If you follow us by now, you know there’s plenty of crazy and mysterious “hidden gems” happening throughout the Hudson Valley.
But have you ever heard about these abandoned World War I tunnels near Nyack, New York?
Nearly an hour from NYC resides the Clausland Mountain Tunnels, a series of abandoned concrete tunnels located beneath the woods of Clausland Mountain.
The only way to access them? Through a hole in a tree.
That’s right. These underground tunnels date all the way back to 1910 when they were constructed as a military training facility for the New York National Guard during World War I.
Meant to be part of the Bluefields Rifle Range, these tunnels were designed to allow soldiers to move safely beneath and around the open firing ranges, protecting them from stray bullets during live-fire exercises.
When it was all said and done though, the rifle range and tunnel system ultimately became a failure—only lasting about three years before closing in 1913.
The Clausland Mountain Tunnels today
Throughout the years, the site continues to be a spooky relic from history’s past. It’s even been used as a Christian camp and a homeless shelter in recent decades, but now today is completely abandoned.
The tunnels (if strolled through) are still covered in forgotten relics, graffiti, and other debris.
Many hikers, graffiti artists, and urban explorers frequent the Clausland Mountain Tunnels, taking in the eerie and mysterious atmosphere that still seems to loom around the tunnels to this day.
Some people even chat about the tunnel’s urban legends — which include ghost soldiers from the WWI era, satanic rituals from the 1970s/80s, ghost runners from the Prohibition era, and so much more.
So, can I visit the tunnels right now?
Yes, you can visit the Clausland Mountain tunnels, but be weary that the trek will a rugged and eerie.
The tunnels and ruins located within Blauvelt State Park are still just as claustrophobic, filty, and eerie as they’ve been for decades, but they can still be explored by the public.
If you go, there’s a few different access points to get near the tunnels, including lots on Greenbush Road, the Tackamack North parking lot (68 Clausland Mountain Rd), and nearby residential streets like Marsico Court. From there, hike the aqua-blazed Long Path trail to reach the tunnels.
Come prepared with a flashlight or headlamp since the tunnels get dark and extensive, and be prepared for creepy crawly creatures like spider crickets and wolf spiders around.
Lastly, some tunnels run underground and some entrances require crawling under tree roots or stepping off marked trails, so show caution and respect for the environment and private property if advised.