NEWS RELEASE March 31, 2011

Pine Grove Furnace Named 2010 State Park of the Year!

GARDNERS, PA -- Pine Grove Furnace State Park, located in the scenic South Mountain area of south central Pennsylvania, has been named the Pennsylvania State Park of the Year for 2010 by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.
"This is certainly an honor for all of us who work at the park to make it an enjoyable experience for visitors year-round,"
said Pine Grove Furnace State Park Manager Jason Zimmerman. "We welcome all who want to explore our trails, stay in our camping sites and cabins, participate in our programs, volunteer and learn about the history and importance of this beautiful area."

Zimmerman said highlights for 2010 included the grand opening of the Appalachian Trail Museum, the start of restoration on the Ironmaster's Mansion, formation of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace, new and expanded programs, conservation initiatives, facility upgrades and capacity use of camping sites, hiking trails and beaches at Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake.

During its first season, the Appalachian Trail Museum, housed in the 200 year-old stone grist mill on park property, attracted more than 8,000 visitors and received national attention as the only museum in the United States devoted to hiking. It is located at the midway point of the 2,181 mile Appalachian Trail that connects 14 states from Maine to Georgia and passes through Pine Grove Furnace State Park. At its June 5, 2010, grand opening, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary John Quigley spoke along with other dignitaries.

Also on park property, the Ironmaster's Mansion underwent extensive renovations during 2010 so that it can reopen on April 5 as a hostel for Appalachian Trail hikers, an environmental and history center and a special events venue.

Zimmerman said programs and special events remain popular draws for the park. The best attended in 2010 was the Fall Furnace Fest with 3500 visitors over two days. Charcoal making, blacksmith, apple cider and candle dipping demonstrations along with pumpkin carving and hayrides gave the festival broad appeal. In addition to repeating the Fall Furnace Fest (October 14-16) in 2011, the park will host an Earth Day Clean-Up (April 23), the Hammock Hang (April 30), the Ironmaster's Challenge Trail Run and Hike (May 21), National Get Outdoors Day (June11), the Appalachian Trail Museum Festival (June 17-19), the South Mountain Festival (September 3-5) and National Public Lands Day (September 24).

The Friends of Pine Grove Furnace was formed in 2010 to assist with special events, marketing, fundraising and volunteerism. "We are especially appreciative of this group because, more and more, we are dependent upon volunteers to keep the park running smoothly and safely," Zimmerman said. "Their support is most noticeable and welcomed with conservation initiatives such as tree planting and removing invasive species and with facility improvements such as installing new signs and on-going building maintenance."

Zimmerman added that the park staff is looking forward to another busy summer and that the family campgrounds will open on April 1, the Fuller and Laurel Lake beaches on May 1 and that there will be "fish for free" days on May 30 and September 5.

About Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Steeped in natural and historical features, the 696-acre Pine Grove Furnace State Park is in a beautiful mountain setting in southern Cumberland County. Surrounded by Michaux State Forest, Pine Grove Furnace features two lakes, 25-acre Laurel Lake and 1.7-acre Fuller Lake, a historic area and the Appalachian Trail. The park is easily reached from I-81. Visitors should take Exit 37 to PA 233 south then travel for eight miles. For more information on DCNR, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

About the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) began in 1999 as a state-wide non-profit organization supporting the 117 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. PPFF accomplishes this by providing a means for citizens to donate or bequeath money to parks and forests, promoting and supporting local volunteerism, and through recreation, and education. PPFF has 28 chapter friends groups and supports an additional 14 independent groups throughout the commonwealth. Visit www.paparksandforests.org for additional information.