Roadside Attraction Piedmont Charcoal Kilns

SW Wyoming

Overview

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RATING: Roadside Attraction

LENGTH: 1+ hours

Wed

39 | 10

Thu

46 | 21

Fri

49 | 25

Sat

47 | 27

Sun

37 | 26

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall. Generally passable in the winter as well depending on snow levels.

WATER: None.

Wed

39 | 10

Thu

46 | 21

Fri

49 | 25

Sat

47 | 27

Sun

37 | 26

View Full Weather Details

roadside

dog friendly

family friendly

beginner

ghost town

access: 2wd

Piedmont Charcoal Kilns

Piedmont Wyoming sprung up as a result of the railroad expansion to the west coast. In 1869 Moses Byrne began establishing a water station for the railroad. Moses soon built the Piedmont Charcoal kilns to supply charcoal to the Utah Valley via the passing railroad The kilns are the most prominent remains of the settlement and were added to the historic register in 1971. During its early days, Piedmont was quite a settlement. As railroad men and homesteaders came to the area, the settlement grew to include a mercantile and four saloons.

In the early 1900's, the Union Pacific Railroad created a tunnel through Aspen Mountain. This new tunnel reduced the grades the trains had to climb and made for much easier passage. It also re-routed the trains away from Piedmont and the town began its decline. By 1940 the mercantile closed and the settlement was left a ghost town.

Naming Note: The area was initially called Byrne but was renamed to avoid confusion with the nearby railroad station also named Byrne. Where did the name Piedmont come from? Mr. Bryne had two wives, Anne Beus and Catherine Cardon. Both women were from the region of Piedmont in Northern Italy.

Some of the remaining structures of Piedmont Wyoming

Getting There

Piedmont is south of I-80. From Evanston Wyoming, head east on I-80 for about 18 miles to Leroy Exit 24. Once off the highway, head south.

This good dirt county road parallels the freeway briefly, then head south. Stay straight at a major junction 1.75 miles from the interstate. The road parallels Muddy Creek. 7.0 miles from the interstate exit Piedmont is on the left side of the road, with the surrounding town dotting the hills around the main county road.

Wide open views at Piedmont Charcoal Kilns

Route

From the pullout, the kilns are easy to visit and wander around. This is an excellent place for a picnic and to view the old building remains that make up the rest of the settlement.

Note: I have visited the kilns many times over the years. The kilns themselves are open to the public. The structures around the kilns are on private land and generally posted No Trespassing, though in recent years it seems some areas are no longer posted and allow visitors. Please respect all posted No Trespassing signs.