The Most Famous Hiking Trail

The midway point of the most famous hiking trail, the Appalachian Trail, is located in the Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania.  The trail extends 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine.  A 13-mile section that is the longest, lowest and flattest section on the entire trail and one of the most accessible portions to the trail is the midway point in the Cumberland Valley.

Over the past three decades, long-distance hikers arriving at the midway point in Gardners, have made it a tradition to stop at the Pine Grove Furnace Store and eat an entire half-gallon of ice cream. The reward: bragging rights, a small commemorative wooden spoon stamped in red letters with “Member of Half Gal. Club” and possibly an upset stomach or a case of brain freeze. 

The Mid-Atlantic Appalachian Trail Conservancy recently unveiled its redesigned visitor center in Boiling Springs. The center, located at 4 E. First Street in Boiling Springs, features a series of new informational panels about the trail and the conservancy.  An information desk provides visitors with trail maps, free parking permits (long-term parking is available) and answers about hiking the Appalachian Trail in addition to other area trails such as the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. A gift shop is available and provides services to hikers such as fuel for stoves and running water. 

Explore the Appalachian Trail Interactive Map to find parking and shelters along the trail in Pennsylvania.  A variety of day trip hiking journeys in the Cumberland Valley can be found by clicking here.

Combine your Appalachian Trail day hike with a stay at a nearby Bed and Breakfast.