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 Reporter |
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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Conrad on 5/29/2005 I have done this hike three times, and I love it. It is especially spectacular when the leaves are changing, but it is beautiful all year-round (I have not done it in winter). The Sunset Rocks' ridge is especially challenging, and doing it in the rain is not recommended (we had the unfortunate pleasure of doing that today--not by choice). They are doing some logging near where the Sunset Rocks Trail meets up with a road, and it is somewhat disheartening. The remainder of the hike, though, is awesome. Definitely wear a good pair of hiking boots that are broken in, and don't go up to Sunset Rocks and hike along the ridge unless you are an experienced hiker. 
Reviewed by Jen on 5/9/2005 We took this hike based on information in Tom Thwaites' book "50 Hikes in Eastern Pennsylvania". The book described a short scramble over boulders, which I expected to be one or two outcroppings rather than the 1/2 mile it actually is. I wish I had read this review before the hike -- as a beginner, I would have chosen to avoid the boulder field until I am in better condition. The rest of the hike was amazing. We took a slight detour from the Sunset Rocks trail through the ruins of Camp Michaux, which saved us from hiking directly through an active logging area.
Reviewed by Bill on 4/10/2005 Not much to add to Jeremy's excellent review other than to second it. With a young child in tow, we hung a left at the first trail junction. A VERY steep climb at the end, but well worth the effort. Made the hike in early April and Toms Run was running quite powerfully. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||