Pole Steeple Trail — Michaux State Forest

Climb a short, steep South Mountain trail from Laurel Lake to an exposed quartzite overlook. Take a short but brutally direct climb from Laurel Lake to a quartzite rock outcrop overlooking Pine Grove Furnace and South Mountain.

This 1.5-mile out & back adventure in South Mountain / Gardners is best approached as a real outing, not simply a pin on a map. The experience centers on Pole Steeple Trail — Michaux State Forest, with the route and stopping points chosen to make the defining features accessible from the documented public starting point. Allow time to enjoy the setting rather than racing through it.

GETTING THERE & STARTING OUT From Pine Grove Furnace State Park, follow Old Railroad Bed Road beside Laurel Lake to the signed Pole Steeple parking lot. Park fully inside the gravel lot. The blue-blazed Pole Steeple Trail begins across the road and climbs immediately up Piney Mountain. Follow it for roughly 0.75 mile to the rocky overlook. Use caution on the exposed quartzite ledges, then return to the same parking lot by the blue-blazed trail. Your documented starting point is Pole Steeple Trail Parking — Old Railroad Bed Road. Use that access rather than navigating directly to a scenic feature, which may not have legal parking or a public approach. For driving navigation, the recorded destination is Pole Steeple Trail Parking, Old Railroad Bed Rd, Gardners, PA 17324.

THE ROUTE & WHAT TO EXPECT The recorded outing is approximately 1.5 miles with about 500 feet of elevation gain and is categorized as moderate effort. Along the way, key route elements include steep Piney Mountain climb, blue blazes, quartzite outcrop and Laurel Lake overlook. The recorded time allowance is 1–1.5 hours. The route information describes the intended experience, not a guarantee that every segment is signed or maintained. Use the land manager’s current map and posted instructions to make decisions at junctions.

WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SPECIAL DCNR rates Pole Steeple Trail Most Difficult despite its short 0.75-mile one-way length. The summit feature is a resistant quartzite rock outcrop above Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The overlook has steep grades and sheer drops; the exposed rocks demand attention. The trail starts directly from its dedicated parking lot along Old Railroad Bed Road near Laurel Lake.

LOOK CLOSER At the quartzite outcrop, find Laurel Lake below—the same lake you passed beside at the trailhead now looks very different from Piney Mountain. The overlook looks across Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Laurel Lake and surrounding South Mountain terrain. Pole Steeple is a resistant quartzite pinnacle/outcrop.

SEASON, CONDITIONS & SAFETY Trail is generally open year-round; ice, snow, thunderstorms and wet quartzite substantially increase risk. Relevant hazards identified in the source research include very steep grade, sheer drop, wet rock, winter ice, limited cell service. Before leaving, check road/trail closures, snow or ice, thunderstorms, parking availability. Dogs are recorded as allowed on leash; follow all posted rules and keep them controlled.

BEFORE YOU GO No permit or reservation is required for ordinary day hiking. The Challenge is ordinary day hiking on Pennsylvania state-park/state-forest land; no entrance, parking or trail-use fee is required. Check current hours, trail or tour availability, and on-site signs before traveling. Bring appropriate water, footwear and layers for the terrain and forecast. Respect closures, neighboring private land and any protected natural or historic features.