Utlimate Guide to Frozen Laurel Lake in the Winter at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Michaux State Forest
Overview
I grew up in Central Pennsylvania, and hiked and rock climbed at Pole Steeple all the time, but somehow I never knew about Laurel Lake in the winter. A few years ago, I discovered this gem (late to the party! LOL) and have been hitting it up every winter ever since.
We’re lucky to have Pine Grove Furnace State Park right in our backyard within Michaux State Forest. This 696 acre park sits at the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains in an area we know as South Mountain. While summer fun at the lake is great, the park is also open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, making it a great spot for winter fun. The park features two lakes, the 25 acre Laurel Lake, and the smaller 1.7 acre Fuller Lake, as well as historic buildings from the charcoal iron furnace era. Whether you want to ice fish, enjoy a slippery walk, or play some ice hockey, you won’t want to miss Laurel Lake in the winter.
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- When does Laurel Lake freeze?
- How much does it cost?
- Winter Activities
- Location, Directions, & Parking
- Ice Fishing
- Random Tips
- Other Activities Nearby
- Resources and Links
When does the Laurel Lake freeze?
The season on Laurel Lake can vary greatly year to year based on the weather. When the lake is frozen enough to go on, and how long it sticks around will change, so you have to take advantage of it when you can. Typically, the lake will be frozen by sometime in January. And if you want to be able to have a nice smooth lake and skate across the entire thing, you’ll have to get there before snow start piling on top of the ice. At that point, for skating and ice hockey, you’re usually limited to the groomed areas (which are groomed by visitors, not park staff). In oreder to know when the ideal conditions are present, you’ll need to check it periodically or watch for social posts etc.
How much does it cost?
Enjoying Laurel Lake is completely free. There are no passes to buy or licenses needed (other than any fishing license that might be required by the state). And parking is free as well.
Winter Activities On The Lake
When the weather gets cold, Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers several ways to stay active. You can go ice skating on Laurel Lake, where a small area near the boat launch is usually maintained specifically for skaters. If you enjoy exploring the woods, you can go snowshoeing on the park trails. Cross-country skiers often use the Hiker-Biker Trail or the old railroad grade when there is enough snow. It is important to remember that ice skating and other ice sports are strictly prohibited on Fuller Lake, so be sure to head to Laurel Lake for those activities.
- Ice Fishing
- Ice Skating
- Ice Hockey
- Dog (or human pulled) Sledding
- Walking
Location, Directions, and Parking
Getting to Laurel Lake from the Carlisle easy. To get there, you can take Interstate 81 to Exit 37. After exiting, follow PA Route 233 South for about eight miles until you reach the park. The park is centrally located within the Michaux State Forest, making it a convenient drive for us and other residents of southern Cumberland County.
There is limited to no mobile phone service at the lake, so if you need directions to get home, you might want to download them before you go.
The Lake
Parking (Laurel Lake Lot)
Parking is Free, though somewhat limited when a lot of people are there. You can also park on the other side in the Pole Steeple parking lot.
Parking (Pole Steeple Lot)
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a popular winter sport at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, but it is only allowed on the natural ice of Laurel Lake. You cannot fish on the ice at Fuller Lake. Anglers at Laurel Lake often catch perch, pickerel, bass, and trout. The park does not monitor the thickness of the ice, so you must be very careful and check the ice yourself. For safety, the ice should be at least 4 inches thick for a single person and 7 inches thick for a small group. Always carry safety gear like ice awls and a life jacket.
Usually, a good sign that it’s safe to go on is if others are on it. If there are people, you’re probably okay, if there are zero people on the lake, you probably don’t ant to be on it.
Random Tips
Limited or No Mobile Phone Service, so if you need music or whatever, download it before you go. Or if you need directions to get back home, download that before you go as well.
Other Activities Nearby
- Hiking: You can jump on the Appalachian Trail, take a flat hike along Mountain Creek on the Koppenhaver Trail, or head up the Pole Steeple Trail.
- Pole Steeple: Hike to the overlook and rock climbing area. Also Meets up with the Appalachian Trail at the top.
- Mountain Creek
- Pine Grove Furnace General Store: This is where Appalachian Trail hikers stop to try the “Half-Gallon Challenge”. The goal is to eat an entire half gallon of ice cream at one time.
- Twirly Top Ice Cream: 1950’s era ice cream shop near Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Open in the summer. Also serves food.
- Appalachian Trail Museum: Open April through October
- Camping
- Natural Spring: Get some of the best spring water you’ll taste in Pennsylvania!
- Snowshoeing on the surrounding trails.
- Cross-Country Skiing on the surrounding trails.
Resources and Links
- Park Office Phone: 717.486.7174
- Pine Grove Furnace State Park: Reservations, Park Maps and Guides, etc
- South Mountain Partnership Conservation Network
- Michaux State Forest: Reservations, Park Maps and Guides, etc
- Fishing Licenses
- Directions and Parking
