Indigo Tunnel — Attraction in Bath (Berkeley Springs)

Before the recent extension of the Western Maryland Rail Trail, access to the Indigo Tunnel was not too easy. But now that the Rail Trail has been extended and paved almost to the Potomac River crossing, just west of Little Orleans.There is a paved road(Western Maryland roadbed)and can be accessed easily on foot or by bicycle. You’ll read this a lot..The State has decided not to renovate the tunnel (an expense which would cost probably a number of millions) and instead allow the current occupants (apparently endangered bats and other small animals) exclusive use. Therefore it is barricaded off. The Western Maryland Rail Trail is reportedly detoured via the towpath of the adjacent C & O Canal National...

Before the recent extension of the Western Maryland Rail Trail, access to the Indigo Tunnel was not too easy. But now that the Rail Trail has been extended and paved almost to the Potomac River crossing, just west of Little Orleans, the former roadbed of the Western Maryland Railroad is now paved and can be accessed easily on foot or by bicycle. The State has decided not to renovate the tunnel (an expense which would cost probably a number of millions) and instead allow the current occupants (bats and other small animals) exclusive use. Therefore it is barricaded off. The Western Maryland Rail Trail is reportedly detoured via the towpath of the adjacent C & O Canal National...

The western end closest to Little Orleans is much easier to access. The tunnel entrances are barricaded off. You can only get a glimpse of the inside of the tunnel through the thick, heavy, and rusted bars. The smell of creosote fills the cool air wafting from inside. Occasional strange sounds can be heard coming from deep inside making you wonder what type of creatures are living there. Didn't see any bats. An easy and fast stop while biking along...