Facility Overview
State Game Land 107 Parking offers a dedicated, open-air gravel staging area providing direct public access to Pennsylvania State Game Lands No. 107 (SGL 107). Nestled along the rugged ridge of Shade Mountain just outside Mifflintown in Juniata County, this rural parking area serves as an essential jumping-off point for hunters, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Because this is an open surface lot without overhead barriers, there are no vertical clearance restrictions, making it exceptionally accommodating for high-clearance 4x4s, full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, and vehicles carrying rooftop cargo boxes or kayak racks. The terrain consists of packed gravel and dirt, suitable for most passenger vehicles under fair weather conditions.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Situated within the Appalachian ridge-and-valley province, the parking area provides immediate, on-foot entry to thousands of acres of protected public lands along Shade Mountain:
- State Game Lands No. 107 Trail Network: Steps away from the vehicle door, offering miles of rugged forest trails, old logging roads, and ridge paths popular for seasonal hunting, bushcrafting, and backcountry hiking.
- Juniata River Valley: Located approximately 5 to 7 miles southwest, providing access to public boat launches, smallmouth bass fishing, and scenic paddling routes.
- Downtown Mifflintown & Mifflintown Historic District: Roughly a 10-to-15-minute drive (approx. 5 to 6 miles), where visitors can find local diners, hardware stores, fuel stations, and regional amenities.
- Lewistown: Located approximately 15 miles northwest along US-22/US-322, offering larger retail outlets, lodging, and supply stores.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Access to the parking facility is gained via local rural and mountain roads branching off PA Route 35 and US Route 22/322. Drivers should exercise caution when navigating the ascending access roads, especially during late autumn and winter when snow, ice, or loose gravel can impact traction. Because this is a remote wilderness access point, there is no public fixed-route transit or light rail connectivity; personal vehicle transport or carpooling is mandatory. Major arterial connectivity is anchored by US Route 22/322, allowing straightforward travel across central Pennsylvania between State College and Harrisburg.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Free Public Access: No parking permits, daily fees, or automated meters are required to use this Pennsylvania Game Commission facility.
- Open Surface Staging: Generous outdoor footprint with no overhead height clearance limits, accommodating trucks and roof-rigged SUVs.
- Trailhead Proximity: Direct connection to forest maintenance routes and footpaths leading into SGL 107.
- Information Signage: Standard Pennsylvania Game Commission boundary markers and informational bulletin board detailing seasonal hunting regulations and land-use rules.
- Leave No Trace Area: Pack-it-in, pack-it-out protocol; no trash receptacles or public restrooms are maintained on site.
Ideal For
- Hunters & Anglers: Prime parking for early-morning entry during archery, rifle deer, spring turkey, and small game seasons.
- Day Hikers & Trail Runners: Convenient access for individuals trekking the steep slopes and rocky ridgelines of Shade Mountain.
- Birdwatchers & Nature Photographers: Great base for observing migrating raptors along the Appalachian flyway and native forest wildlife.
- Dog Walkers: Outdoor exercise for leashed dogs along scenic woodland trails.
Visitor & Driver Tips
- Hunting Season Awareness: Always check current Pennsylvania Game Commission season schedules. Wear fluorescent blaze orange (hat and vest) if visiting during active firearms hunting seasons.
- Prepare for Limited Connectivity: Cellular reception along Shade Mountain can be weak or intermittent; download offline maps and trail guides prior to leaving Mifflintown.
- Winter Weather Considerations: Access roads and the gravel lot are not consistently plowed during winter storms. A four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended during icy or snowy conditions.
- Parking Etiquette: Park parallel or pull in neatly along the edges to preserve turn-around space for emergency vehicles and fellow outdoor recreationists.
