Rothrock State Forest Greenwood Furnace Historic Loop
Iron furnace ruins via technical mountain ridge roads
The Greenwood Furnace Loop threads together a network of old logging roads and charcoal hauler routes that once fed the massive iron operation at Greenwood Furnace. Starting from the historic park, the route climbs over Broad Mountain on rocky, technical terrain to reach the abandoned Greenwood Fire Tower, then drops into Stone Creek Valley where you’ll find the crumbling stone stack of Jackson Furnace hidden in the laurel thickets. The original furnace produced 2,000 tons of pig iron annually in the 1830s using local ore and charcoal.
This is challenging territory that’ll test your line choice — loose shale, embedded rocks, and steep grades that get slippery when wet. A stock Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner handles it, but you’ll want skid plates and good tires. Avoid during mud season (March-April) and hunting seasons. The loop takes 4-5 hours with stops to explore the ruins. Primitive camping is allowed throughout Rothrock, and the fire tower offers spectacular views of the Seven Mountains region.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | 4-5 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2300 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Huntingdon, PA |
| Land manager | Pennsylvania DCNR |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | dcnr.pa.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without modifications?
A stock 4WD with skid plates is the minimum — this trail is rated Difficult with rocky surface conditions that will punish unprotected undercarriages. Lifted rigs with all-terrain tires will have a much better time; low-clearance trucks and crossovers should stay home.
When does the trail open and is it passable in early spring?
Best season is May through October. Early spring brings mud, soft shoulders, and downed timber from winter — Rothrock's ridge roads can become rutted messes after snowmelt. Check with Pennsylvania DCNR before attempting anything before mid-May.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp in Rothrock State Forest?
No permit is required to drive the trail, and dispersed camping in Rothrock State Forest is allowed without a fee under Pennsylvania DCNR rules. Follow leave-no-trace, don't camp within 200 feet of water, and check for any temporary closures at dcnr.pa.gov before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The rocky ridge road segments are where this trail earns its Difficult rating — loose and embedded rock ledges demand careful tire placement and low-range crawling. At 25 miles over 4-5 hours, the pace is slow by design; expect constant rock picking, not highway-speed forest cruising.
Are the water crossings actual obstacle crossings or just wet road sections?
There are real water crossings on this loop, and their depth varies significantly with rainfall — what's ankle-deep in August can be bumper-deep after a heavy storm. Cell service is spotty throughout, so check recent trip reports before you launch and don't rely on getting help easily if you get stuck mid-crossing.
Trail track
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