Pole Steeple Trail is a highly recommended overlook trail in Pennsylvania, and for good reason. It’s a relatively short trail (1.4 miles) that offers incredible views of Laurel Lake and Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
Due to its popularity, you will undoubtedly encounter many people on the trail, especially during the warmer months. However, hiking in the winter is also very nice (like we did!). And then you can avoid the crowds.
The guide below has everything you need to know before heading to the Pole Steeple Vista. So, let’s start planning your next adventure!
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Pole Steeple Vista From Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Probably the most popular trail at Pine Grove Furnace State Park (though it’s technically in Michaux State Forest), the Pole Steeple Trail is a short 1.4-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a gorgeous overlook.
Although it’s a short trail, the steeper sections make it moderately challenging. However, you can avoid one of the steepest sections by taking the alternate route (about a half-mile into the trail).
Longer Hike Alternative: You can also reach Pole Steeple via the Appalachian Trail. Pick up the trail at the end of Old Railroad Bed Road and head north on the Appalachian Trail. It’s about 3.4 miles, out-and-back.
Prepare For Your Hike to Pole Steeple Vista
Parking
There is a small parking lot on Old Railroad Bed Road next to Laurel Lake that holds about 20 cars. Arrive early in the summer and on weekends. Or hike in the winter! That’s what we did, and we pretty much had the overlook to ourselves.
Amenities
There are no bathrooms at the Pole Steeple Parking lot. However, there are bathrooms nearby at the Laurel Lake Day-Use area on Pine Grove Road. We used the bathrooms at the Park Office and Fuller Lake Day-Use area. If you stop there, you can visit the Appalachian Trail Museum (open seasonally) and see the Pine Grove Furnace.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on Pole Steeple Trail. There are some large rocks to navigate so that smaller dogs might have difficulty. During our visit, we watched a hiker carry her small dog over the rocks.
Wildlife
Pennsylvania has many types of wildlife, including black bears and poisonous snakes like rattlesnakes and copperhead snakes. Always be aware of your surroundings and watch out for wildlife.
Limited Cellular Service
Many areas of Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Michaux State Forest have limited cellular service. To be safe, download a map of the park and trail before you visit.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this trail, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Pole Steeple Trail
| Trail Location: | Trailhead is on Old Railroad Bed Road in Pine Grove Furnace State Park |
| Trail Length: | 1.4 miles (out and back) |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 500 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead
You can find the trailhead to the Pole Steeple Trail across the street from the parking lot on Old Railroad Bed Road. It’s signed well and easy to find.
Along the Trail
Like most Pennsylvania trails, you’ll encounter many rocks along the route. It’s steep in sections but not hard.
About a half-mile into the trail, you’ll encounter an optional trail to avoid the steepest section. We did not hike that section, but it utilizes switchbacks to avoid the steeper climb.
At about 6/10 miles, you’ll come to a fork in the road. Head to the left to continue to Pole Steeple. Going right will take you to the Appalachian Trail.
At the Top
Before you reach the summit, you’ll have some large rocks to hike over, but it’s not a scramble like some of the other overlooks along the Appalachian Trail.
From the top, you have terrific views of Laurel Lake and Pine Grove Furnace State Park. There are two outcroppings, so it’s fun to take photos of your fellow climbers from the other side.
It’s also an excellent place to spot birds. While we were there, we saw a bald eagle fly by!
Other Hikes Near Pole Steeple Vista
There are plenty of great hiking trails near Pole Steeple Vista. We combined this trail with a hike to Sunset Rocks on our visit. You can also enjoy many of the trails within Pine Grove Furnace State Park, like the easy Koppenhaver Trail. There is also the Hammonds Rocks Trail that starts on the other side of Laurel Lake.
