The Pequabuck Tunnel
Hi Everyone!
I'm starting the season off with my trip to the Pequabuck Tunnel aka Terryville Tunnel and the Mile Long Tunnel located in Plymouth. I heard about the tunnel last summer while visiting Horseshoe Falls which isn't too far away. It took awhile to find this tunnel because it's just one of those things that is right under your nose if you look hard enough. Every video I watched didn't specify a location. I didn't video this trip but I did take pictures.
The tunnel is still operational and is located just off Tunnel Road in Plymouth. The tunnel was completed in 1910 and the year is marked at the top of the entrance. Freight trains running between New Britain and Waterbury still use it. It's not easy to find, and you may find yourself driving in circles until you do find it. There is a small clearing on Tunnel Road that will take you to a trail which leads down to it. There are many stories about the tunnel being haunted. Would I go down there at night? Not likely, but during the daylight hours is fine. Please note that if you aren't a hiker, or used to physical exertion, this is not the trip for you because the trail takes you to the top of a very steep hill that you have to get down. You are able to see the tracks from here. Climbing down is a bit tricky because you are going down on find dirt or sand. If you take your time, you will get to the bottom which takes about 5-7 minutes. I also recommend going with another person.
Here is the entrance, as you can see, you can look directly through and see the other side. It's only about 3/4 of a mile in length. If you look close enough you'll see the 1910 engraved at the very top.
On this particular day, it was very sunny and warm. As soon as we hit the bottom, we could feel the coolness of the air. Immediately to your left is the tunnel. The cool air you feel is coming directly from the tunnel which is very much welcomed after coming down the steep slope. I expected to have to walk a ways to the entrance and there it was, right there. It was a bit eerie, as it appears to be a dark tunnel out of nowhere.
You can definitely smell its age. It's not a bad smell but definitely has that vintage smell to it mixed with the fact that it's also a bit damp and has been decaying over time, it reminded me of an old basement. We went inside and walked a ways down. If you visit, tread carefully because there are pieces from the top coming down as well as water running in that is causing puddles and the sidewalls to crumble . It is by all means a fascinating find, sitting down there like some sort of hidden secret. There are also little cutouts on either side of the walls in the even the train comes through you can duck in one. I'd say there was one every 10 to 15 feet. Due to the condition of the tunnel, maybe one person could fit in them because of the decaying walls.
Here is one of the decent dugouts I was able to get a shot of. Most have sliding mud coming out of them which would make it difficult to slip into. Each spot were you see a mound of dirt, is where a dugout is or was.
Below, we are in the tunnel looking out to where we entered. You can see the crumbling that is happening inside. I'm pretty sure at some point, it's going to be in need of some major repairs.
The tunnel is definitely a cool place to check out. It's away from everything and so quiet. Inside, I absolutely felt like I had stepped into another time with the construction and scent. If you have a chance, check it out for yourself!
Til next time,
K
I'm starting the season off with my trip to the Pequabuck Tunnel aka Terryville Tunnel and the Mile Long Tunnel located in Plymouth. I heard about the tunnel last summer while visiting Horseshoe Falls which isn't too far away. It took awhile to find this tunnel because it's just one of those things that is right under your nose if you look hard enough. Every video I watched didn't specify a location. I didn't video this trip but I did take pictures.
The tunnel is still operational and is located just off Tunnel Road in Plymouth. The tunnel was completed in 1910 and the year is marked at the top of the entrance. Freight trains running between New Britain and Waterbury still use it. It's not easy to find, and you may find yourself driving in circles until you do find it. There is a small clearing on Tunnel Road that will take you to a trail which leads down to it. There are many stories about the tunnel being haunted. Would I go down there at night? Not likely, but during the daylight hours is fine. Please note that if you aren't a hiker, or used to physical exertion, this is not the trip for you because the trail takes you to the top of a very steep hill that you have to get down. You are able to see the tracks from here. Climbing down is a bit tricky because you are going down on find dirt or sand. If you take your time, you will get to the bottom which takes about 5-7 minutes. I also recommend going with another person.
On this particular day, it was very sunny and warm. As soon as we hit the bottom, we could feel the coolness of the air. Immediately to your left is the tunnel. The cool air you feel is coming directly from the tunnel which is very much welcomed after coming down the steep slope. I expected to have to walk a ways to the entrance and there it was, right there. It was a bit eerie, as it appears to be a dark tunnel out of nowhere.
Below, we are in the tunnel looking out to where we entered. You can see the crumbling that is happening inside. I'm pretty sure at some point, it's going to be in need of some major repairs.
The tunnel is definitely a cool place to check out. It's away from everything and so quiet. Inside, I absolutely felt like I had stepped into another time with the construction and scent. If you have a chance, check it out for yourself!
Til next time,
K
Where should I park? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHi! You will need to park in Tunnel Road, there is a clearing off to the right. Park there and you can walk down to the trail. It’s gets steep so proceed with cautiion. 😊
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