The Michaux State Forest
West and northwest of Gettysburg

The Michaux State Forest spans Adams, Cumberland and Franklin counties. In 1785 a French botanist, Andre Michaux, sent by France to gather plants for the Royal Gardens, identified numerous flowers, shrubs and trees. From the mid-eighteenth century to the early twentieth century, large iron companies owned much of the forest. Iron furnaces processed iron ore, which was forged into iron implements and stoves. The largest iron furnaces were Caledonia, Mont Alto and Pine Grove Furnace (now State Parks), which manufactured cannonballs during the Revolutionary War. The iron companies needed large tracts of woodland to cut and burn for the charcoal-fueled furnaces.

The first forest nursery was established in Mont Alto in 1902, and the next year, the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy was established. Previously, the foresters had to travel to Europe for training. The first fire tower was built in 1905 (the first steel one in 1914). Today, the Michaux State Forest covers more than 85,000 acres. The State Forest provides opportunities for small game and deer hunting. There are miles of trout streams and many lakes and reservoirs for fishing. Camping, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are some recreational activities. Over one hundred miles of roads are maintained for access to scenic spots within the State Parks of Caledonia, Pine Grove Furnace and Mont Alto. Picnicking and daytime activities can be enjoyed at the Old Forge State Forest Picnic Area and the three State Parks.

Caledonia State Park
40 Rocky Mountain Road, Fayetteville 717-352-2161

Known locally as South Mountain, Caledonia located on the northern-most section of the Blue Ridge Mountains fifteen miles west of Gettysburg via Route 30. The Appalachian Trail passes through the central portion of the park. It is a great place for family outings and the grounds include an 18-hole golf course.

Totem Pole Playhouse
9555 Golf Course Road, Fayetteville 717- 352-2164

Located in the park, the Totem Pole Playhouse has offered a summer stock theater for fifty years. A schedule of daily performances can be requested by contacting the Totem Pole Playhouse.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a continuous, marked footpath passing through fouteen states along the crest of the Appalachian Mountain range for more than 2,100 miles from Maine to Georgia. The trail cuts 35 miles heading north through the forest starting at the Mason Dixon line just east of Waynesboro, past Mont Alto through Caledonia and bends eastward to Pine Grove Furnace.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park
1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners

Located in Cumberland County, the park is twenty-five miles north of Gettysburg on Routes 34 and 233. The Appalachian Trail passes through a portion of the park, and a Youth Hostel is located here. Park activities include nature trails, bike trails, fishing, and cross-country skiing.

Carlisle
Route 34 north in Cumberland County

Also located in Cumberland County, Carlisle is home to the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Dickinson College and the Cumberland County Historical Museum. The War College or Carlisle Barracks is internationally known. Nearby is the Williams grove Railroad, which offers Steam engine excursions. The Allenberry Playhouse is in Boiling Springs.

Chambersburg
Route 30 west in Franklin County

Located in Franklin County, Chambersburg is the site of Wilson College, which houses a Museum of Natural History. Other sites of interest are the Capitol Theater, Old Brown’s Mill, Franklin County Old Jail and the Shatzer Farm Market.

Hanover
Route 116 east in York County

Located in York County southeast of Gettysburg on Route 116, Hanover has maintained its small town charm with a delightful selection of specialty shops surrounding its square. Two large food processors, Snyder’s and Utz, are open for factory tours. Neas House Museum and the Wirt Park Fire Station Museum are both located downtown. A few blocks to the north is the Eichelberger Performing arts Center. Contact the Hanover Chamber of Commerce at 717-637-6130 or visit the website at: www.hanoverchamber.com

Codorus State Park
1066 Blooming Grove Road, Hanover 717-637-2816

Located in York County twenty miles southeast of Gettysburg on Routes 116, the park is three miles southeast of Hanover on Route 216. The 3,320 acres of forests create a contrast to the surrounding Pennsylvania Dutch farmlands. The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg is popular with fishermen, boaters and swimmers. Codorus is also an excellent place to observe spring and fall migrations of waterfowl and warblers. The park offers interpretive programs and hikes. Boat rentals are available and a restaurant is convenient to the park.

Calvary Battlefield
Route 116, 3 miles east of Route 15

While Confederate troops engaged Union troops on Cemetery Ridge, another battle developed three miles to the east. Union and Confederate cavalry had skirmished east of Gettysburg on July 2, and Union scouts on the Hanover Road were on the alert. As Brigadier General Gregg’s Union troops ordered back to the Gettysburg battlefield were departing, scouts spotted dust to the north. General Stuart's Cavalry Division was ordered by General Lee to ride east in an attempt to ride around the Union flank and cut the Union lines of communication. Stuart led his men down county roads and farm lanes until they came upon the Rummel Farm where General Stuart spotted Union artillery on a knoll south of his position. Ordering artillery forward, Stuart decided to use Rummel's Woods to protect his troops. Meanwhile he deployed troops into the Rummel Farm to engage Union skirmishers posted behind fences. Stuart's columns rode into position in the fields around the Rummel Farm.

Gregg deployed his artillery and troops into the fields near the intersection of the Hanover Road and Low Dutch Road. General Stuart ordered his artillery to fire on the Union guns while he aligned his troops. However, the Union artillery methodically knocked out all Confederate artillery.

In Gregg's command was the Michigan Brigade with an officer named George Armstrong Custer. In a uniform of his own design, the young officer led his troop in his first battle command and was in the forefront of the Union charges over the Rummel Farm. During the final charge by Stuart's troops, Custer rode at the head of the Michigan Cavalry. Union troops of the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry under Captain Miller charged into the CSA rear. Nearly surrounded, General Stuart ordered his troops to leave the field. The Gregg Cavalry Shaft Monument marks the battle site.