Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Pennsylvania
119

Pennsylvania State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Central Region
Big Spring State Park
Ruffed Grouse © stateparks.com
Spring Hike © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
BIG SPRING STATE PARK
BIG SPRING STATE PARK
RR 1, Box 486
Blain, Pennsylvania   17006

Phone: 717-536-3191
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
Tucked in the side of Conococheague Mountain, Big Spring State Park is a quaint picnic and hiking area. A short loop trail leads to a partially completed railroad tunnel with historic interpretation at the trailhead. The park also provides access to the Iron Horse Trail for day and overnight hiking. The park takes its name from nearby Big Spring, whose waters form the scenic Shermans Creek.
History of the Area
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.


Location
Big Spring State Park is located near Newville, Shippensburg and Hanover

Picnicking
Many picnic tables and picnic pavilions are throughout the park. Picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS for reservations.
Trails
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
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species like warblers, vireos and thrushes. The park is also home to raptors during migration season. Birding trails are available for exploration.
Area Attractions
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.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Dogwood Acres Campground
4500 Enola Road
Newville, PA
717-776-5203
Wildwood RV Resort
7310 Horse Valley Road
East Waterford, PA
717-734-0144
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The 45-acre Big Spring State Park is 5.5 miles southwest of New Germantown, Perry County, along PA 274.

state route ranger badge
Pennsylvania
119

Pennsylvania State Parks

X