This Hike In Texas Leads You Straight To An Abandoned Mine
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 23, 2019
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
The mining industry is an important part of Texas history – after all, it’s what turned Terlingua into a ghost town. Hiding in Franklin Mountains State Park is a hiking trail that leads straight to an abandoned tin mine, the only one of its kind in the entire U.S. Check it out…if you dare:
Clocking in at 6.6 miles long, the Tin Mines Trail is suitable for all skill levels. It may look unassuming at first glance, but a mysterious hidden gem awaits those brave enough to embark on the journey.
Deeper and deeper into the desert you'll hike, the distant Franklin Mountains looming ominously. With no sign of civilization for miles in any direction, this is the epitome of remoteness.
After trudging along for what seems like days, you'll come upon a railing and tight, cave-like rock formation. Get ready to enter the only tin mines the United States has ever seen.
Underneath these metal grates is a tiny door leading into the abandoned structure. Don't forget a flashlight; the mine will swallow you in darkness without something to illuminate it.
Once inside, the weight of exhaustion, hopelessness, and death sits heavily on your shoulders. Mining is a dangerous and unforgiving job, so it's no wonder why so many workers are rumored to haunt these shafts.
Coming out of the abyss, daylight has never looked so inviting. While emotionally taxing, the mines are an incredible piece of history that everyone should have an opportunity to experience.
