Silver Run Tunnel – Haunted Railway Tunnel in West Virginia

Deep in the West Virginia wilderness, the Silver Run Tunnel (Tunnel #19) stands as a relic of the past, shrouded in mystery and ghostly legends. Built in the late 19th century as part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, this seemingly ordinary tunnel has earned a sinister reputation.

Railroad workers and travelers have long whispered tales of a ghostly woman in white, whose presence has startled train engineers and sent chills down the spines of those brave enough to enter.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1857
• Original Purpose: Part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to connect key routes through the Appalachian region.
• Significant Events:
  • Throughout its years of operation, multiple fatal accidents and mysterious deaths occurred near the tunnel.
  • Train engineers frequently reported seeing a pale woman in a flowing white dress standing on the tracks, only to vanish upon impact.
  • Some say an unidentified woman was struck and killed by a train near the tunnel entrance in the late 1800s, sparking the ghost stories that persist to this day.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Many visitors report unexplained cold spots inside the tunnel, even during the hottest summer days.
• Some have claimed to see shadowy figures moving along the tunnel walls or hear disembodied whispers and distant train whistles when no train is approaching.
• The most infamous apparition is the Woman in White, whose spectral form appears suddenly before vanishing into thin air.
• Strange light anomalies and the sensation of being watched are frequently reported by those exploring the tunnel at night.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The legend of the White Lady of Silver Run is the most well-known ghost story tied to the tunnel. Many believe she was a bride-to-be who met an untimely death on the tracks. Over the years, numerous train engineers slammed on their brakes, believing they were about to hit a real woman, only to find no trace of her upon stopping.

Other stories tell of railroad workers hearing footsteps behind them while inspecting the tracks, only to turn and find no one there. Some have even reported feeling a phantom hand on their shoulder, as if an unseen presence were trying to warn them of impending danger.

Local folklore suggests that anyone who sees the Woman in White up close may experience a series of misfortunes shortly after. Paranormal investigators have attempted to communicate with her spirit, capturing eerie EVP recordings that include faint cries and the words, “Help me.”

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The tunnel entrance on the eastern side is where most encounters with the Woman in White occur. This is where train engineers first reported seeing her apparition, and visitors claim to feel an intense sense of dread upon approaching this section.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes, but visitors should proceed with caution.
• Entry Fee: None.
• Tour Availability: No official tours, but ghost hunters and urban explorers frequently visit.
• Photography Allowed? Yes, and many visitors claim to have captured mysterious orbs and shadowy figures in their photos.
• Visiting Hours: No restrictions, though nighttime visits are the most popular for paranormal activity.

Best Time to Visit

• Fall and winter nights seem to bring the most activity, possibly due to the colder temperatures enhancing the supernatural energy.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Several paranormal investigation teams have explored the tunnel, using spirit boxes, EMF meters, and thermal cameras. Some have captured unexplained voices, and one team even recorded a shadowy figure appearing at the tunnel entrance before quickly vanishing.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• The tunnel is still structurally sound, but visitors should watch for loose rocks and uneven ground.
• No artificial lighting exists inside, so carrying flashlights is essential.
• There have been reports of sudden mist formations, which can disorient visitors.