Here in Nevada, we’re constantly stumbling across old and long abandoned places. After all, so many people came to our state looking to get rich, only to leave when the riches ran out. So it only makes sense that our gigantic state is covered in the remnants of historic villages which serve as a reminder of our state’s early residents. If you’re the type of person who loves coming across these old townsites, then you’ll definitely want to check out this little-known hiking trail. This trail leads you straight to the dilapidated remains of an abandoned town, and it’s truly something to witness.
Located near Yerington are the abandoned remains of an old mining town that requires quite the journey to get to. You can drive if you have a sturdy vehicle capable of off-roading. Otherwise, you can hike via the Pine Grove Ghost Town Trail.
From its starting point, the trail stretches for 9.5-miles before reaching the dilapidated remnants of a town called Pine Grove. The townsite is spread out so you'll want to take your time exploring each and every bit of this fascinating destination.
Despite the fact that Pine Grove has long been abandoned and left to succumb to the effects of nature, this ex-mining town is definitely an interesting place to visit. Like many of Nevada's ghost towns, Pine Grove was established by men hoping to strike it rich, only to collapse when the riches ran out.
Gold was first discovered in this area in 1866 and the region was inundated by hopeful prospectors soon after. By 1868, Pine Grove was home to a post office, weekly newspaper, and around 200 residents. It wasn't much, but it was a good start.
Just two years later, the town had grown to 600 and was comprised of several hotels, saloons, general stores, schools, and much more. By the 1880s, the town's highest producing mines were churning out a total of $10,000 worth of gold and silver.
However, Pine Grove's success was short lived. Due to the financial panic that occurred in 1893, the mines were deemed unprofitable and closed down. By 1918, most people had left Pine Grove and moved on to something bigger and better.
The story of Pine Grove is a familiar one, but you can't help but feel a sense of appreciation for the community this once was as you stroll through the town's remnants. A few rotting structures and rusting stamp mill may be the only things left of Pine Grove, but its history will live on. For a trail map of the Pine Grove Ghost Town Trail, click here.
Don’t you just love coming across an old abandoned town like this one? It’s always so fascinating to see century-old villages like this one. If you love exploring our state’s abandoned spots, be sure to check out This Haunting Road Trip Through Nevada’s Ghost Towns.
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