Ghost Towns in New York
10 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of New York.
All Ghost Towns
Adirondac
Adirondac was an iron mining village that gave its name to the entire Adirondack mountain range - though the town's name was itself a corruption of a ...
Doodletown
Doodletown (from Dutch 'Dood Dale' or Dead Valley) was an isolated hamlet. It played a role in the Revolutionary War. In the 1960s, the Palisades Inte...
Halcyon Hall
Halcyon Hall was built as a luxury hotel in 1893 and later became the Bennett School for Girls. The massive Queen Anne structure was abandoned in 1978...
Ironville
Ironville was a small iron mining community. It is famous for the Penfield Homestead, where Thomas Davenport developed the first commercial electric m...
Letchworth Village
Letchworth Village was designed as a humane asylum—but became infamous for overcrowding and abuse. Geraldo Rivera's 1972 exposé shocked the nation. 13...
North Brother Island
North Brother Island housed Riverside Hospital, a quarantine facility where Typhoid Mary was held for decades. After serving as a drug rehabilitation ...
Tahawus
Tahawus (or Adirondac) was an iron mining town. It was abandoned twice—first in the 1850s, then revived for titanium mining in WWII, and abandoned aga...
Tahawus
Tahawus was abandoned TWICE—first in 1858 when titanium made iron ore useless, then made the world's largest titanium mine when WWII needed it. Theodo...
Whitehall
Whitehall claims to be the birthplace of the U.S. Navy - the Continental Navy's first fleet was built here in 1776. The town thrived on the Champlain ...
Women's Rights NHP
Seneca Falls hosted the 1848 Women's Rights Convention where the Declaration of Sentiments was drafted. The historic downtown preserves buildings from...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in New York?
We have documented 10 ghost towns in New York. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in New York safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in New York?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.