Mount Hope Furnace at Camp Little Notch

Step Into the Lost Iron Town of Mount Hope

Hidden deep within the woods of Camp Little Notch, the remains of a 19th-century iron industry still stand—quiet, powerful, and waiting to be explored.

In the middle of the forest, history hasn’t disappeared, it’s simply waiting to be found.

As you travel down the road into Camp Little Notch, it can feel like entering another world—towering pines and the stillness of the Adirondack forest.

But along the Goodrich Plummer Family Trail, that sense of escape deepens into something else entirely: a step back in time.

After a little more than a mile’s walk through the forest, a massive stone structure suddenly appears.

You’ll discover the remains of the Mount Hope Blast Furnace, the heart of a once-thriving 19th-century iron-making community.

Operating from 1836 to 1857, this furnace powered the town of Mount Hope, which once stood where the forest now grows. What feels remote today was once a center of industry, with homes, a store, stables, and a boarding house, all supporting a booming iron business.

Today, traces of that town remain scattered quietly through the woods.

The furnace burned day and night during its years of operation, shaping both the land and the lives of those who worked here.

There is also evidence suggesting the site may have played a role in the Underground Railroad, offering a waypoint for those traveling north toward Lake Champlain and ultimately, freedom in Canada.

Guided Tours

Friends of Camp Little Notch offers guided hikes to the Mount Hope Furnace one or two weekends each month (outside of camp season).

Approximately 2-hour round trip hike
No cost to attend
Suggested donation of $10/person to help support our ongoing preservation efforts.

Tour Dates

2026 Tour Schedule

All tours are open to the public and begin at 10 AM, unless otherwise noted.

May 2 – Tour Only (no camping)
May 23 – Tour + Open Camping*
Jun 6 – Tour Only (no camping)
Aug 1 – Tour + Open Camping*
Sep 5 – Tour + Open Camping*
Sep 19 – Tour + Open Camping* (1 PM start, Balloon Festival Weekend)
Oct 3 – Tour + Open Camping*
Oct 10 – Tour + Open Camping*

*Open camping dates: check availability, fees, and reserve at parkwith.us/cln. Camping is NOT required to attend the tour.

August 8 – Tours not open to the public (All Friends Weekend attendees only)

The furnace trail takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. Participants should be capable of walking 2.5 miles on a wilderness trail with an overall elevation change of 228 ft. The ground is uneven and not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. The trail can be wet and buggy so dress accordingly. Bring bug spray, water, and a snack or lunch.