Discover Hidden Treasures on Abandoned Railways Across America with Metal Detecting

Abandoned railroads can be found all across the United States, and many of them offer exciting opportunities for metal detecting enthusiasts. These long-forgotten routes have been left to decay in remote areas, making them perfect spots for treasure hunting.

The first abandoned railway worth mentioning is the Tunnel Hill State Trail in Illinois. This 45-mile trail runs from Harrisburg to Karnak and follows the path of a former railroad line that was once used to transport coal. Today, visitors can explore the old tunnels and bridges along the route while searching for hidden treasures.

Another great spot for metal detecting is the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park in New York. The aqueduct was built in 1842 as part of a system that supplied water to New York City, but it was eventually abandoned when new infrastructure replaced it. Today, parts of the aqueduct have been turned into a park where visitors can explore old ruins and search for relics from past eras.

In Michigan, there’s an abandoned rail line known as “The Ghost Train” due to its eerie appearance at night. The Detroit Terminal Railroad operated this line until it was shut down in 1985. Now, visitors can walk or bike along its path while exploring historic landmarks like old depots and train stations.

Meanwhile in California, there’s an abandoned railway called Alpine Tunnel that connects Pitkin with Gunnison County over a distance of roughly 6 miles through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Metal detectorists often visit this location because they believe they may find lost artifacts from when miners would use these trains during their mining operations.

One fascinating spot worth checking out is the Iron Goat Trail near Stevens Pass in Washington state which is named after one particularly treacherous stretch where two locomotives derailed at high speed back in 1910 (the men who died were nicknamed “Iron Goats”). Visitors here can take guided tours or hike along some sections themselves through what is now a stunningly beautiful forest, with plenty of opportunities to find hidden treasures.

Another great location for metal detecting enthusiasts is the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia. The trail covers over 60 miles and follows the path of an old railroad line that once connected Atlanta with Birmingham. Along this route, visitors can explore old train stations and depots while searching for relics from the past.

The Katy Trail State Park in Missouri is another abandoned rail line worth exploring. This 240-mile trail was once used by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad but has since been converted into a park where visitors can walk or bike along its scenic path while searching for hidden treasures.

In Pennsylvania, there’s an abandoned railway known as “The Ghost Town Trail.” This 36-mile trail follows the path of a former coal-mining railroad that was abandoned after it became unprofitable. Today, visitors can explore old mining towns and search for artifacts left behind by miners.

Finally, there’s the Great Allegheny Passage in Maryland which runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland over a distance of roughly 150 miles through some truly stunning countryside. Metal detectorists often visit this site due to its rich history dating back to when George Washington first surveyed it – they hope to find all sorts of lost relics like bullets or coins!

Overall, these are just some examples of abandoned railways that offer exciting opportunities for metal detecting enthusiasts across America. Whether you’re looking for historic landmarks or hidden treasures from long-forgotten eras, these trails have something special waiting for you!