Milesburn Cabin Spring, Shippensburg, PA, 17257

## Overview Milesburn Cabin Spring is a beautiful natural spring nestled in an idyllic rhododendron thicket along the Appalachian Trail corridor in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The spring sits just across from the historic Milesburn Cabin, a rustic shelter owned and maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC). The cabin and its surrounding spring have long served as a welcome rest stop for thru-hikers and day-hikers traversing this stretch of the AT through Michaux State Forest. The spring flows gently from the ground amid lush rhododendron growth, and visitors have reported the water tastes exceptionally clean and refreshing — one family noted their children called it "the best water they have ever tasted." To collect water, you will likely need a dipper or small cup, as the flow may not be strong enough to fill bottles directly. ## Directions 1. **By car:** Head to Means Hollow Road near Shippensburg, PA 17257. The nearest address is 215 Means Hollow Road. 2. **Finding the cabin:** You can search "Milesburn Cabin" on Google Maps, but be aware that the pin is **incorrectly placed** southwest of the Appalachian Trail crossing. The cabin is actually located **north** of the AT crossing — adjust your approach accordingly. 3. **From the cabin to the spring:** Once you reach Milesburn Cabin, walk approximately **20 yards north** from the cabin to find a short trail leading into the rhododendron thicket. 4. **Follow the trail** about **15 yards** to reach the spring. The path is brief but may be easy to miss if you're not looking for it — keep an eye out for the opening in the rhododendrons just north of the cabin. **GPS Coordinates:** 39.978032, -77.451511 ## What to Expect The spring is located in a serene, shaded setting surrounded by dense rhododendron — a particularly beautiful scene when the rhododendrons bloom in late spring and early summer. The area is part of Michaux State Forest, so expect a wooded, natural environment with typical Appalachian Trail terrain. **Water collection:** The spring may require a dipper or small container to scoop water, as the flow can be modest. Bring a cup or ladle if you plan to fill larger bottles. **The cabin:** Milesburn Cabin is a PATC-maintained shelter available to hikers. It provides a rustic, no-frills resting spot and adds to the charm of the area. The cabin and spring together make this a popular waypoint for AT hikers passing through south-central Pennsylvania. **Access notes:** The spring is a very short walk from the cabin and is accessible to visitors of most fitness levels. The surrounding trails, however, are typical Appalachian Trail footpaths — sturdy footwear is recommended. The area can be muddy after rain, and the rhododendron thicket may be damp year-round. **Seasonal considerations:** Water flow may vary with the seasons. The spring has historically been used as a water source by hikers, but flow could diminish during dry summer months.