Greenwood Furnace State Park
With a pristine beauty that incorporates both the sparkling waters of the tranquil Greenwood Lake and the stunning peaks of the Seven Mountains, you’d probably struggle to believe that Greenwood Furnace State Park was once a prosperous mining company.
Where previously the area was filled with huge smoke stacks that covered it in dust and soot, the park is now a lush and vibrant green space that is full of native flora and fauna.
Offering a wide range of cultural, historical and recreational attractions, this PA state park acts as a haven for those who enjoy a wide range of recreational activities. This includes boating, fishing, swimming and hiking. As well as picnicking, hunting and winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Laying adjacent to the 80,000-acre Rothrock State Forest, the park is the perfect place for a weekend nature getaway, or week-long vacation.
If you are coming from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore or New York, you’ll be pleased to know the park also has a good selection of RV and tent campsites available too.
Activities
Visitors can partake in a wide range of outdoor recreational pursuits during their time at Greenwood Furnace State Park.
Below are just a few examples of some of the activities you can do while you are there.
Boating at Greenwood Furnace State Park
If you are into canoeing, paddle boarding and kayaking, you should enjoy the opportunities for tranquility and serenity that Greenwood Lake provides.
Although non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake, a few restrictions do apply. One of which is that you will need to display a valid permit, or registration, at all times you are on the water.
Swimming at Greenwood Furnace State Park
The park is blessed with a 300-foot sand beach which is open from late May all the way to mid-September.
If you are so inclined to do so, you will be able to swim in it from 8 am to sunset. However, you will have to do this at your own risk as the area is not lifeguarded.
Fishing at Greenwood Furnace State Park
While the 6-acre Greenwood Lake is quite small in comparison to most other lakes in Pennsylvania’s state park system, it is regularly stocked with trout.
So if you decide to cast a line, you should have no problem reeling them in.
During the winter, ice fishing is permitted. Just be sure to monitor the thickness of the ice (a minimum of four inches is regarded as being a ‘safe’ thickness).
Hiking at Greenwood Furnace State Park
For those who love to get out onto the hiking trails and really explore the area, Greenwood Furnace State Park provides plenty of opportunity to do so.
Between them, the trails in the park take you to historic places as well as through differing habitats like forests, fields and ridge tops. They also connect to other trails that will allow you to venture into the adjacent Rothrock State Forest.
Here are some of the most popular trails at Greenwood Furnace State Park:
- trail 1 – Dogtown Trail. Length: 1.2 mile Degree of Difficulty: easy
- trail 2 – Spencer Trail. Length: 2.4 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
- trail 3 – Lorence Trail. Length: 1.1 miles Degree of Difficulty: challenging
Picnicking at Greenwood Furnace State Park
Whilst at the park, picnicking is a very popular activity, with many visitors choosing to enjoy an al fresco meal.
Throughout the park you will find a number of picnic tables, many of which come with grills and are located near public toilets.
As well as these tables, if you are in a larger group you can also hire one of eight picnic pavilions that are available. If unreserved, they are available to use on a first come first served basis.
Hunting at Greenwood Furnace State Park
When the established seasons run, hunting is a favored activity at the park. Overall around 320 acres of it are designated for hunting, trapping and dog training.
Common species of game you can take aim at include deer, grouse and turkey.
If you do intend to hunt in the park, just be mindful that groundhogs are off-limits. Also be aware that DCNR and Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply at all times.
Winter Activities at Greenwood Furnace State Park
During the winter the park becomes an excellent destination for activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Some of the main hiking trails in the park double up as tracks for cross-country skiing, while the snowmobiling routes (which are signified by orange blazes) also connect to a 200-mile network of trails in the adjacent Rothrock State Forest.
Pets at Greenwood Furnace State Park
You are welcome to bring your dog to the park, although it must remain on a leash at all times and be cleaned up afterwards.
Camping at Greenwood Furnace State Park
The park offers visitors the use of a modern campground that features 49 tent and RV sites. Most of which come with 30 or 50 amp electricity hookups.
This campground can accommodate vehicles of between 40 to 92 feet and also provide guests with a range of amenities. This includes a restroom and shower facilities, as well as a dump station, trash disposal, an amphitheater and children’s playground.
Campers can also buy ice and firewood at a concession store as well.
Please note. Some of these sites are ADA accessible, but not all are pet-friendly.
Park Location
Greenwood Furnace State Park 15795 Greenwood Rd Huntingdon, PA 16652 Phone: 814.667.1800
Map
Video
Here is a great video showcasing with some aerial footage of Greenwood Furnace State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pennsylvania state parks free?
Yes, all Pennsylvania state parks offer free admission — no vehicle permits or entrance fees are required. Camping, cabin rentals, and some specific activities may have fees.
What are the best state parks in Pennsylvania?
Top parks include Ricketts Glen (22 waterfalls), Ohiopyle (whitewater and trails), Cook Forest (old-growth forest), Worlds End (mountain scenery), and Presque Isle (Lake Erie beach peninsula).
Can I see waterfalls at Pennsylvania state parks?
Ricketts Glen State Park is famous for its Falls Trail with 22 named waterfalls. Bushkill Falls (privately operated) and Dingmans Falls (Delaware Water Gap) are also popular waterfall destinations nearby.
How far in advance can I book camping in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania state park camping reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through the PA DCNR reservation system. Popular parks like Ricketts Glen and Ohiopyle fill quickly for summer weekends.
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Greenwood Furnace State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
