The Clarksville Iron Furnace stands in the Cherokee National Forest west of Erwin, a stone stack dating to 1833 that processed iron ore from the mineral-rich Bumpass Cove area. Built by Edward West and partners, the furnace used a waterwheel-driven bellows and turned out nails, wrought iron goods, and castings that were distributed locally and shipped downstream by flatboat. It is one of the earlier industrial operations in this part of Appalachia.
The ruins occupy about eight acres on the National Register site and are accessible by a short walk from a forest road near Clark's Creek. The stone furnace stack is the most visible surviving element. This is a quiet, off-the-beaten-track stop — the kind of place that rewards a visitor who is already in the area for the hiking or whitewater rather than someone making a special trip.