Ghost Towns in Pennsylvania
11 documented ghost towns
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History
Pennsylvania's ghost towns include coal mining patches and communities like Centralia, destroyed by underground mine fires.
Regions: Anthracite Region • Bituminous Region
All Ghost Towns
Centralia
Centralia's underground coal mine fire has burned continuously since 1962. Smoke still rises from vents. The government bought out nearly all resident...
Concrete City
Concrete City was an experimental company town built by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. The 20 identical concrete duplexes were designe...
Dingmans Ferry
Dingmans Ferry has had a Delaware River crossing since 1735. The current 1900 bridge is the oldest privately owned toll bridge still operating in the ...
Eckley
Eckley is an authentic anthracite coal company town preserved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The 1970 film 'The Molly Maguires'...
Gettysburg Battlefield
Gettysburg was the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War (July 1-3, 1863), with over 50,000 casualties. The battlefield landscape preserves th...
Mather
Mather was built as a 'model' coal town with tree-lined streets and well-built homes. In 1928, a methane explosion trapped 194 miners underground. Whi...
Morea
Morea was an anthracite coal patch town. Stone foundations remain in the forest, accessible by hiking trails....
Petroleum Centre
Located in the heart of the Oil Creek valley, Petroleum Centre was a banking and shipping hub notorious for its knee-deep mud and lawlessness. When th...
Pithole City
Pithole grew from forest to 15,000 people in months after 1865 oil strike. It had hotels, theaters, newspapers, and a post office busier than Philadel...
Yellow Dog Village
Yellow Dog Village was a company town for the Allegheny Coke Company. When the plant closed in 1953, everyone left. The streets, houses, company store...
Yellow Dog Village
Yellow Dog Village was a coal company town with an unforgettable name. Like hundreds of Pennsylvania company towns, it lived and died with the mines. ...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Pennsylvania?
We have documented 11 ghost towns in Pennsylvania. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.