Thousand Steps

Located along Route 22 is an opportunity to step into the past and see some of the most amazing views in Pennsylvania. One of the most famous hikes in the state, the Thousand Steps is .5 mile section of the larger Standing Stone Trail with an elevation gain of around 850 feet. 

Beyond the incredible views that await at the top, the steps are also an important piece of Pennsylvania's history. Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, the nearby town of Mount Union became known as the “Silica Brick Capital of the World" - mined from the local stone, silica is a heat-resistant material that was crucial in the steel and railroad industries. 

The steps were carved into mountain in 1936 by workers of the Harbison-Walker refractory, in order to facilitate their access to the Ledge Quarry at the top of the mountain. Silica use declined in the 1950s, and the steps eventually fell into disuse. In the 1990s, public access to the steps and its surrounding area was threatened, so a group came together to protect it - the Save Our Steps Committee managed to preserve the steps and 669 nearby acres, allowing for the hiking trail and its history to remain for future generations.

 And remember, when you reach step number 1,000, don't start celebrating, since you'll have a bit more left to climb - the steps in total are actually 1,043!