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State Park Overview |
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Trails |
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A short loop trail leads to the site of the partially completed railroad tunnel. Historic interpretation is provided at the trailhead. The park provides access to the Iron Horse Trail, designed for day hikes and overnight hiking in Tuscarora State Forest.
Snowmobiling
Big Spring State Park serves as a trailhead providing parking, restrooms and access to the extensive snowmobile trail system in |
Picnicking |
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History of the Area |
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In the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, logging companies lumbered the area. Trees were hauled from the stump to the mill on the Perry Lumber Railroad. This narrow gauge railroad had a terminus at the east end of the park. The trees were cut to supply tanneries, barrel manufacturers and charcoal furnaces. A tannery near the spring operated from early in the 1800s until 1860. In 1871, an axe handle factory was started in the old tannery.
The Newport and Sherman?s Valley Railroad laid tracks through the park to link to the Path Valley Railroad in Franklin County. Their tunnel through Conococheague Mountain failed and the Newport and Sherman?s Valley Railroad went out of business.
During the early 1900s, the area was a community picnic area accessible by road and railroad. The Commonwealth developed the current facility in 1936 with Civilian Conservation Corps Camp S-111. |
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More Info | |
... Swimming is available at a sand beach. Big Spring State Park Tucked in the side of the Tuscarora Ridge of the Appalachain Mountains, Big Spring State Park is a quaint picnic and hiking area. ... |
Area Attractions |
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For more information on nearby attractions, contact Pennsylvania?s Capital Region Vacation Bureau, 800-995-0969.
Colonel Denning State Park This quaint park offers camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, hunting, cross-country skiing and ice skating and is in the scenic Doubling Gap along PA 233.
Tuscarora State Forest The 90,968-acre forest is open to hunting, fishing and general recreation. Four miles east of the park is the Hemlocks State Forest Natural Area. This old growth stand of our state tree is magnificent. The National Park Service designated the Hemlocks area as a National Natural Landmark in 1973. 717-536-3191. |
Area Campgrounds | | Dogwood Acres Campgrounds
4500 Enola Rd
Newville, PA
(717) 776-5203
| Christian Retreat Ctr
RR 1 Box 13a
East Waterford, PA
(717) 734-3627
| Idle Acres Camping Area
120 Idle Acres
MC Veytown, PA
(717) 899-6307
| Sparrow Pond Family Campground
11103 Route 19 N
Waterford, PA
(814) 796-6777
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