Mont Alto State Park

Mont Alto State Park
Pennsylvania State Park
The carousel pavilion at Mont Alto State Park
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
County Franklin
Township Quincy
Location [1]
 - elevation 1,086 ft (331 m) [1]
 - coordinates 39°50′13″N 77°31′53″W / 39.83694°N 77.53139°W / 39.83694; -77.53139Coordinates: 39°50′13″N 77°31′53″W / 39.83694°N 77.53139°W / 39.83694; -77.53139
Area 24 acres (10 ha)
Founded 1902
Management Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
IUCN category III - Natural Monument
Location of Mont Alto State Park in Pennsylvania
Website: Mont Alto State Park

Mont Alto State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 24 acres (9.7 ha) in Quincy Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is on Pennsylvania Route 233 one mile from Mont Alto.

History

Mont Alto Iron Company

Mont Alto State Park is the oldest state park in Pennsylvania. Its history began with the former Mont Alto Iron Furnace, a blast furnace built in 1807. It was 31 feet (9.4 m) high and 8 feet (2.4 m) wide at the boshes. The furnace produced between 2 and 3 short tons (1.8 and 2.7 t) of iron a day. The area was a center of iron production for many years. The Mont Alto Railroad was built by the Mont Alto Iron Company to connect the furnaces of the area to the Cumberland Valley Railroad near Chambersburg. This railroad served a dual purpose, carrying iron shipments from the furnace and bringing visitors to Mont Alto Park. The park was opened by the Mont Alto Iron Company. Ownership of Mont Alto Park was transferred to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 1, 1902.[2][3]

The First State Park

Mont Alto Park became the first "state forest park" in Pennsylvania.[4] The park had a swimming pool, refreshment stand, hiking trails and a carousel. It was also the site of South Mountain Camp Sanitorium. This sanitorium was founded by Dr. Joseph Rothrock, a medical doctor and forester who opened several sanitoriums in the forests of Pennsylvania and became known as the father of forestry in Pennsylvania. The sanitorium treated those afflicted with tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses. Over the years the park has gradually become less and less of a destination for visitors. It is now a quiet park with minimal facilities. The building that housed the carousel, which now serves as a picnic pavilion, is a reminder of the past.[2][3]

Recreation

The West Branch Antietam Creek flows through Mont Alto State Park and provides visitors to the park to fish for trout. Logging and forest management roads provide access to hiking opportunities in the nearby Michaux State Forest. There are two picnic areas with approximately 50 tables and two pavilions, one being the former carousel house. The park also provides parking and restroom facilities for hunters and other outdoorsman that venture into Michaux State Forest.[2]

Nearby state parks

The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Mont Alto State Park:[5][6][7]


References

  1. 1 2 "Mont Alto State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. August 2, 1979. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
  2. 1 2 3 "Mont Alto State Park". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  3. 1 2 "Early Years of PA State Parks". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  4. ↑ "Oldest State Park". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  5. ↑ "Find a Park by Region (interactive map)". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved November 18, 2011.
  6. ↑ Michels, Chris (1997). "Latitude/Longitude Distance Calculation". Northern Arizona University. Retrieved 2008-04-23.
  7. ↑ "2007 General Highway Map Franklin County Pennsylvania" (PDF) (Map). 1:65,000. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division. Retrieved 2007-07-27. Note: shows Mont Alto State Park
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