Questions about AT from Caledonia SP to Pine Grove Furnace

**HappyCamper** · 03-18-2011, 18:27

A few of us MAHHA veterans are looking into a prehike before the Spring MAHHA at Pine Grove Furnace SP. Anyone familar with the trail from Caledonia SP to Pine Grove Furnace? I have a few questions. . .

Can you park your car at Caledonia and leave it there while hiking the AT? If so, is it free? Any other good places to park my vehicle in this area or somewhere along the trail heading towards Pine Grove. Can you leave cars at the PATC Milesburn Cabin (locked)?

What's the trail like on this part of AT. Doesn't look too difficult if it ain't all rocks like other parts of PA trail. Doesn't look too PUDdy.

I see a few AT shelters along the way. I'm guessing there is water at the shelters, but want to confirm it with people who really know. Is there water along this part of the trail or are the shelters the only place to camel up. I see some streams my AT map. I would think they would be running in the spring.

Any intel on this part of the AT greatly appreciated.

HC

**finskie** · 03-19-2011, 12:28

There is plenty of water along that part of the trail... It is moderately rocky but i dont think nearly as much as the northern part of PA(the climb out of caledonia atleast is steep though). I would contact the caledonia park office to find out about parking, but also Wags has done this whole section you are asking about, and he would be a more authoratative source for you. I will try to get him to post.

**2Questions** · 03-19-2011, 13:03

HappyCamper...2Q has hiked this section a bunch of times. He is out hiking in the woods this weekend, but he can contact you Sunday evening if your questions are not answered by then. ZQ

**Ramblinrev** · 03-19-2011, 13:31

PA trails are composed of 2 rocks for every dirt. Moderately rocky is a meaningless term in PA. From what I understand the PA section of the AT is the worst stretch of rocks in the whole trail.

**The RidgeRunner** · 03-19-2011, 13:40

There is parking at caledonia, sort of. You can park across rt 30 across from the park. Parking is free but they ask that you register at the park office. They want to know who you are, who to contact, which way you are heading, basic stuff.

I was just down that way for new years, there was little or no water at the first shelter out of caledonia. That was 2 good snow storms ago though. I asked the ranger how the water was there and he said "well I'd drink it". At that point I realized he had no clue what I was asking.

Coming out of caledonia is a good climb, but you are on top of the mountains most of the way from there, caledonia to the first shelter is the biggest climb, IMO.

**Dutch** · 03-19-2011, 15:16

The hike into Pine Grove is super easy. The trail is wide and flat at time that was an obvious dirt road at some point. Except for the sectio after Bioling Springs it is the easiest section.

**finskie** · 03-19-2011, 21:05

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

PA trails are composed of 2 rocks for every dirt. Moderately rocky is a meaningless term in PA. From what I understand the PA section of the AT is the worst stretch of rocks in the whole trail.

Very true... I hike alot of the PA AT and my use of "moderately rocky" is in relationship to the rest of the PA AT. As compared to other trails, it is overly rocky. However, the stretch you are talking about IMO has a much lower rock to dirt ratio then the northern half. Around Bald Knob and Palmerton the entire trail is rocks in many places... this is not the case in between caledonia and PGF.

**The_Saint** · 03-19-2011, 22:34

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

PA trails are composed of 2 rocks for every dirt. Moderately rocky is a meaningless term in PA. From what I understand the PA section of the AT is the worst stretch of rocks in the whole trail.

This section is actually nice, don't listen to someone who's never been there

**exup** · 03-19-2011, 22:37

Does anyone know how many miles this is? I was thinking about coming up early to get a little hiking done, if work permits. Can't find the info anywhere and don't have the companion book.

**HappyCamper** · 03-20-2011, 07:25

Thanks much everyone, good info..

thexuprising, it's approximately 20 miles from Caledonia to Furnace. I called the ATC and bought an AT map from them. They mailed it right quick. It's Map 2-3, PA Rte 94 to US Rte 30. Sections 12 & 13 in PA. Includes Pine Grove Furnace State Park & Caledonia SP.

Anyone know what the road is like to the PATC Milesburn Cabin? Any problem with leaving a vehicle there overnight?