About this Location

Facility Overview

State Game Land 107 Parking provides direct, rustic public access to Pennsylvania State Game Lands No. 107 along the scenic ridges of Shade Mountain near Mifflintown, Juniata County. Established and managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, this open-air gravel surface lot serves outdoor recreation enthusiasts, hunters, and hikers seeking entry to thousands of acres of protected wilderness. Because the facility is an uncovered, natural-grade parking area, there are no overhead height barriers or vertical clearance restrictions. This makes the lot completely accessible for standard passenger sedans, high-clearance 4x4 trucks, sport utility vehicles, and passenger vans equipped with roof gear or mountain bikes. Drivers of low-slung performance vehicles should exercise caution when navigating the packed-stone entrance apron and unpaved footprint, particularly after periods of heavy rain or snowmelt.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Nestled in the heart of rural central Pennsylvania, this parking staging area serves as a primary access point for exploring the Shade Mountain ridge and the Juniata River Valley. Key nearby landmarks and recreational destinations include:

State Game Lands No. 107 Trail Network: Immediate on-foot access to rugged logging tracks, marked boundary trails, and game trails tailored for seasonal hunting, wildlife photography, and nature hiking.
Downtown Mifflintown & Mifflin Boroughs: Located approximately 5 to 7 miles southwest, providing access to classic dining, local hardware outlets, and small-town conveniences along the Juniata River.
Juniata River Water Trail: Situated just a short 10-to-15-minute drive away, offering access points for kayaking, canoeing, and freshwater smallmouth bass fishing.
Lost Creek Golf Club: Approximately 15 minutes away in Oakland Mills, offering an 18-hole public golf course nestled among rolling farmland.
Lewistown: Located roughly 15 to 20 miles west along the US-322 corridor, featuring regional shopping centers, hospitals, and heritage railroad attractions.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Accessing State Game Land 107 Parking is straightforward from the regional highway network. The lot is positioned just off local secondary access roads connecting to Pennsylvania Route 35 (PA-35) and U.S. Route 322 (US-322), the major four-lane expressway traversing central Pennsylvania between Harrisburg and State College. Ingress and egress are via a direct unpaved driveway wide enough for two-way passing, though drivers should maintain low speeds to accommodate entering and departing outdoor enthusiasts. Given the remote wilderness setting, there are no public transit lines, commuter rail, or municipal bus services connecting directly to this trailhead; private passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, or trail-ready pickup trucks are required for access.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Wilderness Surface: Compacted dirt, crushed stone, and gravel parking footprint blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Unrestricted Clearance: Open-sky design with zero overhead obstructions, easily handling roof racks, kayaks, cargo carriers, and raised suspensions.
Free Public Access: Zero-cost parking maintained under Pennsylvania Game Commission land stewardship guidelines for recreational visitors.
Informational Signage: On-site bulletin kiosk featuring state game land boundary maps, seasonal hunting regulations, and wildlife advisories.
Natural Turning Radius: Broad turnaround space capable of accommodating dual-cab trucks and compact utility trailers.

Ideal For

Hunters & Anglers: Prime starting point for deer, turkey, bear, and small game seasons across Shade Mountain.
Hikers & Trail Runners: Direct access to serene, low-traffic mountain trails and steep elevation ascents.
Birdwatchers & Nature Photographers: Secluded staging ground for observing raptor migrations, songbirds, and native Pennsylvania forest fauna.
Outdoor Adventurers: Staging zone for snowshoeing, cross-country exploration, and gear preparation in a peaceful natural environment.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Before heading to State Game Land 107, plan ahead to ensure a safe and smooth trip. Cell phone reception along the ridges of Shade Mountain can be intermittent; download offline satellite maps and trail navigation routes prior to leaving US-322. During active hunting seasons (particularly firearms deer and spring turkey seasons), all non-hunting visitors are strongly advised to wear fluorescent blaze orange clothing in accordance with Pennsylvania Game Commission safety regulations. Because this is a primitive, pack-it-in, pack-it-out wildlife area, there are no dedicated trash receptacles, permanent restrooms, or winter snow plowing services. Arrive early in the morning during peak autumn weekends to secure prime level parking, and park perpendicular to the clearing boundary to ensure space remains accessible for other visitors.