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Mont Alto State Park

c/o Caledonia
Fayetteville, PA 17222-9610
717-352-2161

The 23-acre Mont Alto State Park is in Franklin County. It can be reached from Caledonia State Park on US 30, the Lincoln Highway, by traveling seven miles south on PA 233 or, from the south, travel north on PA 233, one mile from the town of Mont Alto.

Mont Alto State Park, in southeastern Franklin County, contains 24 acres of land. It can be reached from Caledonia State Park on US 30, the Lincoln Highway, by traveling seven miles south on PA 233 or by traveling north on PA 233, one mile from the town of Mont Alto.

Adjacent to the park was the site of the Mont Alto Iron Furnace. Daniel and Samuel Hughes built the furnace in 1807. Originally, it was 31 feet high, 8 feet wide at the boshes and produced 2-3 tons of iron a day.

George Weistling purchased the furnace and associated holdings in 1864. Weistling started the Mont Alto Iron Company, which was responsible for many changes in the area. The Mont Alto Railroad was also completed and connected with the Cumberland County Railroad, 3.5 miles northeast of Chambersburg. Railroad trains brought visitors to the attractive mountain setting. In 1875, the “Magnificent Summer Resort,” Mont Alto Park, was opened and soon became a very popular recreational area. The area was acquired by the Commonwealth on May 1, 1902, and became the first ‘state forest park.’

Fishing: The West Branch of Antietam Creek flows through the park and offers excellent trout fishing.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Hiking: Local mountain roads offer interesting short hikes and a flora that attracts a diversity of wildlife, especially woodland birds.

Picnicking: Two picnic areas contain approximately 50 tables and two picnic pavilions.