Pine is in Eastern Arizona . It is in Gila County. The town sits below the Mogollon Rim on State Route 87, just north of Payson. Pine is the sister town to Strawberry, which is located three miles to the north. It is approximately 110 miles northeast of Phoenix.

Pine is a vacation and retirement community. Today Pine has a combined population with Strawberry of 4,000. The town sits at an elevation of 5,448 feet. The climate is mild all year round with a winter low Temperature of 23 degrees and a summer high Temperature of 92 degrees. The beauty of the outdoors is a draw to many who come to stay.

Pine wants its visitors to experience the past through the many attractions available in town. The Historic Walking Tour of Pine is something you won't want to miss. Many original log and rock cabins still remain. Some buildings have been turned into antique stores, cafes and gift shops. You may pick up a self-guided tour at the chamber of commerce.

The Pine-Strawberry Museum is located at the old Mormon pioneer chapel. The museum retells the history of northern Gila County. There are artifacts such as bared wire, rifles and pottery. It is a small town museum with lots of interesting information. The Strawberry Schoolhouse is the oldest standing school in Arizona . The school is just north of town in Strawberry and was built in 1884.

It was established to meet the needs of the pioneer families. The school closed in 1916 and was restored and dedicated as a Historical Monument in 1981. Today, the school has many pieces that were used throughout the school's history. The Pine-Strawberry Historical Society keeps it open during the spring and summer. It is a great place to visit. There are numerous outdoor activities located near town.

The Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a spectacular sight. The park has picnic areas, a historic lodge and hiking trails down to the 400-foot natural travertine tunnel. It is a natural wonder that must be one of your top places to see. The Blue Ridge Reservoir is to the northeast of town on State Highway 87, then follow Forest Road 751 south down to the reservoir. Fishermen will enjoy taking a boat out to catch trout. The Blue Ridge Campground is a great place to spend the night and then head back out on the skinny lake the next day. The best time to drop your line is during the spring and fall.

History:
A group of Mormons decided to settle in the area around the Little River Colorado in 1876. Soon after choosing their places to settle, several men decided to explore the area around their establishment. They headed down to the Tonto Basin. Needless to say, they found this area to be unsuitable for future communities.

Then a year later, another group traveled into the Tonto Basin. Rial Allen and Price Nelson discovered a location along Pine Creek. The next year Allen established the community of Pine. The town was named after the surrounding timber pine country. Allen built a fort as protection against Indian attacks.

The community continued to grow. In 1884, the post office was established and is even used by the community of Strawberry and Pine today. Many of the early buildings were gabled-roofed framed houses, built near the general store. Although, there where some scattered and partly concealed by the tall pines.

Today, the town remains unincorporated. It is a vacationer's haven and a retiree's dream.