2014-05-19: Pole Steeple side trail

Start: Middle Ridge Road
Stop: Pole Steeple side trail
Day's Mileage: 15.7 miles
Trip Total: 40.3 miles

Of all the trees, pines and oaks are my favorite. This is a tiny pine just starting out.

Another nice shelter. All the shelters we encountered in southern Pennsylvania have been really nice. Of course, Bogey beat me to the shelter, at which we stopped for a snack and some water.

Bogey, still enjoying the hike.

A laminated flyer marking this year's midpoint of the AT. The length of the Trail changes each year as it's rerouted due to maintenance, changes in property ownership, damage (say, a footbridge gets washed out due to a flood), or safety (a walk along a stretch of road is removed).

An older but more showy midpoint. This one was about a mile or so from the 2014 midpoint and was constructed by a trail maintainer and former thru-hiker.

The Trail as it enters Cooke Township in Cumberland County. Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located here, at whose pavilion we can sit down and cook dinner. Plus, the park features an air conditioned and unlocked (!) rest room.

The Appalachian Trail Museum, located in Cooke Township and just 2 miles north of the Appalachian Trail's midpoint.

A small lake (or large pond) located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The Trail followed a small road within the park for about a mile or two and was nice & easy walking, perfect for after-dinner strolling.