1.
Whispering Pine Nature Trail – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Cooke Township
54.6km
05:11
810m
810m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best traffic-free bike rides in Pine Grove Furnace State Park
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 29, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, you know how overwhelming the options can be. Sifting through countless routes to find the ones genuinely worth your time and effort can feel like a full-time job. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, giving you a curated shortlist of the best experiences, saving you the guesswork and ensuring every pedal stroke counts.
Touring cycling in Pine Grove Furnace State Park is defined by its unique blend of mountainous terrain, dense woodlands, and rich historical sites. You'll find everything from easy, paved loops around the park's beautiful lakes to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain, often on a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. The park, nestled within the larger Michaux State Forest, offers extensive public lands and a real sense of getting away from it all.
If you only do one route, we'd start with the Whispering Pine Nature Trail – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Cooke Township. At 33.9 miles (54.6 km) with significant climbs, it's a challenging ride that truly showcases the region's varied terrain and historical sites. For a more moderate option that still offers plenty of character, the Iron Furnace – Laurel Lake loop from Cooke Township is a fantastic choice at 13.7 miles (22.0 km), blending natural beauty with glimpses into the park's past. More than 50 touring cyclists have already discovered the magic here with komoot – it's time to find your next favorite ride.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whispering Pine Nature Trail – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Cooke Township | 54.6 km | 810 m | Hard |
| Iron Furnace – Laurel Lake loop from Cooke Township | 22.0 km | 310 m | Moderate |
| Appalachian Trail Museum – Iron Furnace loop from Laurel Lake | 10.1 km | 120 m | Easy |
| Iron Furnace – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Cooke Township | 18.6 km | 360 m | Moderate |
| Iron Furnace – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Sawmill Parking | 14.4 km | 190 m | Moderate |
| Long Pine Run Reservoir – Long Pine Run Reservoir loop from Big Flat Parking Lot | 21.5 km | 330 m | Moderate |
| Ram Hill – Strasbaugh Hill loop from Big Flat Parking Lot - Michaux Campsite #1 | 45.7 km | 910 m | Hard |
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2.
Iron Furnace – Laurel Lake loop from Cooke Township
22.0km
01:58
310m
310m
The Iron Furnace – Laurel Lake loop from Cooke Township offers touring cyclists a delightful journey through historical landscapes and serene natural settings. This moderate 13.7-mile (22.0 km) route, with its 1013 feet (309 metres) of elevation gain, guides you past the tranquil waters of Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake, often on mostly paved surfaces or crushed limestone paths. You'll experience the peaceful atmosphere of Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Michaux State Forest, making it a rewarding ride that typically takes around 1 hour and 58 minutes.
When planning your visit, note that the loop starts from Cooke Township and is well-suited for touring bicycles due to its terrain. While much of the route is dedicated trail, some sections may share space with Old Railroad Bed Road, requiring cyclists to be mindful of occasional vehicle traffic. The general accessibility and moderate difficulty make it a good option for those seeking a scenic ride without extreme technical challenges.
This route is rich in history, following parts of the old South Mountain Railroad, which once served the Pine Grove Furnace. You'll encounter remnants of the iron production era, including the furnace itself, adding a unique historical dimension to your ride. The area is also known for its natural beauty, with opportunities for swimming or fishing at Laurel Lake, and the chance to spot wildlife within the forested landscapes of Michaux State Forest.
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3.
Appalachian Trail Museum – Iron Furnace loop from Laurel Lake
10.1km
00:53
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.
Iron Furnace – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Cooke Township
18.6km
01:52
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
5.
Iron Furnace – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Sawmill Parking
14.4km
01:22
190m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6.
Long Pine Run Reservoir – Long Pine Run Reservoir loop from Big Flat Parking Lot
21.5km
02:10
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
7.
Ram Hill – Strasbaugh Hill loop from Big Flat Parking Lot - Michaux Campsite #1
45.7km
04:47
910m
900m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Tips from the Community
Jasen B
August 23, 2025, Iron Furnace
Good water supply and lots of shaded places to rest out of the sun
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Alexandra P
February 27, 2024, Pine Grove Road
Pine Grover Road, hugged by trees, offers cyclists an excellent route. Adjacent to the park, this lightly trafficked road features a smooth, paved surface.
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Alex
February 27, 2024, Laurel Lake
With picnic benches and plenty of space around the water's edge, Laurel Lake is a great spot to take a break off of the bike. A lovely spot for a picnic.
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Alex
February 27, 2024, Appalachian Trail Museum
Visitors to the museum can check out displays chronicling the trail's origins, development, and significance. There is information about historical hikers as well as the Appalachian Trail's natural surroundings. This Appalachian Trail museum is located almost exactly at the halfway point of the trail between Georgia and Maine.
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Alexandra P
February 26, 2024, Iron Furnace
Here, you'll uncover remnants of a former mining site, including an 18th-century Iron Furnace used as a smelter for iron ore.
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David Howells
February 8, 2024, Grave Ridge Trail, Michaux State Forest
Michaux State Forest encompasses more than 85,500 acres in the South Mountain areas of Cumberland County, Franklin County and Adams County. As well as being a thriving working forest area that spans three counties, it is open to recreational hunting, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. It is also crossed by the Appalachian Trail.
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Alex
February 7, 2024, Laurel Lake
With picnic benches and plenty of space around the waters edge, Laurel Lake is a great spot to take a break off of the bike. A lovely spot for a picnic.
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David Howells
January 8, 2024, Camp Michaux POW Interrogation Site
Camp Michaux, was a hush hush POW camp during World War 2. It was so secret that even the locals didn't know exactly what sinister happenings were taking place here in the woods of south-central Pennsylvania. In its 30 months of service, thousands of German and Japanese officers were interrogated here by American military intelligence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
There are 7 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes available in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. These routes offer a range of distances and difficulties, ensuring options for various skill levels.
Are there easy no-traffic touring routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers 1 easy no-traffic touring route, perfect for beginners or families. The park also features a three-mile Hiker-Biker-A.T. Trail that is ADA-accessible and family-friendly, traveling from Furnace Stack, past Fuller Lake, to the Laurel Lake area.
Can I find longer, more challenging no-traffic touring routes in the park?
Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, there are 2 difficult no-traffic touring routes available. One such route is the Whispering Pine Nature Trail – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Cooke Township, which covers over 54 km with significant elevation gain.
What historical sites can I visit along the no-traffic touring routes?
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is rich in history. You can explore the remnants of the charcoal-fired iron furnace community that operated from 1764 to 1895. Notable sites include the Pine Grove Furnace and the Iron Furnace. The Appalachian Trail Museum is also a significant historical attraction within the park.
Are there any natural attractions or scenic viewpoints accessible from the cycling routes?
Yes, the park boasts beautiful natural features. You can cycle past Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake, which offer scenic views and opportunities for lakeside activities. For panoramic views of the entire park, consider a short hike to Pole Steeple, a quartzite rock outcropping.
Are there any loop routes for touring cyclists in Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
Yes, several no-traffic touring routes are designed as loops. For example, the Laurel Lake loop from Laurel Lake offers a moderate ride around the lake, while the Appalachian Trail Museum – Iron Furnace loop from Pine Grove Furnace State Park provides a longer, moderate option to explore historical landmarks.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic routes?
The no-traffic routes in Pine Grove Furnace State Park feature a mix of surfaces. You'll find dedicated bike trails with crushed limestone or paved surfaces, as well as park roads and service roads open to bicycles. While many routes are mostly paved, some may include unpaved sections, offering varied terrain for touring cyclists.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about touring cycling in Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet roads, historical sites, and natural beauty, particularly the serene lake views and the opportunity to explore the Appalachian Trail midpoint.
Where can I find parking when starting a no-traffic touring cycling route?
Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers various parking areas conveniently located near trailheads and key attractions. You can typically find parking at the Furnace Stack Day Use Area, Laurel Lake Day Use Area, and near the Appalachian Trail Museum, providing easy access to the no-traffic cycling routes.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the no-traffic bike trails?
Yes, the park's general store, famously known for the 'half-gallon challenge' for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, offers refreshments and snacks. Additionally, the Ironmaster's Mansion, built around 1815, now serves as a meeting space and community resource, and there are often options for food nearby, especially during peak seasons.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Pine Grove Furnace State Park?
Spring and fall are generally considered the best times for touring cycling in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The weather is mild, and the natural scenery, with blooming wildflowers in spring or vibrant foliage in fall, enhances the riding experience. Summer can also be pleasant, but be prepared for warmer temperatures.
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