Overview and Suitability
The SGL 110 Shartlesville Parking area is a designated trailhead parking facility located within the Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 110. It serves as a vital access point for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts traversing the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This is an unpaved, rustic parking lot designed primarily for passenger vehicles and small SUVs used by hikers; it is not equipped to accommodate large RVs or oversized campers.
Access and Navigation
Access to the area is facilitated via local roads near the Shartlesville exit of I-78, specifically utilizing Forge Dam Road off of Mountain Road. Due to its location in a rural woodland setting, the access road may be narrow and prone to changing surface conditions depending on the weather. Visitors should exercise caution, as the lot is a standard forest-access pull-off rather than a commercial parking garage, meaning there are no height clearance restrictions, but also no paved markings or designated large-vehicle stalls.
Parking Rates and Operations
Parking at SGL 110 is free of charge, managed as part of the Pennsylvania State Game Lands infrastructure. There is no booking requirement, pay station, or permit system in place; spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. As this is a public wilderness area, no overnight parking or long-term vehicle storage is monitored or guaranteed.
Security and Amenities
This is a remote, self-service trailhead facility. Users should note that there is no CCTV, artificial lighting, or on-site security staff. Hikers are advised to remove all valuables from their vehicles prior to heading out onto the trail. There are no modern amenities such as restrooms, water stations, or trash receptacles at this specific trailhead.
Strategic Importance
This location serves as a critical strategic entry point for hikers section-hiking the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. It acts as an excellent alternative to more crowded trailheads in the region and provides immediate access to the diverse terrain and scenic vistas of the Blue Mountain area.
