Ore Banks Loop Trail

Greenwood Furnace State Park

Length:  6.0 miles
Rating: Moderate

This loop takes hikers to the Brush Ridge Ore Banks, one of the lesser-known historic areas of Greenwood Furnace. The loop begins with Chestnut Spring ( yellow blazes) and Brush Ridge (red blazes) trails, offering a ridge-top perspective of the surrounding forest. Two miles from the park, turn left onto Dixon Trail, and drop to the Tramway Trail. Remains of the Brush Ridge Ore Banks used during the 19th century ironmaking days are visible.

Near the highway, turn left onto Tramway Trail, which was a mule-drawn railroad that hauled iron ore from these banks to the furnace. Follow the trail back to the park. Just before the dam, the trail leaves the tramway and follows the old highway and crosses the creek. Cross the highway into the beach area.

Directions:

The entrance to the park is on PA 305; a 10-minute drive west of Belleville or a 35-minute drive southeast of State College.