The actual grove of pines that gave Pine Grove its name, written about by famous Colonial botanist John Bartram, is 20 miles away over on Mahantongo Mountain. Here, 37 miles northeast of Harrisburg on Blue Mountain, the community developed as a transportation center for the Union Canal that carried coal to eager Eastern cities. More than 200 contributing buildings still stand in the Pine Grove Historic District, dating back to the 1750s. Its most noticeable landmark is its long covered bridge, which spans Octoraro Creek at Ashville and Forge Roads.
Planning a visit? Stay at Twin Grove RV Resort & Cottages.
This region of Pennsylvania is laced with ridges and hollows running parallel to each other. Stony Mountain to the west rewards hikers with views into Fort Indiantown Gap, site of an active military base. Swatara State Park is tucked between Second and Blue Mountains with 3,500 acres for hiking, including two miles of the Appalachian Trail, and canoeing on the scenic Swatara River.
Just outside of town, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park is an idyllic family destination with nature trails, a quiet lake and shaded picnic areas. Many a picture of the Rock Covered Bridge across the Little Swatara Creek north of Pine Grove has been blown up and printed on calendars.
