Greenwood Furnace State Park

Hiking   -  Picnicking   -  Swimming   -  Fishing   -  Hunting   -  Environmental Education   -  Orienteering   -  Ice Skating   -  Ice Fishing   - Snowmobiling   -  Cross-country Skiing   -  Camping

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Picnicking: Picnic tables and eight reservable picnic pavilions are in a spruce and pine grove setting close to the beach. Unreserved pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. A playground, snack bar, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and a ball field make this area popular for picnics and reunions.

Make a reservation.

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Snack Bar: A food and refreshment concession near the beach serves visitors in the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend.

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Swimming: A 300-foot sand beach is open from May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules. A dressing area, snack bar and restroom are nearby.

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Boating: Non-motorized canoes and kayaks may be used on Greenwood Lake.

Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

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Fishing: The six-acre Greenwood Lake is regularly stocked with trout. Ice fishing is permitted. All Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws and regulations apply.

Complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

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Hunting and Firearms: About 320 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey and grouse. Special state park hunting regulations and Pennsylvania Game Commission laws apply. Most of the adjacent Rothrock State Forest lands are open to hunting.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

Complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

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Orienteering: The self-guiding course starts across the road from the Visitor Center/Park Office. Maps of the course are available at the Visitor Center/Park Office.

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Hiking: 25 miles of trails
Many trails within the park and surrounding state forest offer hikers scenic views and glimpses of historical ruins from the 1800s ironmaking community.

Trail Blazes:

Yellow, Green and Orange blaze trails are for hiking only.
Blue blaze trails are also good for cross-country skiing, snow permitting.
Red blaze trails are multi-use and may also be open to snowmobiling, and or horseback riding.
Orange diamonds designate snowmobile routes.

Brush Ridge Trail: 2.75 miles, red blazes, more difficult hiking
This trail begins along Broad Mountain Road or from the connector trail from Chestnut Spring Trail. The trail provides a ridge-top perspective of the surrounding forest. Hikers can return to the park on the Dixon Trail to Tramway Trail, or Viantown Trail to return to the park.*

Chestnut Spring Trail: 0.5 mile, yellow blazes, more difficult hiking
Beginning by Founders Picnic Pavilion (#1), the trail follows a small stream that ambles among large rocks and fern-lined banks to its source at a spring house. The trail crosses Broad Mountain Road and winds back down the hill passing a charcoal hearth along the way. Follow Broad Mountain Road to the first park road to return to Founders Pavilion.

Dogtown Trail: 1 mile, red blazes, easy hiking
Beginning at Hemlock Picnic Pavilion #6, hikers walk along Turkey Hill Road then along the campground road to the back of the campground where the trail enters the forest. The trail descends to and crosses a creek, intersects with Tramway Hiking Trail then crosses PA 305. Once in the woods the trail parallels PA 305 east before climbing Brush Ridge, crossing Viantown Trail then joining Brush Ridge Trail to its intersection with Broad Mountain Road. A connector trail to Chestnut Spring Trail returns to the day use area of the park. This trail is named for the area of Greenwood Village that was known for the dogs that continually barked at passing ore cars on the tram.

Fire Tower Loop: 7 miles, moderate to difficult hiking, 4 hours time - Greenwood Spur; blue blazes - Ruff Gap and Snowmobile road; red blazes
This is a loop to the Greenwood Fire Tower on Broad Mountain. The trailhead for the Greenwood Spur (blue blazes) is near the Visitor Center. Watch for house foundations and charcoal hearths along the way. Once on top, cross Seeger Road and continue to the tower. The tower was erected in the 1930s, and is still used to watch for forest fires. From here, the Greenwood Spur continues to Alan Seeger State Forest Picnic Area and the Mid State Trail. To return to the park, follow the access road (red blazes) to Seeger Road. Pick up Ruff Gap Trail and descend to the snowmobile road and follow it back to the intersection with Greenwood Spur. Turn left to return to the park.

Greenwood Trail: 6.6 miles, orange blazes, most difficult hiking
This trail connects the park to the 171-mile long Mid State Trail. Along the way the trail passes the Greenwood Fire Tower, goes through Allen Seeger Natural Area and follows Detweiler Run into the Detweiler Run Natural Area to it’s junction with Mid State Trail. *

Lakeview Trail: 0.25 mile, yellow blazes, easy hiking
This short trail is a nice walk around the lake with some great photo opportunities. Beginning on the west side of the lake dam breast, the trail climbs along the side of Brush Ridge under a closed canopy of trees with window openings offering views of the lake. At the upper end of the lake a flat, gravel walking trail returns to the day use area at the beach.

Monsell Trail: 1 mile, yellow blazes, more difficult hiking
Beginning at the Standing Stone Trailhead, hikers should follow Standing Stone Trail for a short distance. Monsell Trail then climbs the hill passed the furnace church, through the remnants of an old pine plantation and passed charcoal hearths. The trail returns to the day use area along the campground road and a gravel service road through the day use area returning to the Standing Stone trailhead.

Moore Hiking Trail: 0.5 mile, green blazes, easy hiking
This loop begins at Hemlock Pavilion (#6) and takes about 30 minutes to hike. Hikers can enjoy a wide variety of trees, ferns and wildflowers. At the top of the hill the trail shares the path with Monsell Trail before dropping back to its beginning.

Standing Stone Hiking Trail: 72 miles, orange blazes, most difficult hiking
Starting near the park office, this trail goes south to join Tuscarora Trail at Cowans Gap State Park. Part of the Great Eastern Trail system, this trail offers a challenging experience to the seasoned hiker. Together with the Greenwood Spur, this trail connects Mid State Trail to Tuscarora Trail and the Appalachian Trail. *

Stone Valley Vista Loop Trail: From the Standing Stone Trailhead and follow Standing Stone trail approximately one mile to the vista where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the valley and park below. Return to the park the way you came or continue on to Turkey trail a 2.5 mile hike extension to your walk over some difficult terrain. Turkey Trail follows an old logging slide down the mountain to Turkey Hill Road. Continue down this road to the park. *

Tramway Trail: 2.5 miles, blue blazes, easy hiking
This trail follows the old mule-drawn railroad that once hauled iron ore from the ore banks and mines to the furnace. Starting at the campground entrance road near the park cemetery, this trail follows PA 305. Hikers can return to the park by Tram Trail or follow Dixon Trail to either Brush Ridge or Viantown Trails to return to the park.*

Viantown Trail: 2.75 miles, blue blazes, more difficult hiking
This trail was an old wagon road that linked Greenwood Furnace to Viantown. The trail begins on the far side of the dam and passes the site of the Travellers Inn as it crosses Brush Ridge to Broad Mountain Road. Hikers can follow Dixon Trail to either Brush Ridge or Tramway trails to return to the park.*

* Please refer to the Rothrock State Forest Public Use Map for all trails that are on state forest lands.

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Stay the Night

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Camping: flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups
Forty-nine (49) tent and trailer campsites and two walk-in sites are open from the second Friday in April until the end of October. Forty-four (44) campsites have either 30 or 50 amp electric hookups. A washhouse has flush toilets, hot showers and dishwashing sinks. Pets are permitted at designated campsites.

Trailers and motor homes may use a convenient, sanitary dump station at the campground entrance. The maximum stay is 14 days during the summer season and 21 days during the off-season. Campers must vacate the park for 48 hours between stays.

Explore the campground map.

Explore camping for more information.

Make a reservation.

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Free Camping for Campground Hosts: 1 host position
The campground host site amenities include 50-amp electric service, with water and sewer hookup. Firewood is provided. Hosts are required to assist park personnel for 40 hours per week with a two (2) week minimum stay. Responsibilities include posting camping permits, performing light maintenance, and overseeing the self-serve firewood/ice concession. Contact the park office for additional information and availability.

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Winter Activities

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Explore the Winter Report for the current snow and ice depths. Parking, restrooms and picnic facilities are available at the park. Additional designated parking areas are within the state forest. Trail maps are available at the park office or state forest office.

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Cross-country Skiing: Trails and open areas of the park are suitable for cross-country skiing.

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Snowmobiling: The park serves as a snowmobiling trailhead after the end of deer season in December.

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Ice Skating: The ungroomed ice of the lake is popular for skating. Ice thickness is not monitored.

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Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is permitted in the 6-acre Greenwood Lake.

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Environmental Education and Interpretation

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Year-round interpretive programming makes a visit to Greenwood Furnace an interesting educational experience. Archeological work and extensive research has done much to uncover not only the physical plant, but also the social structure of the community. Guided walks, living history and evening programs interpret much of the natural and historic resources of the park.

Programs for school and civic groups are offered by appointment. School programs are offered free and are custom-tailored to meet the teacher’s educational needs. PA Act 48-credit teacher workshops are offered. Contact the park office for details.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

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Greenwood Historic Walking Tour: Greenwood Furnace was once a thriving iron-making village. Today, only a handful of its original 127 buildings remain. This walking tour explores a portion of the historic district and includes parts of the town, tramway, historic roads and charcoal hearths. A free guide to the historic district is available at the park office.

Blacksmith Shop: This furnace-era building houses additional displays on the ironworks and serves as a base for many of the park’s educational programs. It is open weekends and holidays in the summer months.

Visitor Center and Gift Shop: In the park office, the visitor center is open Monday through Friday most of the year, and daily in the summer months. The visitor center has displays on the former ironmaking community. The gift shop sells a variety of items, including T-shirts and sweatshirts, park memorabilia, historical and nature books, children’s nature books and a variety of field guides for the novice and serious wildlife watcher. Proceeds benefit Pennsylvania State Parks.

Access for People with Disabilities

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If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

 

Wildlife is abundant in the area. The alert observer may see white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and many species of small animals. Duck, great blue heron and occasionally osprey visit the lake. At dusk in late May and June, whip-poor-will sing their unique call.

Feeding wild animals such as bear, raccoon, duck, goose, and skunk is strongly discouraged. When wildlife loses its fear of people, these animals become pests and dangerous situations can result. Please help in maintaining healthy wildlife populations by not feeding the animals.

The land of Greenwood Furnace State Park was once the home of the Ona Jutta Hage (Juniata), the People of the Standing Stone. The name comes from a tall stone obelisk that stood in their village at present-day Huntingdon. By the time of William Penn, the Iroquois Confederation claimed the Juniata Valley, and allowed groups of Shawnee and Tuscarora to resettle there.

By the late 1700s, the area was settled by many groups, including Scots-Irish and the German-speaking Amish and Mennonite. Most of the early settlers were farmers. By the 1820s, there was a traveler’s inn and sawmill, and several families living in the area of the present park.

Greenwood Works 1834 - 1904

After purchasing the Freedom Iron Works in nearby Burnham in 1833, Norris, Rawle and Co. needed a steady supply of iron. A suitable location with iron ore, limestone, water and trees was found here. Greenwood Furnace went into blast on June 5, 1834. The charcoal-fueled furnace produced about four tons of pig iron ingots per day with an annual output of around 1,200 tons. The iron was hauled by wagons over Stone Mountain to Freedom Iron Works to be turned into wrought iron.

A small village grew up to support the furnace, including about 20 houses, a company store, office, blacksmith shop and stables. Local ores were used, and in 1839, a large, rich deposit was discovered three miles from the furnace. The high quality ores made a superior grade of iron. By 1842, a gristmill was added and the present recreational lake was built to supply water to power the mill. In 1847, due to a depression in the iron industry, the Freedom Iron Works and Greenwood Works were sold at sheriff sale and were purchased by John A. Wright & Co.

John Armstrong Wright (1820 – 1891) was a civil engineer who helped found the Pennsylvania Railroad and the city of Altoona, its new rail center.

In 1856, the Freedom Iron Company began producing superior quality locomotive tires, railroad car wheels and axles for the booming railroad industry, utilizing iron produced at the Greenwood Works. A decade later, Wright built a Bessemer works at the Freedom plant, which was overseen by his friend Andrew Carnegie. To fill the demand, the company expanded to four furnaces, including an additional stack here in 1864. Greenwood Furnace was the only known charcoal ironworks in the state to operate two or more stacks side-by-side.

Greenwood Furnace No. 2 had a capacity of about five tons per day, with an annual output of 1,800 gross tons. Instead of waterpower, this stack utilized steam power, which used the hot gasses from the furnace to fuel the boiler. The older furnace was converted to steam power at this time. By the early 1880s, iron production topped 3,000 tons annually, making this site one of the largest charcoal furnace operations in the state.

At the height of operation in the early 1880s, the community consisted of two furnaces, ironmaster’s mansion, company store, blacksmith and wagon shop, church, school, seventeen stables, ninety tenant houses and a gristmill. About 300 employees and their families lived and worked here. Greenwood Furnace had a baseball team, the Energetics, and a 15-piece brass band.

By 1885, the older furnace was dismantled, and the second stack was remodeled and enlarged in 1889 and 1902. However, changing economics, newer and more efficient fuels and processes, and the shifting of industry to larger urban-centered complexes coupled with the depletion of local natural resources led to the closing of Greenwood Furnace in 1904. The village and the way of life it represented became a mere curiosity, a fading memory of a time when charcoal iron reigned supreme. Greenwood Furnace soon became a ghost town. The workers moved away as the town was torn down.

Greenwood Forest Tree Nursery 1906 - 1993

In 1906, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the former ironworks land and established the Greenwood Forest Tree Nursery to reclaim the depleted forests. The area around Greenwood Furnace, having been enriched by years of charcoal dust and fly ash, was found to be well-suited for growing trees. Seedlings remained in the nursery beds for one to two years before they could be transplanted. The first seedlings taken from these beds were used to fill in bare spots in the surrounding area. By 1909 seedlings were shipped to distances far away from the nursery.

During its peak years in the 1970s and 1980s, the nursery produced an average of three million seedlings a year. Nursery operations ceased in 1993. Recently, the Bureau of Forestry began planting trees to produce seed stock for use at its Penn Nursery and for sale to private nurseries.

Greenwood Furnace State Park, 1925-Present

The furnace was not forgotten. Former residents began to return to the now public land for recreation. By 1921, they organized an annual reunion called "Old Home Day."

Three years later, this reunion was a factor in the creation of the Greenwood Public Camp, forerunner of the current state park. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed facilities and made improvements in the park and surrounding state forest.

For more information on the CCC, visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Online Archive.

In 1936, Furnace Stack #2 was restored as a monument to the heritage of our state forest lands coming from old industrial concerns. Six original buildings and the cemetery remain, including the mansion, church, and blacksmith and wagon shop. In 1976, archeological work began to uncover the hidden remains of the community. In 1989, the National Park Service established the Greenwood Furnace Historic District. In 1995, Greenwood Furnace was designated a Historic Landmark by ASM International (formerly the American Society for Metals), the 95th site in the world to be so honored. This distinction recognizes the superior quality of Greenwood Iron that was used in the westward expansion of America’s railroads.

Help preserve the remnants of this historic site by not climbing or walking on exposed foundations. These are fragile and can easily be destroyed forever. Leave any artifacts where found and report their location to any park employee. With your help, this 19th century community will remain for future generations to enjoy.

Keep in Touch

Add yourself to the DCNR's online community to receive info on this park, or parks in general.

Volunteering

Like to spend time in the outdoors, meet friendly people and help make Pennsylvania State Parks great? Volunteering at a park might be for you.

Becoming a Conservation Volunteer is easy.

• Sign up to be a Conservation Volunteer
  OR
• Contact your local state park directly and ask for the Conservation Volunteer coordinator - you'll be hooked up with an interesting and appropriate project in Pennsylvania's natural resources.
   

Scouts and organized groups can earn free camping by completing service projects.

Many volunteer opportunities are available at Greenwood Furnace. Conservation volunteers are needed to assist with trail maintenance, historical research and demonstrations, work with environmental education staff in teaching groups that visit the park, act as campground hosts and help with special events and projects. For more information, contact the park office.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Believing that each generation is responsible for leaving behind a better legacy of good conservation, the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) was created in 1999 to give supporters and users of Pennsylvania's parks and forests a positive way to contribute to the conservation of our publicly-owned properties. The Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation welcomes the support of individuals and businesses who share a commitment to conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural, scenic, and recreational areas of this commonwealth. www.paparksandforests.org

Make a Donation

To a park - find this park's address below

To a park or the Bureau of State Parks - Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation www.paparksandforests.org

Through a purchase at a park gift shop

Thank you for your support!

Education Programs

We love when young people ask us how to get involved!

DiscoverE has programs for young people ages 4 to 17, provided by Pennsylvania State Park educators. By combining recreation and education, we hope to motivate children to learn more and return often, leading to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment and conservation leadership. 

In Watershed Education, teachers and students assess water quality of a local stream on a quarterly basis and develop strategies to solve local water quality problems. 

ECO Camp - Exploring Careers Outdoors - is a week-long residential camp for a cross-section of high school youth from across Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Participate in action-packed, hands on activities and recreational adventures in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests that expose youth to conservation, recreation and careers in natural resources. Learn how people make a living working in the outdoors.

Explore education for more information on these and other programs.

Explore the Calendar of Events to find a program near you.

iConservePA

Do you take conservation personally? iConservePA is a Web site managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources whose vision is to inspire citizens to value their natural resources, engage in conservation practices and experience the outdoors. Take conservation personally.

Come Work with Us

Pennsylvania State Parks and the Department of Conservation and Natrual Resources offer a wide range of civil service and non-civil service jobs, from foresters, to rangers, to engineers, to educators, to botanists and so much more. Learn what is currently available.

Tell us What You Think

Contact this park with compliments, concerns and issues about the park.

Greenwood Furnace State Park

Nearby Attractions

Information on nearby attractions is available from:

Huntingdon County Visitor’s Bureau, 888-RAYSTOWN, www.raystown.org
Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, 877-568-9739, www.juniatarivervalley.org
The Alleghenies www.thealleghenies.com.

Belleville and Big Valley: Five miles over the mountain is the beautiful Big Valley and the village of Belleville, home to several Amish and Mennonite communities. Most tend small farms in this fertile, limestone valley and travel using horse and buggy. One of the best times to visit the valley is on Wednesdays, when the valley turns into a seven-mile long flea market and livestock auction.

Maps and Downloadables

Below are many of the maps and publications for this park. You can read them or download them and might need special software (all free) to view the publications.

You must have the free Adobe Reader to view the maps and brochures that are in pdf format (.pdf).

Alternate versions of the text of the brochures are in rich text and text formats. Click on the files to view them. To download (.rtf) files:
For Windows users, right click on the link then left click on "Save target as" to download the file to your computer. For Mac users, hold down the "Options" button and click on the link, then select "Save" to download the file to your computer.

Recreational Guide

Greenwood Furnace State Park Map (.pdf) (652 kb, 3/11)
Greenwood Furnace State Park Recreational Guide (.pdf) (1,071 kb, 4/13)
    large print version of the guide text (.rtf)

Interactive GIS Map

The interactive map uses Geographic Information Systems to create a map that does not need to be downloaded and features driving directions, searchable park amenities and customizable maps. Please note that the background maps are maintained by a variety of public sources.

Campground Map

Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground Map (.pdf)  (951 kb, 2/13)
    large print version of the brochure (.rtf)

Bird Checklist

Greenwood Furnace State Park Bird Checklist (.pdf) (2,084 kb, 3/11)

Common Birds Brochure

Common Birds of Greenwood Furnace State Park (.pdf) (416 kb, 3/11)