Explore Wharton Furnace in Forbes State Forest, PA

While there are numerous historic iron ore furnace sites throughout Pennsylvania, Wharton Furnace must be one of the best maintained furnaces in the commonwealth. Where might you find this furnace? Find this furnace and plenty of other historical sites on our all new Ohiopyle-Laurel Highlands Lizard Map!

Take a driving tour, not too far from Ohiopyle State Park, Grantsville MD, or Morgantown WV, to enjoy this historical location in Forbes State Forest. The furnace stands a few miles south of Route 40 between Uniontown and Farmington, PA. Visitors can reach this destination via paved roads or gravel forest roads. Fayette Springs Road and Wharton Furnace Road are both paved and lead to the site. Fayette Springs Road leads past Ridge Runner Distillery and Christian W. Klay Winery, which is not only a great place to visit, but also happens to be the highest elevation vineyard in Pennsylvania.

Those looking for a more adventurous drive on gravel forest roads with a wet stream crossing should utilize Scott Run Road and Brethren Summit Road. Scott Run Road parallels the southern boundary of Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Forest Necessity is another wonderful place to visit while touring in this area.

No matter how you reach Wharton Furnace, be sure to visit and soak in the history of the area! There is plenty of historical and educational interpretive media near this furnace, which portray how and why the area was used in the 19th Century. The recent renovations of this area, with help from Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, as well as DCNR, have made this site a true gem. 

Have an up-and-close peep at the inner workings of the furnace, but be sure to respect the structure and keep the area clean.

Much of the media here explains the products made in the furnace, the materials used, the effort undertaken by local workers, and the finished product ready for the industrial world. Other signs explain more about the human history in the area during the times when this furnace was in use.

When you are done enjoying this area, be sure to check out other local historical spots such as Jumonville Glen, Braddock's Grave National Monument, Mount Washington Tavern, and Fort Necessity National Battlefield.

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