There’s something magical about happening upon old, abandoned ruins while traipsing through the Kentucky wilds. It will bring out the adventurer in you, igniting your inner curiosity and explorer! Within Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes, you’ll find the Center Furnace, one of eight iron furnaces that operated from the mid-1800s and into the early 1900s. This massive, crumbling brick furnace is a well-known landmark that’s reachable via a 0.3-mile loop trail, making it one of the most accessible hikes in the Bluegrass State for those looking to explore one of Kentucky’s most mysterious abandoned ruins.

Land Between the Lakes is one of the most beautiful places in Kentucky; an untamed expanse full of wildlife, foliage, and beautiful natural features.

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It’s also home to some of Kentucky’s most intriguing ruins: large, brick remnants of former iron factories.

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During the industrial revolution in the 1820s, the demand for iron was at an all-time high. The iron industry in Land Between the Lakes was part of a regional industry that stretched from western Kentucky well into Tennessee. The rivers in the area provided inexpensive transportation to iron markets.

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The Land Between the Lakes was once home to eight iron furnaces; today, just two remain: the Great Western Furnace and Center Furnace. Curious explorers can view the Center Furnace ruins along the eponymous Center Furnace Trail.

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This 0.3-mile loop is a scenic little day hike that’s accessible for all skill levels. The path is well-marked, easy to navigate, and quite lovely.

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The trail winds through picturesque forests, past a commanding 150-year-old white oak known as the “Wolf Tree.”

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Before too long, you’ll arrive at the Center Furnace, which was built in 1852 and operated until 1917.

Nathan Stanton/Google Local In its heyday, the Center Furnace used about 2,000 bushels of charcoal, two tons of limestone, and nearly 30 tons of iron ore in a 24-hour period. The furnace was a veritable workhorse, churning out iron around the clock, six days a week.

The site also includes other remnants of the industry, including decrepit iron pits and old cisterns.

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In addition to the brick ruins of the iron furnace’s stack, there is a replica of the charcoal hearth that produced the fuel to fire the furnace.

Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails

The Center Furnace Trail offers a unique glimpse into a prosperous – but fleeting – moment in Kentucky history. And in the fall, there’s a haunting quality to this hike that makes it even more fun… and mysterious!

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Have you hiked the Center Furnace Trail before? Did you know about history of this abandoned place? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Michael Schulz/Google Local

Jin Zou/Google Local

John Mathatas/Google Local

Krazy Sidhe/Google Local

Nathan Stanton/Google Local

In its heyday, the Center Furnace used about 2,000 bushels of charcoal, two tons of limestone, and nearly 30 tons of iron ore in a 24-hour period. The furnace was a veritable workhorse, churning out iron around the clock, six days a week.

Solamen Silva/AllTrails

Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails

Interested in exploring more Kentucky ruins? You’ll love these eight extraordinary hikes in Kentucky.

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Address: Center Furnace Trail Head, Forest Service Rd 134, Eddyville, KY 42038, USA