Facility Overview
State Game Land 107 Parking serves as a designated public access area within Pennsylvania State Game Lands No. 107, nestled along the rugged ridges of Juniata and Mifflin Counties near Mifflintown, PA. The parking facility is an open-air, rustic gravel and packed-earth surface staging area designed primarily to provide access for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and hikers. Because it is completely open-air without overhead height barriers, overhangs, or parking deck ceilings, it boasts unlimited vertical clearance. This makes it exceptionally suited for high-clearance vehicles, pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, vehicles equipped with roof racks or cargo carriers, and light utility trailers often used for outdoor recreation gear.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Situated in the heart of rural Central Pennsylvania, this access lot offers direct trail connectivity into thousands of acres of protected wilderness on Shade Mountain. Notable nearby highlights and natural landmarks include:
- State Game Lands No. 107 Hiking and Hunting Access: Direct step-out access to remote logging trails, rugged ridgeline paths, and seasonal big-game and turkey hunting zones.
- Juniata River Valley: Located roughly 10 to 15 minutes by vehicle to scenic water recreation, boat launches, and fly-fishing destinations along the Juniata River.
- Historic Downtown Mifflintown: Located approximately 6 to 8 miles southeast, featuring local diners, rustic country stores, and fueling stations.
- Lewistown: Located approximately 12 to 15 miles northwest, offering comprehensive amenities including regional medical centers, regional dining, and shopping.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress are straightforward via rural state and township roads leading up into the game lands. Drivers should anticipate unpaved or narrow country roads leading to the staging area, which can experience loose gravel, mud, or snow pack during seasonal weather shifts. The lot is easily reached from US Highway 22/322, which serves as the primary regional artery connecting Harrisburg and State College. While there is no public transit or commuter rail service in this rural mountain corridor, private personal transport, 4WD/AWD vehicles, or carpools are standard and recommended for reaching this destination.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open Surface Lot: Rustic gravel surface accommodating multiple vehicles without stall restrictions.
- No Height Restrictions: Completely open sky clearance accommodating lifted trucks, vans, and rooftop gear.
- Direct Trail Access: Immediate foot access to State Game Land 107 internal trail network.
- Free Public Parking: Maintained under Pennsylvania Game Commission oversight with no parking meter, permit fee, or reservation required.
- Peaceful Natural Setting: Minimal artificial light pollution and quiet wooded surroundings.
Ideal For
- Hunters and Trappers: Ideal basecamp for seasonal archery, firearm, and muzzleloader hunting seasons.
- Day Hikers and Trail Runners: Direct entry for rugged trail training and ridgeline exploration along Shade Mountain.
- Birdwatchers and Wildlife Enthusiasts: Excellent vantage point for observing native songbirds, raptors, and forest wildlife.
- Outdoor Photographers: Pristine mountain vistas, hardwood foliage, and natural landscapes.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Because this is a remote game commission lot, amenities such as public restrooms, trash cans, and EV charging stations are not available; visitors should practice \'Leave No Trace\' principles and carry out all refuse. Cell service can be intermittent depending on your carrier, so downloading offline topographical maps and trail tracks prior to departure is strongly recommended. During designated hunting seasons (especially autumn and early winter), all recreational visitors must wear fluorescent orange in accordance with Pennsylvania Game Commission safety regulations. In winter months, roads may not receive rapid snowplowing, so all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is advised.
