Tunnels and Old Trucks in the Ghost Town of Bear Valley

[@curtismoore6387]

Thanks for the vedio. I cant walk much, So i let you do it. I wish i still could.. Your utube channel is the next best thing for me. Keep it up.

[@littlebooks4760]

I’m the same, I love to see the walking it’s wonderful all the best to you

[@crushhardtack1997]

It's nice to see old, abandoned stuff that isn't covered in spray paint. I love your videos, keep them coming!

[@guyjd1973]

Awesome area!!! As for the truck, I found out that it's a 1937 Ford Truck. It's too bad so much of it is gone. The only way i found out what it is, was by the style of the dashboard and gauges. Great find and video!!

[@captainspaulding8021]

That Truck IS NOT A 1937. It's a 1935-36. 1937 had Oblong Headlights. This one had Round Headlights making it a 1935-36

[@56kicki]

Having just discovered your videos and trying to see all of them, this one made me say 'don't go in there'. I knew you got out, it is over 2 years later....but It was pretty scary. Your videos are wonderful, so much history in PA.

[@garrykilner5440]

The world needs more people like you

[@awizardalso]

I like what you write "Not all who wander are lost!" I also thing it's amazing back in the old days how they could have moved so much dirt fill to level out where the track used to go.

[@lizzilsm246]

I really like seeing the old vehicles and stone bldgs., well at least part of the old buildings. I also li like that you show through pictures what the bldgs. looked like. Thank you for your time and videos. I appreciate seeing Pa. I miss it.

[@BT-ir5zl]

My dad worked for a bootleg coal mine in the mid 70's in Bear Valley. Their winch was a Yuengling beer truck with the cab inside the mine shed and the back half of the truck sticking out the back of the shed. They offered to take me down inside, but at around 10 years old I didn't want anything to do with that. I'd love to do it now.

[@jcee2259]

To learn Single Rope Technique first join The National Speleological Society, Inc. Regional groups train new members and my reader probably has related skills. And some groups, like the Detroit Urban Grotto don't want to train as totally busy with more than 100 miles of continued exploration. Me? Lifetime NSS member and s senior citizen.

[@lindamccaughey8800]

That was fabulous. Wish you wouldn’t go in by yourself. Thanks for taking me along. Thanks to for history you impart just love it

[@karenpacker8862]

Amazing footage so much to see and so much history!!!!

[@wallysmi]

I was able to follow your trip on google earth. right down to the exact area. Saw the same buildings you filmed only from above. Cool Thanks.

[@ericzolner4650]

Cool video. I always enjoy checking out old coal mine areas. Its interesting how the mining operation disappeared an the town did too. Up in the Wyoming Valley where I'm from the towns for the most part remained. There were many places that disappeared due to strip mining activity, I would say starting in the 30's. The 30's was when coal companies consolidated operations, like the Saint Nicholas, Locust Summit, Huber, Lorre, Marvine, etc. That's when the mines were still running but the coal was sent to Centralized breakers for processing. The thing is where the breakers were they never mined out the coal beneath them, just tunnels. So that left them as Prime areas to Strip mine. By the way there were similar towers for power lines like those by the Huber in Ashely. I think they went to the Sugar notch mines as well as then Stanton mines in Wilkes Barre.

[@jcee2259]

I've got Salish Sea coal mining under neighbors and tunnel collapse tilts my house differently every year. Post-hole dig found no bottom to seat my mail box in 2015 so I made something than won't drop USPS mail underground. Again. The funny thing is I feel lucky not to be homeless..

[@Ravenzpeak]

I've been binge watching your videos since I found your channel. New subbie! Thanks for such interesting videos. I'm from the Pacific NW and it's cool to learn so much about PA - You're doing great!

[@francissullivan6400]

Old railroad beds are great history. GREAT Video

[@computergrant1]

Great videos man, I love going exploring!

[@jcee2259]

I discover and explore caves. Mines never let me find :.. the footprints of chained people enslaved to manufacture saltpeter from bat excreta (to help make gunpowder for the War of 1812), dead Saber- tooth Tigers, and in 2023 ???, painted cave art by extinct humanoids smaller than Ice Age Neanderthals. Me? I'm a senior citizen. Go figure.

[@crystalfabulous]

Thanks for sharing

[@Huffdanny-p2n]

Hi Diane hope you’re okay?

[@kenbritton6782]

So glad I found your interesting journeys. Plain to see you're no novice at this. The old photos are another plus to the adventures. THANKS SO MUCH.

[@cymraegaussie]

What a cool area to explore! Thanks for another great video :-)

[@timkiner1006]

Thanks for sharing all the lost history

[@kateclark7250]

Awesome place... and you certainly enjoy exploring underground! Please stay safe.

[@giniwalters8401]

Cool video I love seeing the ruins and wondering what they used to be You do a wonderful job Cliff Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@sandraplonka5225]

Amazing adventure and tons of history. Thanks again for taking us along.

[@shannontietsworth7]

Grew up nearby, and worked there as well. Allot of history. Be safe!

[@bonniehebbe2565]

I enjoy watching your videos very much, very educational.

[@Huffdanny-p2n]

Hi Bonnie hope you’re okay?

[@waynegrant8982]

Excellent explore...Great job as always ....Look forward to your next explore.....Western Canada

[@133dave133]

It would be neat to see the underground portion of that mine. There's a lot of history hidden down there that will never to be seen again.

[@133dave133]

@UC7ANNy9pvHexYSUabWLAqEw I'd have to rewatch this video in its entirety since it's been so long. Did he mention any underground fires? I'd be concerned with H2S gas more than anything. I'd love to dig out the portal, ventilate the area, and go explore. I did a fast skip watch, but I didn't hear him say anything about a fire here. You may be a local, so you might know more about the area.

[@lindabroad7391]

Great video. It was interesting to see the small engine that used the tunnel. Coal burning engines were steam, so they required two things: water for the engine and a place to store the engine when not in service. There was in video some ruins that had 4 long wooden timbers, that could have been storage for the engine(s) at one time. I believe it was back by the 2nd building used to store the powder. The building is long gone, but it could have been as simple as posts and a simple roof, like an overgrown lean to. Just a place to service the engine when needed. I saw only a few places where a water tower might have been. Very interesting.

[@lindadaniel9416]

You are making me nervous going in places like this video. Can't be too careful

[@JamesRobertSmith]

I always get a feeling of sadness when I see the remains of these boom and bust towns and cities up and down the spine of the Appalachians. Whether it was timber or coal fueling the economies, the source of the economic power was eventually exhausted. You have to wonder what many of the citizens thought and what they hoped for, maybe waiting for the local economy to rebound somehow. One really sad story was a town here in NC called Mortimer. Its economy was based on timber, but eventually the timber barons completely denuded the slopes of the southern Appalachians of marketable trees and Mortimer had to either die or find another way. They were lucky enough to have a couple of rail lines coming in and some textile mills opened up and provided jobs, but then a series of devastating floods roared through in quick succession and the mill owners abandoned the sites. Now all that remains of Mortimer are bits of ruins. Sometimes when I'm hiking the area I will see foundations in the leaf liter and see lengths of pipe and realize I'm walking through what was once a neighborhood. Very sad stuff.

[@jcee2259]

I'm waiting for fracking to ruin all groundwater for potable use because thirst is best to get every heart and mind to swallow what's next.

[@elainecooksey5338]

That tunnel was scary with its sagging roof. I could not go in there.Love the video .

[@tambojo1554]

Hey Thanks for taking us along !! I enjoy walking along The trail looks a lot like Our Tow Path Trail here in Beautiful Ohio!!🌲🎄A Very Merry Christmas Dude !!

[@jcee2259]

Enjoyed reading all the reviews. Good people like that are uncommon.

[@ikarussterpiploam6239]

I don't often comment on your videos, because I watch your videos on Roku....sadly Roku does not have a way to leave a comment so to do so I have to go to my phone.... I wanted to comment on this video because number one it's awesome!!! I moved from your area/Central PA about 14 years ago.…...I did get to explore some awesome stuff on the Appalachian trail but not what you have shown. Number to I want to thank you for showing us some awesome stuff!!.... Oh by the way that little structure you saw in the tunnel.... Made from logs where the roof was collapsing those are called " Cribbing."....You've probably heard this from many people but I thought I would let you know just in case!??.... Have a great day and please keep on wandering!!!!

[@JPVideos81]

Great video, had me entertained throughout the entire video. I filmed an Abandoned mansion that had a basement full of those camel crickets. Didnt know what they were at first so it kinda freaked me out. I'm the same way with mines and tunnels. Have to check it out before leaving.

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

I remember that video, you got out of there rather quickly. But I'll have to admit if you don't know what they are, they do look freaky.

[@fuzzwack1]

Very Cool Explore!!

[@squidgameisaliarisawnosqui5341]

Another great one 👌

[@the_lancaster_libertarian]

Oh man. Id be up near those trucks with a metal detector trying to find a firewall tag or hood ornament. Very cool. Its nice to see these sorts of things over this way. Your area looks more like clearfield county (my stomping grounds) than lancaster (where i currently reside) Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@jennieward-scott9531]

Oh my, you went so close to the edge of that pit I was scared the ground would give way under your feet! Then I was holding my breath hoping you wouldn't go through a hidden hole because of all the tunnels that might be under you.. Phew! Glad you're safe!! Love your videos!

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

Thanks

[@tjmulligan3086]

that big maze like structure was very cool!

[@thomasbiel7741]

Great video. Nice walk.

[@agentscout5053]

Hey! Great video Mr. Z!!!!!

[@barryrickert6544]

my old stomping grounds with my dogs and friends!! Thanks, cool video!

[@lindsayd89]

This is so cool to watch! My boyfriend and I belong to Rausch Creek Trail Riders and love exploring the area on our dirt bikes/atvs.

[@blkmagneto1521]

Better Than The History Channel!!!👍🏾

[@robertzumwalt2540]

I like your fideos great work

[@whatthechuckshow5408]

Cliff, at 26:34 the small red brick building. You can see a full figure apparition move from the doorway to the corner when you pan to it. It happens again a second time when you pan to it.

[@tomtransport]

OK Cliff caught up with another older trip. Looks like those girls dressed in 1890's 1910 garb were riding a cart out of the tunnel you slithered into. That was cool. I'm hoping your telling someone where you are going on any given trip so we know where to look when you don't come back home that day. I think the chances you take are cool.....for you. I don't like heights and I guess I'm a little Closter phobic too. Thank you for taking us along.

[@porkturtle8321]

Closter phobic. Nice one.

[@herdfan697278]

Cliff, stay out of those old mine tunnels unless you want to be buried alive! As the son of a coal miner, I know what I am talking about and as a teacher, you don’t want one of your students dying that way either. Please!👍🤠🇺🇸🙏✝️

[@beverlykennedy126]

Pennsylvania sure has some beautiful forests and state parks. Makes for pretty videos . I know you don’t need to be constantly reminded but have to say please be careful especially when your near coal shafts fall in and you’ll” never get out.

[@Huffdanny-p2n]

Hi Beverly hope you’re okay?

[@FreezyAbitKT7A]

Queen Street near downtown Pittsburgh has been abandoned and mostly treed over, the city steps are overgrown running through a jungle

[@ehokay2]

Town of Rausch Creek-My grandmother was born there around 1890, I have a photo taken inside the Rausch Creek Schoolhouse around 1895 and I know which child she is in the photo. I think the tiny town of Rausch Creek was located where interstate 81 road is now. I think the town was located between the Ravine exit and the Tremont exit of route 81. My grandmother’s maiden name was Ney. She married a wonderful man, my grandfather, who worked as a traveling electrician for a group of mines and lived in the nearby town of Tremont, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. Because my grandfather had to travel to different mines, the company gave him a motorcycle in late 1910s or early 1920s. My grandmother knew when my grandfather was on his way home for supper-the roar of the motorcycle engine bounced off the three mountains surrounding Tremont (French for three mountains). My grandfather would take us grandkids to near the mines to the piles of rock that was not coal, and we would split open rocks and find wonderful fossils, mostly ferns. After World War 2, my parents and many young people moved away from the anthracite coal area because the need for coal was declining as people were switching to oil heat, which was much easier than burning coal for heat. As a kid I spent many days in Tremont and the surrounding mine areas, and I frequently travel to that area. Kay D M

[@RoyalSupertramp]

That log structure in the tunnel seems like someone's attempt at keeping that section from collapsing. Pretty cool, you might be one of the last people to see the remains of that end of the tunnel.

[@tl5108]

RoyalSupertramp I went on a lot of mine tours around that area and how one of the guides described the use of the timbers was they werent for holding up the ground, they have no chance of doing that since there's how many tons of earth and rock above it. They are more of a warning system if those timbers started creaking the workers knew they had to get out

[@David.Colvin]

i rode motor cycle in the 80s all over that area up to st clair, an i have some photo albums from then also. even a couple of the walking dragline in goodsprings that they never used!

[@tl5108]

David Colvin I ride bikes up by St. Clair now (hecksherville) n there's a lot of old equipment, mineshafts, and foundations still back in the woods

[@David.Colvin]

nice! I plan on exploring over in that area this year, after i get my rac permit. the last 7 years Iv been from trevorton to shepton.

[@jodiw555]

You mentioned the National Guard taking the towers down near Tower City. I was part of the 876th Engineers that did that. I was responsible for setting the C-4 charges that took them out. Then we had them flown out with a chopper. We did that around 1995 or so.

[@56kicki]

I am glad you posted....that is interesting. Thanks.

[@UrbCrafter]

Yep those thorn bushes are why i carry a pair of pruning shears on my belt... ouch.

[@francissullivan6400]

120 years ago the was probably cleared and busy with men and machines

[@phillipstoltzfus3014]

There was a shaft usually down there until a few years ago they tore everything down and scattered straw around.

[@neilhansen5663]

Like your travels

[@justinfahnestock5067]

My birthday is Memorial Day and thinking about doing something A-day ahead of time. I used to live in Carlisle. On 34 and a 1/2 Hanover street.. Now I live like 15 minutes from the old abandoned tunnel in breezwood PA. That place gets old. But I like things like that. Also would like to find a good fishing spot in the middle of nowhere...

[@jeffgentle6497]

You definitely wear the name of the Wondering Woodsman well. These place is amazing! Thanks for sharing this video!

[@thegreaterbilby2171]

I haven't watched all of your video yet, just the beginning about the 97 year old guy who told you about that area. I wish there was some way of recording older people's recollections of the area they grew up in or lived in back in the day. I watched a video series on KZbin of a fellow called Hector Fitzpatrick's photograph collection of the History of Bodmin Town UK going back to the 1800's through to WWII era with him narrating everything about those really old photos - some from another fellow's photo collection (Ken Jago) that he had been entrusted with and he explained them to the best of his knowledge. Some of the videos had lost their audio narration due to KZbin removing it due to copyright violation (music in the background I think). That was a great loss on those videos - so frustrating not to have all that extra knowledge recorded. Hector has passed on now so it is lost forever. So much photographic history is lost when people pass on and their albums are just tossed in the skip/dumpster. To me all those albums are like treasure troves. I wish relatives would give any albums they don't want to keep to their local historical society, or the historical societies of the areas the photos were taken, for them to pick through for records of interesting places and historical events.

[@Friskee62]

VERY COOL...the best.

[@justicews]

In answer to your question about using vehicles to power other equipment, the newer is yes. My dad was born in 1912 in Bushkill and grew up around that area including Pecks Pond where his grandmother lived. They used a jacked up Model T Ford with a rear wheel removed to power a belt to drive a large circular saw to cut wood for the winter. I would be more cautious about Rattlesnakes and Copperheads than Bears in those underground areas. Always enjoy.

[@thomasmint1761]

Snakes don’t both you. Any concern with them is greatly hyped.

[@Pstanich]

that is a beautiful place for a walk

[@phillipstoltzfus3014]

If you ever go down in Bear Valley again let me know we live right over the mountain and have been down in there a bit.

[@chrisackerley1842]

It would be cool to remove one of those old power line towers and erect it at the local historical society. So different from more modern versions of the same thing.

[@KatWoman_]

Maybe can you do a top ten favorite places video?

[@johnbishop7330]

As rough and rugged as the road is, it's in better shape than our highways lol

[@littlebooks4760]

Just fascinating thank goodness there were no bears in those tunnels

[@reginamathews2001]

Awesome bear dens! I would not go in them just in case. What if you met one? Hope you carry bear spray. I do love your exploration videos

[@Huffdanny-p2n]

Hi Regina hope you’re okay?

[@steamgent4592]

If you go to the local or county historical society's many times they have maps and photos of what was. You may want to check them out prior to exploring beforehand. It will help you know what your looking at.

[@davidmagiskan2686]

25:26 Still in remarkable shape! Put up some tin roof good to go for another 50 years or so! :)

[@davidcassidy5868]

That somewhat treacherous road in the opening of your excellent post reminds me of Bragg's Hill in Lenape, Ches. Co.

[@besttwinsever7585]

That’s a beautiful place

[@flanjivfur1]

You need a rover to do your looking. I’d be afraid to go into places like that. Every thing everywhere is so unstable. Please have someone go with you on your journeys to keep you safe.

[@Huffdanny-p2n]

Hi Evelyn hope you’re okay?

[@pamelaattrux336]

Your really brave to go by yourself in that tunnel I was scared the whole time you were in there what happens if something was in there

[@Huffdanny-p2n]

Hi Pamela hope you’re okay?

[@ronaldhower9672]

My family was from Scranton pa,

[@clarkmattison1280]

Camel crickets. Must be a lot of mold in that tunnel

[@tap_rack_bangar1525]

Hey woodsman, My brother and i went to bear valley yesterday, never been. We turned on bear valley road to head back to game lands, and about every 6 feet, there were posted signs (literally). We were not sure if we were allowed back there. We turned around. Is that the only road to the game lands?

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

Yes, just keep going, it will take you to the game lands. You are allowed to use that road. It's about a 3 or 4 mile drive back.

[@tap_rack_bangar1525]

thank you sir

[@coledrevenj]

Exploring a dark tunnel in a place called Bear Valley. Got life insurance?

[@barryrickert6544]

coal ash was from the charcoal factory on the upper road.

[@petegregory517]

41:33 Someone started to “crib” that collapse.

[@skiphughes7705]

Sounds like your truck has a loose shock or a bumper bolt

[@buddylight2191]

They sure made the walls thick, I wonder why?

[@shawnhammack8479]

All that concrete is probably where one of the main plants were.

[@averagecommenter2514]

How far back does the tunnel go? Is it a mine or some sort of train tunnel?

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

I went in as far as it went, less than a hundred feet. It's a train tunnel through the mountain for transporting coal

[@rosesweet1967]

That is to cool, where is this at and how do you find these very cool places to explore?

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

Lots of research and wandering

[@nickmad887]

thanks

[@victorpalamar8769]

Coal ash is called "Quavers".

[@peterackerbauer5214]

What as the name of the coal company and when was it operational?

[@kbrowne10]

I'm opposite of you. Heights don't bother me too much, but holes in the ground freak me out.

[@bendyourmornings]

Keep it up man!

[@jeffgrumley8230]

Hey man, just started watching your channel. Im interested in exploring Bear Gap. Is there any camping allowed thru there? Or day use only? I live in South Central PA so it's not a long drive... Good vids so far! Thanks for sharing your adventures

[@petegregory517]

Chambers burg?

[@markmullin4246]

In a way,really too bad the gaming commission has taken over so much of Pennsylvania land.for they don't care about the history of what once was!

[@thomasbiel7741]

Sanborn Fire Insurance maps might exist. Aerial Photos back to the 30s.

[@pamelaattrux336]

Are you ever scared to shine the light in the holes then seeing a animal blooming back at you ?

[@Huffdanny-p2n]

Hi Pamela hope you’re okay?

[@michaelgrange9319]

did you read the tag on the fire wall of the truck

[@tl5108]

That trucks probably from the 30s im guessing just based on the fenders and headlight

[@rikter22]

cooooooooool

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

Wow what a rd

[@Huffdanny-p2n]

Hi Patty hope you’re okay?

[@OldSchoolMARINE]

This is the Dr Mario cosplay area. Top Secret, CLASSIFIED AREA