store to pick up the AT (follow white slashes). Very much enjoyed climbing the boulders; a walking stick w/graphite tip helped. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Cumberland County Hiking, Cumberland County Trails, Cumberland County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||