Abandoned Train Tunnels

New Jersey - August, 2010

Exploring old, long forgotten train tunnels in the New Jersey woods.

Oxford Tunnel

This tunnel is 2996 feet long and the tracks were removed back in the 1950's. The really remarkable thing about the Oxford Tunnel was the cold, humid air. It caused a thick layer of fog to build up which just added to the creepiness of the place.

At the entrance. The coming out of the tunnel was so cold that a layer of fog was present.	Just inside the tunnel, looking back out.

Getting deeper inside.	Total blackness. It was so dark at this point, no light was penetrating from either end of the tunnel & the fog was reflecting a lot of the light from my flashlights back.

Halfway through the 3000 foot tunnel, a large ceiling collapse blocks most of the tunnel, creating a dam with water piling up on the opposite side.	I made it through, but you can see how deep the (freezing cold) water inside the second half of the tunnel was. I was worried about slipping in the mud and falling in, I would have ruined my cameras.

 

Manunka Chunk Tunnel

Built in the 1850's, the Manunka Chunk dual tunnels are 975 feet long. The track was removed in 1942. Although these tunnels were much shorter than the Oxford Tunnel, there were many challenges along the way as I explored them.

The twin tunnels at Manunka Chunk. I started in the right tunnel, went all the way to the end, then returned in the left one.	On my way into the first tunnel.

Just barely inside, there are already quite a few places where the walls and ceiling have collapsed over the years.	Imagine my surprise when I looked over my should and saw THIS! It isn't real but obviously somebody wanted to startle anyone who dares enter the tunnel.

Creepy... And the guy on the right is scary too!	Deeper in the tunnel. There is almost no light here so I had to take long exposure photos and "paint" light on the walls with my flashlight.

Another long exposure showing many collapsed areas. All these rocks & bricks were very loose.	I would not want to be inside when the next piece of wall comes crashing down.

Close to the end.	The light at the end of the tunnel.

The far end. Time to head back in the other tunnel.	Uh-oh. This one is full of deep, sticky mud. It was more like quicksand really. Several times, I thought I might get stuck when it got really deep and thick.

More sticky, deep mud ahead. This was not going to be easy.	Finally out of the mud. In this area, the train tracks are still in place, but the path is filled with collapse debris.

Climbing over the debris is the only way to continue through the tunnel.	Another collapse area in the darkness. The pictures can't show how dark it really is inside these tunnels.

 

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