A Trip To This Little Known Ruin Near Pittsburgh Is Truly One In A Million

Southwestern Pennsylvania's hiding plenty of amazing secrets. The best way to uncover them? Get outdoors and explore! Take this ruin near Pittsburgh, for example. It spent three years in operation as an iron furnace more than a century ago. Yet, today, its remnants attract curiosity-seekers, history buffs, and hikers who just happen to pass by. But, now that you know about it, you'll definitely want to add this trail to your to do list.

Lace up your comfiest shoes - you're going to need them - as you embark on the Ghost Town Trail, a spectacular 36-mile trail that winds through Cambria and Indiana counties.

But, don't worry. If you're not up for hiking the entire trail in one day, you can get on and off at one of the numerous access points along the way.

The Ghost Town Trail certainly lives up to its name, passing through formerly vibrant coal towns, like Wehrum. The town once laid claim to hundreds of homes, a bank, and a jail.

And, you'll hike past the remnants of other towns, including Claghorn, Bracken, and Webster.

Of course, one of the highlights of the trail is the ruin of Eliza Furnace, which has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Widely known as one of the "best preserved iron furnaces" in the state, Eliza Furnace was first built in 1846 and only operated for three years before permanently shutting down.

During its heyday, nearly 100 employees worked at the furnace that produced more than 1,000 tons of iron annually.

Today, it holds distinction as having its original piping.

The Eliza Furnace ruin sits near Eliza Station, the perfect spot to take a break, have a picnic, and fill up your water bottle at the fountain. (Eliza Station also offers restroom facilities.)

The Ghost Town Trail features numerous access points, including Saylor Park, Dilltown, Nanty Glo, and Ebensburg.

For a complete list of access points, a map of the Ghost Town Trail, and more, click here .

Stroll past remnants of the past - including a fascinating ruin near Pittsburgh - when you embark on the Ghost Town Trail. Keen for exploring more ruins around Western Pennsylvania? Then, click here to uncover more hiking trails that will lead you to extraordinary ruins.