Centralia PA, Abandoned Buildings, Snakes, Fossils and More!

[@billdavis6978]

As a native Pennsylvanian, we live in a big and interesting state. I lived all over the country and travel for work, but feel at home in good ol PA. I appreciate Wandering Woodsman’s enthusiasm for PA.

[@M60gunner1971]

I was in Centralia three days ago. I'm from East Tennessee and this place is fascinating and creepy at the same time. The graffiti highway is worth the trip. I love PA.

[@iammenotu8483]

Was it just me or is the audio and video extremely off timing. Seemed like almost 5 seconds? I have to believe it's not just me......

[@ChristopherKaltSrVideos]

Yeah, it was kind of annoying.

[@aydenkendlick]

Yeah i saw that too

[@577buttfan]

Big deal.@@ChristopherKaltSrVideos

[@furryblue6377]

Glad it isn't just me lol

[@TheGhostOfTheMind]

Had to open the same video in to tabs and sync up the audio and visual, annoying but best work around.

[@georgebaumgardner3889]

Thank you for being respectful of the people who still live there.

[@lorenzogill7197]

Do you live there?

[@georgebaumgardner5280]

@@lorenzogill7197 No, I do not.

[@richardhutchings921]

I love exploring old Cemetery's. I always check out the graves where Veterans are buried. Serving in the U.S.Air Force for 24 yrs, it is good to pay respects to those who defended this country.

[@currentlymason4711]

Not a veteran myself, but I always walk along and fix flags and stand the badges back up of Veteran gravestones. Thank you for your service.

[@Grumplestiltskinn]

Your video made me extremely curious, and I was able to find a really nice documentary on the history of the town and the people who still live there. It's such a mind blowing thing, seeing pictures of the town from the 70's and 80's and comparing them to the footage you shared. How quickly nature will just take back and erase any signs that humans once lived somewhere... Thank you very much for helping me to learn about something new today and God bless.

[@hackcult3738]

i think since 2009 no one lives there anymore. hmmm, maybe some do....

[@MillerMeteor74]

The Oddfellows are a fraternal group, like the Redmen, Elks, Moose, and so on. The flowers that smelled nice near that cemetery were wisteria. I loved the snakes, and I loved the old cars at 22:30. Like others have said, the audio is definitely not in sync with the video. The street the church is on leads to another town called Ariste, according to the map. That's a part of Conyngham Township, according to what I've read. Excellent video. I enjoyed your video more than others I've seen of Centralia. Thanks.

[@carpediem3044]

Yes, those lilac flowers are wisteria blossoms, the front of my house is covered in them in the summer, they take years to mature enough to produce flowers, but they are with waiting for. Really cool snake.

[@steamgent4592]

The Oddfellows are a men's fraternity. At least back in the day you would have had to be a Oddfellow to be buried there. Members who also couldn't afford a burial would also be buried there as a fraternal aid to a brother in need.

[@sandramcglinchey7712]

I know that area well! My father grew up in Mount Carmel so we went through there often! I love ❤️ the church on the hills! I enjoy your videos I love ❤️ to learn about Pennsylvania!

[@saigenrose1032]

20:21 snake number 2 looks like a long tree limb, but just glad they aren't poisonous. Stay safe out there Cliff 🙂💥👍💥

[@Jdoll71]

Absolutely loved your video! Been there many many times! One of my favorite places to visit. Very tranquil and serene. Thank you for sharing!

[@lindamccaughey8800]

Really enjoyed that thanks. Thanks for taking me along

[@bathbombdad6466]

Definitely wisteria near the Oddfellows Cemetery.

[@xxdizannyxx]

Nah it's blisteria

[@timkiner1006]

Thank you again for a great walk can't get around like I use to do thank you

[@nancyhicksgribble9799]

Best exploring video so far of centralia. You dont bs and act like some immature child, your information is concise and awesoem!

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Nancy hope you’re okay?

[@TheWoodsrow]

Can’t say enough about your videos. I am from w pa when i retire planning on exploring pa first . Great insight as to where to explore and camp. Thanks👍

[@franksieber3027]

I've been asking people ,for many years,to go with me to visit Centralia -now thanks to YOU,I've finally been there --although i'de still like to be there in person. While in Hamburg,a man told me he was FROM Centralia ;and. to my pleasure. he said "Centralia is a very haunted place"I wouldn't know why,but,ghosts are all around us .this pleasures me,because i'm an adventurer,a hiker and a ghost hunter .thank you for the guided tour. Frank from Boyertown,PA

[@crystalfabulous]

Thanks for sharing

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Diane hope you’re okay?

[@jonnyboom5993]

The circles painted in the big park area is the remains of basketball courts.

[@stevegoering]

very cool video...ty for sharing...

[@merc-ni7hy]

that garage with all the old cars is my buddys place...i hang out there from time to time ..the blue and white car is a 59 ford..the white one is a 65 merc...and a whole bunch of others

[@m.savage8318]

Neat.

[@SpaceGhost999]

I'm just curious, even though I know I'll probably not get an answer, but why are some people allowed to stay, while John Lokitis was booted?

[@MrWolfSnack]

The people living there now are only there as per a life contract. Once they die, the city takes the land. The contract is only available to the original signee, if you are a brother/spouse/descendant, you don't count unless the house was willed to you in trust as an estate.

[@marcboulware6242]

@@SpaceGhost999 It was finally decided that the People that still own Property in Centralia would be permitted to live there until they died. Once they died their Property would then be confiscated by the Government and not be allowed to be Willed to their Heirs. I can only speculate on why John Lokitis got booted prior to this Agreement.

[@Grendelbc]

Really nice vid. Better than most others I have seen. I spent a lot of time in Centralia when I was a kid. You actually went down to those old shacks off the road heading down to Big Mine Run, which most explorers don't bother to do. I believe there are some old pigeon coops along there as well. One thing I noticed - Route 61 was never a bypass of Centralia. It went right into town as you can tell from the ends of where it's blocked off (I'm just nitpicking, hehe). You're right about the scumbags dumping around there. Can't for the life of me remember what that was at about 47:50. Anyway, great job and you've got a new subscriber.

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

I lived in Lavelle which is essentially connected to the west of Ashland. Centralia is only 11 miles north of Lavelle. I would go and dig for bottles in Centralia. I found quite a few good Examples. Excellent video Despite the audio/ video sync issue.👍

[@rosemarykasper4001]

Maybe that large pavement was part of playground at schools. I think there was an elementary & high school at some point. Great video, new fan. Nice to find someone exploring the area rather than just being there for the Silent Hill/gawk factor.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Rosemary hope you’re okay?

[@tammyeisenhard1411]

Love watching your videos!

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

Thanks

[@crushhardtack1997]

Great video!

[@davidwilson8800]

Did you notice how clouded the eyes were on that black racer he was getting just getting ready to shed shortly

[@nutcase0001]

Saw that.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Yep He was quite Healthy.

[@sandracatalfamo8926]

this is very interesting. thanks for sharing your video; you do a good job w looking for details and explaining. I will never see this stuff in person, appreciate exploring via videos, such as yours. . :)

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Sandra hope you’re okay?

[@onwardsandupwardsrockhounding]

A lot of rain is an understatement. I am impressed you can still make as many videos as you do with the rains we have in Pa. I can't even get consistent lawn cuttings in. Some of our local river are 20' above normal which is crazy for us here in Pennsylvania. I am sure you would agree!!

[@OldsVistaCruiser]

I walked to a swimming hole in western NJ last August. What would normally be dusty trails were muddy quagmires!

[@mckeish]

Awesome video!

[@renancamara558]

Amazing video, thanks for sharing.

[@56kicki]

I love traveling around with you. You do such a good job of making it interesting.

[@TheGhostOfTheMind]

It's great to see something that isn't the same thing everyone else has done countless times.

[@larrygavin4059]

This was one of my favorites. I lived in Ephrata and traveled between Hershey, Allan town Scranton, Lancaster and several other places. I had friends living in the Poconos, and I left most of my money at Pocono Downs. But I always wanted to go to Centrailia to see the smoke holes. Should have went there instead of the Downs. Oh well, Young and naive. YOu really do a great job of narration and I look forward to each episode. I wish the youth would look around at the beauty and history that abounds through the USA.

[@awadventures6230]

Graffiti Highway is now covered with dirt

[@adamtereska8734]

Centralia is that ghost town that you need to treat as a treasure hunt. Touring the town I found true old park by West Park Street. The remains of the swing sets still there as of March. I was there in March as well. I also found the date of 1946 one block uphill and across the street from the "car hiuse." It is uprooted by a tree.

[@ddeaae]

Wild Wisteria they are beautiful. When draped over an arch or walkway its lovely

[@Warren_Farms]

I was watching another video on centralia recently. a young girl was fliming and saw a bunch of garbage laying around, she thought they should burn it to get rid of it, lol. Not sure she knew how the coal mine fire started in the first place

[@macdaddybaybee8607]

Your are correct about people making videos aboutthe town with no clue about it....I'm from the town live in Ashland if you want true info about the town send me a message..👍👍

[@rushpittsburgh4]

@zac don't care wtf is your problem schizo?

[@adamtereska8734]

That is Oddfellows cemetery in the dirt parking area. The Saint Ignatius Elementary school was in that location, and just North in the same lot was the baseball field.

[@carlabruss2010]

thanks for the video as i have no way to go there myself looks like a fun place to explore though

[@donna6368]

I have heard stories of this place but never been there. Thanks so much for showing us around and the great information. Such a sad yet beautiful place. Stay safe.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Donna hope you’re okay?

[@donnasilver940]

The greenery is beautiful

[@doctordeath.5716]

That church was used in the filming of Silent Hill

[@ashleymacabrequeendunlap881]

I thought it looked like the same church. Wasn't sure though.

[@bubbaparrish1454]

Actually I believe it was the inspiration for the church that you see in the film I do not believe it is the same church I could be wrong though I would have to look into it

[@scrilla2376]

@@bubbaparrish1454 right, Silent Hill was filmed in Canada.

[@Fandango541]

Doctor Death, we regret to inform you that your statement is completely wrong, dead wrong. You just made that up. Silent Hill was filmed in Canada, there was no church, just a set of steps leading up to it was real and that was on a sound stage.

[@1967BlackRose]

@@scrilla2376 correct Avary used Centralia, Pennsylvania as an inspiration for the town. Filming began in February 2005 with an estimated $50 million budget and was shot on sound sets and on location in Canada (Brantford, Ontario and Hamilton, Ontario).

[@ruthgoebel723]

I really liked your video. It was Vvery comprehensive and covered a lot more of the town than most people do. The first time I visited Centralia was in the late 1980’s and there were smoke holes and chimneys all over the place in town. There was a church near the St. Ignatius cemetery and we saw glowing coals in the ground near the street. The smell was really bad. What was creepy was the fire so close to that cemetery….. I have heard that the fire has moved some toward Ashland and is not as active under Centralia anymore. Eventually Ashland will have to deal with the underground fire, in about 200 years, they say. Those fossil piles sound interesting.

[@ericzolner4650]

I noticed quite a bit of Russian Olive growing in some areas. it seems that the smoke is more visible in the cooler months when the water vapor in the smoke condenses. Very good video, I like that you keep your facts straight in your videos.

[@kathrynrodier7077]

Thank you enjoyed this

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Kathryn hope you’re okay?

[@sunnyja1088]

Very interesting, thanks!

[@milanomaker]

Nice video. Always wanted to visit there.

[@colie2020]

So glad I found this. Ive been fascinated with this weird burning city

[@leiser71]

my granfather worked for that mine, he took us there right after the fire started back in 63 (I was 10 years old)

[@ScagManWB]

The area that you mentioned being fenced off but didn't know why was done because of several subsidences in the 1980's if I remember correctly. They tore down several houses then fenced the area off to keep people out.

[@merc-ni7hy]

you are actually in a alley that started right behind that garage with the old cars. abd went right past those sheds and other garages...i remember driving down that street years ago

[@droverholt]

I hope you are checking for ticks all the time. Deerv tick country and Central PA is a hot bed of Lymes. Nice video. I want to join you for some fossil hunting when I get back from Thaialnd. I live very near you in Hummlestown area.

[@ErikaAshleigh]

love hearing the northern parula song at around 13:06!

[@MrRMB1]

The snake is in 'blue' and ready to shed, hence the eye color and very light milky color of it's skin. Cool video!

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Barb hope you’re okay?

[@bfloy1837]

The tombstones must be askew because of the fire below. Thanks for visiting.

[@micahlamilton5442]

I believe they could have stopped the coal fire for about $20,000.00 but govt procrastinated so long that the fire became uncontrollable.

[@HappyQuailsLC]

Also carbon monoxide can make you pass out or potentially die. And the houses were torn down. Thank you for showing us the actual fossils. Sometimes things like that will be mentioned but not shown.

[@diannecampbell18]

Our Pastor from here we lived in Shamokin so not far away saw it hubby delived to stores up here !

[@HappyQuailsLC]

There were probably old walkways that the tombstones were aligned with. Old graveyards were made to be like a park, with decorative trees and plantings and benches for gatherings of visitors. It was not uncommon for people to visit loved ones every Sunday, so there could be quite a turnout after church.

[@callumthesnake6573]

The spot where you refer to the 'village green' is Railroad Street. the strip where there is now only grass was the train tracks' location, one lane of traffic each way on either side of the line. The slightly wider segment is where the depot stood.

[@577buttfan]

I was there about 2 years ago and found a nice smoke hole right on the graffiti highway about halfway down. Would be cool to get into these mines someday if they burn out,probably not in our life time.

[@nickmad887]

Thanks Cliff.

[@marielg9143]

that on the trees ae dryad saddles also called Pheasant backs

[@HappyQuailsLC]

Remember that someone fell through a burned out hollow in their backyard and if they hadn't held onto tree roots and been pulled up by friends and family nearby at a family gathering he would have fallen down into the very hot depths.

[@joejones9520]

maybe ancient underground coal fires led to the idea for Hell? Seriously.

[@Igloo3471]

Correct. 1981. Was a youngster in his grandma's backyard, he was rescued by his cousin. Also a gas station had its underground tanks explode in the town in 1979.

[@HappyQuailsLC]

@@Igloo3471 Wow, thank you. I always feel lucky to read a comment from someone who experienced such events firsthand. I'm glad that he was saved by his quick thinking cousin. It must have taken sheer bravery to pull someone out of such a place.

[@HappyQuailsLC]

@@joejones9520 Yes, and it would be interesting to listen for any accounts of noxious fumes coming from such early portrayals of hell.

[@sweetassugar6771]

@@Igloo3471 The gas station didn't explode. The gas tanks were drained & filled with water, and the station closed in 1979.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Did you try pointing the heat gun at the fenced in area? Curious...

[@thomasbiel7741]

Good video.

[@bethbartlett5692]

I really enjoyed the treck. 😯 Please exercise caution before placing hand in Earth-holes, "They aren't all Black Racers" Scared me! You'd be fund to explore with, you have a vast knowledge of the vegetation and critters. Thanks so for sharing! ---------------------- Afterthought: I would encourage a Fundraiser and State Grant, to relocate the Cemetary. The hot earth under there is most disturbing. Truly sad. Science must task a solution to cease the burning, or at minimum, use the energy. Best Wellbeing everyone ... Beth Tennessee, USA

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Beth hope you’re okay?

[@germanshepherd13]

Born in mt Carmel, know Centralia well. Grew up there in 70s through 80s

[@nickmad887]

love the channel

[@doctordeath.5716]

Those abandoned buildings as the first I've seen them and I think you're right that area that was fenced off is where the ground collapsed in that on to the mine fire

[@katiefyock9607]

Those flowers in the cemetery are called wisteria. They are popular in the South.

[@nikkireeexplores407]

I am a new subscriber to your channel! Very cool video!

[@williamgudonis7440]

Ya missed the old mine if you follow the road on left side of. Cemetery and on right back about 1/2 mile follow rd up hill to left is glacier rocks kinda kool

[@merc-ni7hy]

the garage at the 25 minute mark use to have a black chevy fleetline in it...and just outside under the car port was a early to mid 50's red ford stake body truck ..i have pictures of this place from years ago

[@nutcase0001]

Lots of information, good video, good audio (bummer it's out of sync), but good enough to watch all the way through.

[@kellyashland379]

yeah the snake struck at you because it was getting ready to shed and during shedding they are a little testy. google map images for this area are about 2014-15, my car is in it and I got it January 2014 and my neighbors truck is in it and they got rid of it in 2015.

[@stevenschoeller5806]

From Odd Fellows Cemetery do you just head straight on the path or are there a few turns you have to make to find the fossil pits?

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

Follow the old road straight back, the fossil area will be off to your right along a steep bank.

[@bubbaparrish1454]

The best time to find the smoke holes are during the colder months which I'm pretty sure you already knew. you can see this with automobiles during the summer and during the winter during the winter time you will see the smoke much more clear coming out of the pipes

[@Happily418]

The buzz light-year find still in decent condition, had me concerned. A child's favorite toy left that far in...in any case, your coverage is very helpful for trail enthusiasm. And I appreciate your education and concise documentation.

[@jeaniedelgado687]

School or playground/ park? Timing is off on sound in videos?

[@yarrow_and_sage]

The last time I was there was maybe 2009. I remember smoke coming out of the vents on old route 61 and there was a lot less graffiti. There were people racing down 61 on ATVs that day. Also saw a lot of smoke holes in the other areas you were walking around. Interesting that they are no longer active.

[@BrodyYYC]

Gotta love those wind powered windmills :)

[@diannadhaliwal3647]

That is Wisteris.We had some planted on an arbor out front our house and we didnt know they had seed pods that literally shoot shot seeds at the windows!

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Dianna hope you’re okay?

[@joysgirlrachellejohnston1333]

Yes, it is wisteria. we have it here in Texas also.

[@hdvictoryford5329]

As a note to any who want to visit this area. We were just there, August 2022. There are 5 people left in town, 1 church, and the Municiple Building, and graffiti highway has been buried. You can drive through the town but will not recognize anything of the town. And Graffiti Hgw. If you do stop and try to walk where it is, just piles of dirt. The Cops will fine you for trespassing, 200-250.00.

[@charlottefogg8710]

Souther New Jersey has marsh fires that burn for years underground and pop up in muskrat and beaver dens

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Charlotte hope you’re okay?

[@garyjacques5982]

much due respect to you you respected people's stuff and you didn't go trespassing. but that is a beautiful Church holy cow. And Lots of steps

[@johndengler4595]

The ground can suddenly collapse under you in Ashland, if you walk over an area that has had a coal seam burn away underneath.

[@marielg9143]

very beautiful there

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

If you like to check out cemeteries in pa. Just out side of montgomery is a small cemetery that has one of George Washington's body guards is buried. The montgomery area also has a cemetery that holds the resting place of more veterans from the revolutionary War than any in a 5 County area.

[@tjmulligan3086]

that first snake was more nervous than usual because he's about to shed and cant see well. the second one was finishing shedding and his eyes were clear.

[@clarkmattison1280]

To those people it was amazing 25 years back. It became reclaimed quickly by nature. Plants with shallow roots first then as the fire stopped in places deeper rooted trees and such. It's not like the internet hype because all of that was old.

[@awizardalso]

From the Google Maps it looks like that church is 'Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary' the grave yard behind is 'Saint Marys Orthordox Cemetery'.

[@bahamajim1998]

Nice hike

[@marielg9143]

looks like a good place to metal detect

[@jackdavid167]

Yeah for nails

[@markviereck4547]

Black Racer getting ready to shed his skin. That’s why he was gray. You can see it on his eyes.

[@TheExoticmoments]

@ 21:18 Is where the ground gave way and a boy fell in