If you’re looking for information about the scenic overlook at the Cameron-Masland Mansion, you’re in the right place!
The Cameron-Masland Mansion, a historic stone villa perched on a Cumberland County mountaintop, offers a scenic overlook that captures the essence of Pennsylvania’s picturesque outdoors.
Directions to the Mansion
The Cameron-Masland Mansion is located at 500 Kings Gap Rd, Carlisle, PA 17015.
Located on 2,531 acres that comprises the Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, the mansion sits at the end of a 4 mile-long winding road, on top of South Mountain.
And what a road it is, especially at the peak of fall foliage season!
There’s even a nice roadside scenic overlook on the way to the top, as indicated on the map above.
The route to the mansion is well marked, and the road is paved all the way to the top.
There’s plenty of parking near the mansion, including wheelchair-accessible parking next to the terrace/overlook.
A Glimpse into the Mansion’s History
Before delving into the breathtaking views, a few words about the history of the Cameron-Masland Mansion.
The 32-room mansion was built in 1908 as a summer home by James McCormick Cameron, whose father and grandfather both served as United States Senators from Pennsylvania.
After Cameron’s death in 1949, C.H. Masland and Son Carpet Company of Carlisle bought the mansion and 1,430 acres of land around it, transforming the mansion into the “Masland Guest House” and using it to train employees and accommodate clients.
In 1973, the Nature Conservancy, with the help of the state, bought the mansion and 1,430 acres, adding another 1,077 acres in 2011.
Today, Kings Gap consists of 2,531 acres of forest on South Mountain, with more than 25 miles of hiking trails.
Views From the Mansion
The terrace off the back of the home, meant to resemble an Italian villa, serves double duty as a magnificent scenic overlook.
The views to the northwest are of Blue Mountain and the Cumberland Valley.
Informational signage on the terrace provides more detail on what exactly you are looking at from this vantage point on top of South Mountain.
The changing seasons paint a living canvas of colors, from the lush greens of summer to the fiery hues of autumn.
Photographers, both amateur and professional, will find this an ideal spot to capture the essence of Pennsylvania’s natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
The scenic overlook at the Cameron-Masland Mansion is a spectacular showcase for both historic architecture and majestic views.
Here you can enjoy both the grandeur of nature and the rich tapestry of history, all from an easily-accessible mountaintop vantage point in Cumberland County.
Nearby Attractions
Nestled in the embrace of South Mountain in Cumberland County, Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County is a 273 acre wilderness haven that offers a diverse range of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Pole Steeple Overlook is located in the Cumberland County portion of the Michaux State Forest, adjacent to Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
The Appalachian Trail Museum at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County preserves the rich history, culture, and stories of the famed Appalachian Trail (AT).
The Halfway Point of the Appalachian Trail is located in Pennsylvania’s Michaux State Forest in Cumberland County, just a short distance from Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the Appalachian Trail Museum.
Exploring an Abandoned POW Camp in Cumberland County is your guide to a formerly-secret POW camp, used to house German and Japanese POWs during World War Two.
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