Hiking the abandoned railroad
There’s an old railroad track running through the middle of my town. The tracks haven’t felt the rumble of passing locomotives and freight cars in years. This part of the C&G railway line is essentially abandoned.
Some of the more clever town residents have discovered the railroad track is a great way to save time getting around. You can hike or bike to the grocery, drug store, and local restaurants without having to contend with the traffic, road rage, and cell phone zombies that make pedestrian forms of travel more than just a little dangerous.
When I’m feeling adventurous I take the railroad out of town and into the country side. The rail line cuts through some beautiful stretches of remote woodlands and vast tracks of farmland. This unused bit of land would make a great nature trail.
Turns out the old C&G line runs from Greenwood to West Point. That’s 90 miles right across the belt line of Mississippi. To think I’ve been complaining about the lack of long trails in Mississippi. The trail head of a 90 mile adventure is just three blocks from my front door.
I’m getting excited just thinking about what I might find following this old railway as it snakes through the small towns of Mississippi. I must gather maps, historical site information, and lots of railroad music. Time to plan.
Popularity: 17% [?]
Posted in Woods
June 25th, 2008 at 9:34 am
We have a really nice system of trails in Northern Michigan where I live. Some run very near the railroad tracks, which aren’t used much any more. I’m so used to living in a place that has a nice system of trails that I often forget other places don’t have that luxury.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I’ve been in contact with a great organization called Rails to Trails, and I hope they can help turn this abandoned rail line into a multi-use trail that everyone can enjoy.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Could you post a map of the route and location here?
October 10th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Go for it! Take time to look for the feeder and trunk lines, old depots, watertowers, etc. The history behind Americas railroads is amazing.
March 28th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo
April 7th, 2009 at 11:50 am
I’m currently trying to plan a roadtrip replete with old railroad and mining towns.
Have you come across any interesting abandoned sites in your hikes?
Wonderful blog,
ben
January 28th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Hi All,
Great post by the way! I just wanted to ask my you can’t leave it as is. First of all, im a 14 year old boy from NY state. In 8th grade i came up with a wacky idea of fitting a bike on rails. It turns out it already exists. Its called a railbike. Its easy to make and a great hands free way to take in the scenery. Its quiet too, so you can “sneak up” on wildlife. The problem is, so many great railroads are either being torn up or being blocked off for safety. Why not leave it alone. If you want send me an email at cheneymax@gmail.com and i will send you some more info.
Thanks,
Max
March 3rd, 2010 at 3:23 am
Howdy I love reading this stuff I live in California and I own a Fairmont M-9G railway speeder I am trying to find places to run my motorcar without the hassle of insurance any route that I can run on without the need of NARCOA insurence would be nice. If anyone knows such places please let me know.
I can be reached at livesteam@mail.com Yall take care and be safe when around tracks.
Cheer’s yall.
July 28th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
judging by the condition of those tracks, that line does not appear to be all together abandoned.