Pioneering at Elizabeth Furnace

Elizabeth Furnace was a blast furnace in the Shenandoah Valley that was used to create pig iron
from 1836 – 1888 using Passage Creek for water power. Iron ore was mined nearby, purified in
the furnace, and then pig iron was transported over the Massanutten Mountain to the South Fork
of the Shenandoah River for forging in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The road used to transport
this iron is still used today by hikers climbing to the top of the Massanutten Mountain. Much of
the original stone structure still exists, as well as a restored cabin, and an outdoor recreation area.
The Elizabeth Furnace recreation area, located in George Washington National Forest just north
of Fort Valley, Virginia.

*** Currently the group camp has no running water. Bring all your drinking water. ***

Each group site is equipped with tent pads (12′ x 16′), fire grate, fire ring and three picnic tables.
There is no trash service. Visitors are responsible for bagging their trash and packing it out with
them when they leave.

Weather outlook: Assume 40s during the day, 20s at night. Bring rain gear and layers so you can
add or take off during the day.