Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Pavilions in a wooded area at Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area
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 Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Toboyne, Perry, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 45 acres (18 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,375 ft (419 m) |
| Established | 1936 |
| Named for | Big Spring Run |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area |
Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area is a 45-acre (18 ha) Pennsylvania state park. It is located in Toboyne Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania. You can find the park on Pennsylvania Route 274. It is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) southwest of New Germantown. This park is a great spot for hiking and picnics. One special feature is a partially built railroad tunnel. This tunnel is found inside Conococheague Mountain.
Contents
History of Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area
The area around Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area is mostly wild today. But this was not always the case. In the 1800s, it was a busy place.
Early Businesses and Industries
One of the first businesses here was a tannery. A tannery processes animal skins into leather. This tannery operated from the early 1800s until 1860. After that, it became a factory in 1871. This new factory made axe handles.
The Lumber and Railroad Era
The Perry Lumber Railroad also ran through this area. It was a narrow gauge railway. This railway carried lumber to different businesses. It brought wood to tanneries and factories that made barrels. It also supplied charcoal furnaces.
The abandoned railroad tunnel is a reminder of the lumber era. This was a time when cutting timber was very important. It was a big part of Pennsylvania's economy in the 1800s. The Newport and Shermans Valley Railroad tried to extend its line. They wanted to connect with the Path Valley Railroad. This other railroad was on the far side of Conococheague Mountain. It was located in Franklin County.
The tunnel was never finished. It remains as a historical landmark. It shows us the importance of lumber and railroads back then.
From Railroad to Picnic Spot
Even though the tunnel was not completed, the railroad tracks stayed. In the early 1900s, these tracks were used for fun. They helped transport people who wanted to have picnics in the area.
The picnic facilities you see today were built in the 1930s. This was during the Great Depression. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built them. The CCC was a program that gave jobs to young men. They worked on conservation projects across the country. Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area officially opened in 1936.
Fun Things to Do at Big Spring
Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area is perfect for outdoor activities. You can enjoy picnics and go hiking here.
Picnic Areas and Facilities
The park has many picnic tables. There are also pavilions that were built by the CCC. These are great spots for families and friends to gather.
Hiking and Exploring
A one-mile trail leads to the old railroad tunnel. This tunnel is inside Conococheague Mountain. It's a cool place to explore. The park is also a starting point for the Iron Horse Trail. This trail is part of Tuscarora State Forest.
Nearby State Parks to Explore
There are several other state parks close to Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area. All of these parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Big Spring:
- Caledonia State Park (Adams and Franklin Counties)
- Colonel Denning State Park (Cumberland County)
- Cowans Gap State Park (Fulton County)
- Fowlers Hollow State Park (Perry County)
- Greenwood Furnace State Park (Huntingdon County)
- Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center (Cumberland County)
- Little Buffalo State Park (Perry County)
- Mont Alto State Park (Franklin County)
- Pine Grove Furnace State Park (Cumberland County)
- Trough Creek State Park (Huntingdon County)
