Carp River Kiln - Iron Ore Heritage Trail
The Carp River Kiln in Marquette, Michigan is and easy 0.1-mile out-and-back walk that leads to the historical iron ore kiln that was once a part of the critical iron industry that used to thrive here.Trails
This short walk is just a tiny segment of the 42-mile Iron Ore Heritage Trail. Note that this section of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail also follows a segment of the North Country Trail here.
Walk Description
This is not a hike, but rather a short walk to a resurrected iron furnace that was used to feed the Carp River Blast Furnace which produced pig iron. The original kiln collapsed during a snow storm in 2016 and thus, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail raised funds to rebuild the furnace and to setup an interpretive site. The Carp River kiln that stands today was rebuilt using the same sandstone from other collapsed Carp River kilns.
The history of pig iron and Michigan's iron ore ties in with Pittsburgh's history as well, as much of Michigan's iron ore was processed and shipped through the Great Lakes to reach Pittsburgh for further processing. After living in Pittsburgh, PA for ~4 years, visiting by this furnace was personally really neat as it reminded me of hiking and exploring around the old iron ore furnaces, mostly located around Western Pennsylvania like the Eliza Furnace along the Ghost Town Trail.
Parking
Hikers will find parking located at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to fit a dozen vehicles or so.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.
