The iron furnace here was capable of producing 1,500 tons of iron annually at its peak in the mid-19th century.
The town was essentially abandoned after the furnace operations ceased in 1904, leading to the preservation of its historical footprint.
The park's stone church, built in 1867, survived the town's decline and remains a focal point for site interpretation.
A specialized charcoal hearth is preserved on-site to demonstrate the process of fueling the furnace.
The park is situated along the main corridor of the 327-mile Mid State Trail.
Greenwood Furnace State Park is a historic site in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, featuring the ruins of a 19th-century charcoal-fired iron furnace that operated from 1834 to 1904. The park preserves the remains of the industrial town, including the original stack, a church, and a cemetery. Visitors can access a six-acre lake managed for trout fishing and swimming during the summer season. The park acts as a hub for the Mid State Trail, providing access to extensive forested hiking terrain in the Rothrock State Forest. Educational exhibits provide context on the community's past, when the site served as a major producer of high-quality iron for railroad construction. The grounds encompass 423 acres of mountain landscape characterized by hardwoods and steep ridges. The park operates a museum dedicated to the iron-making process and the lives of the workers who once lived in the company-owned town.
The view of the charcoal-fired iron furnace stack reflected in the waters of the park's lake.
Download offline maps before arrival as cellular service is highly unreliable in the deep valley.
Visit the visitor center early to pick up a self-guided walking tour map of the industrial ruins.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear if you plan to explore the hiking trails extending into the surrounding state forest.
Attempting to climb or touch the unstable stone structures of the old furnace.
The visitor center and museum operate seasonally from spring through autumn; grounds remain accessible year-round for hiking.
Maintain silence near the historic cemetery; stay on marked paths to protect sensitive archaeological remains.
