Is Centralia still burning?
Usa, north-america
1.18 km
91 m
extreme
Year-round
Ever heard of a town that's literally burning from the inside out? Welcome to Centralia, PA, a real-life ghost town with a seriously fiery secret! Since 1962, an underground mine fire has been raging beneath this forgotten spot in Columbia County, leaving a trail of destruction (and some seriously cool, if eerie, scenery) in its wake.
The star of the show? The infamous "Graffiti Highway," a 0.73-mile stretch of the old PA 61. This road used to lead right into Centralia, but the inferno below caused such intense subsidence (think cracking, buckling, and smoke-spewing fissures) that it had to be abandoned. Now bypassed by a safer route (Byrnsville Road), it's a canvas for urban art, a testament to the town's demise, and a major draw for adventurous souls.
But, word to the wise, this isn't your average roadside attraction. This place is DANGEROUS. We're talking unstable ground, potential collapses, and lingering toxic gases. Centralia is a desolate location that has inspired movies with a hellish appearance. The vents are less common, and the most unstable ground with the borough collapsed years ago. It's a wild, post-apocalyptic landscape, and the risks are real. But, for those who dare to venture (at their own risk, mind you), the eerie vibes and unique photo ops are undeniable.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1.18 km
- Max Elevation
- 91 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is Lake Creek Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna explore Utah's backcountry? Check out Lake Creek Road (aka Forest Road 642) in Beaver County, nestled in Fishlake National Forest. It's a super cool, totally unpaved mountain road that'll give you a taste of real Utah wilderness. Yeah, it's short – only 1.4 miles – but don't let that fool you. The drive follows the Stream River, winding from Forest Road 129 to the awesome Lake Stream Trailhead Campground. Word of warning: this road is HIGH. We're talking 10,498 feet above sea level. Because of the altitude and crazy Utah weather, Lake Creek Road is usually closed from October through June. Snow makes it impassable! But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously epic scenery that you won't forget!
extremeHow long is the road to Greenie Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Nestled high in Taos County, New Mexico, you'll find Greenie Peak, topping out at a cool 11,259 feet. Seriously, this spot boasts some killer views of snow-capped peaks. The road to the summit? It's a short but sweet 2.29 miles. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll climb 715 feet, making for an average gradient of almost 6%. Weekends and holidays? Expect company! Now, for the nitty-gritty: This road is *unpaved*. We're talking rocky, rough, and not exactly pampered. Proceed with caution, folks! It's narrow, so meeting oncoming traffic can be a bit of a dance. Summer brings loose rock to the party, while winter? Forget about it – completely impassable, often until July! Tight switchbacks will keep you on your toes, and 4x4 is an absolute must. Expect some mud puddles too. Oh, and keep an eye on that New Mexico weather – thunderstorms and lightning can roll in quick!
hardHow long is the Copper River Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through the Valdez-Cordova area of Alaska? You HAVE to check out the Copper River Highway. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience! Clocking in at just under 50 miles (around 80 km), this road starts in the town of Cordova and hugs the old Copper River and Northwestern Railway bed, leading you towards the iconic Million Dollar Bridge over Miles Glacier. Now, here's the scoop: after the highway ends, a rugged, unpaved section stretches another 10 miles (16 km) towards the Allen River. But be warned! Beyond the bridge, it gets pretty dicey. Most vehicles tap out after another couple of miles due to a steep drop-off. Only serious off-road rigs need apply beyond that point! Heads up: Mother Nature keeps things interesting here. The road is currently closed past mile 36 because of erosion near Bridge 339. They're working on a fix, but for now, that's the end of the line. The first 12 miles (19 km) are smooth sailing on pavement, then it's gravel road fun the rest of the way. This route is PACKED with amazing trails and scenic overlooks. Just keep in mind that winter shuts down the road beyond Mile 12.4. Even in spring, snow can block access to some spots. But when it's open? Totally worth it for the views!
hardHow long is the Manchac Swamp Bridge?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Louisiana, right? Suddenly, you find yourself on the I-55, soaring over the wild and mysterious Lake Maurepas. This is the Manchac Swamp Bridge, and trust me, it's an experience. Clocking in at around 22 miles (35 kilometers), this concrete beauty is seriously long – one of the longest in the US, actually. They finished building it back in '79, and it's been a game-changer for getting around these parts ever since. But here's the cool part: this ain't just any bridge. You're floating over a swamp steeped in folklore. Locals whisper about a Rougarou (a Cajun werewolf, seriously!) and a voodoo princess hanging around. Driving over it is totally safe, but maybe think twice about swimming below – gators are definitely real in these waters. All in all, it's a drive with a healthy dose of natural beauty and intriguing stories.