Paw Paw Tunnel

The Haunted Paw Paw Tunnel: A Forgotten Passage to the Past The Paw Paw Tunnel, a historic structure along the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal, has long been the site of eerie hauntings and ghostly tales, its dark past lurking just beneath the surface of its majestic stone walls.

WRITTEN BY

James Sutton

Built in the early 19th century, this tunnel stretches 3,118 feet through the rugged hills of Maryland, and has since become infamous not only for its incredible engineering feat but for the spirits said to haunt its damp, shadowy corridors.

Construction of the Paw Paw Tunnel began in 1828, intended to bypass the treacherous Paw Paw Bends of the Potomac River. The tunnel was part of the C&O Canal project, which aimed to create a water route from Washington D.C. to the Ohio River. The work was grueling and dangerous, taking over 14 years to complete. More than 100 workers were involved in its construction, many of whom faced the peril of cave-ins, disease, and accidents while working in the confined space. At least one man reportedly died during the tunnel’s creation, and it’s said that the tragic loss of life may be tied to the apparitions that now reportedly haunt the tunnel today.

Over the years, numerous sightings of ghostly figures, strange noises, and unexplained events have given the Paw Paw Tunnel a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Visitors and ghost hunters who have ventured into the tunnel often report hearing disembodied voices and footsteps echoing through the darkness. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures or glimpses of workers in old-fashioned clothing, walking as though they are still laboring within the tunnel’s damp, musty interior. It’s said that these restless spirits belong to the men who perished during construction or fell victim to accidents after the tunnel was completed.

Perhaps the most well-known ghostly figure associated with the Paw Paw Tunnel is that of a spectral workman, often seen carrying a lantern and walking along the tunnel’s walls. Some believe this ghost is that of a man who tragically died during the tunnel’s construction. His spirit is thought to be forever bound to the tunnel, continuing to “work” even in death. Other eerie accounts involve the feeling of an invisible presence, a sudden drop in temperature, or the unsettling sensation of being watched as one walks through the tunnel.

The most unnerving stories come from those who have explored the area at night. Paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers alike have reported strange electromagnetic anomalies, and some claim to have captured eerie voices on audio recordings. These experiences have only fueled the local legend, making the Paw Paw Tunnel a must-see destination for those intrigued by the supernatural.

If you’re looking to visit the haunted Paw Paw Tunnel, it’s located along the C&O Canal National Historical Park, about 13 miles east of the town of Paw Paw, West Virginia, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The tunnel is accessible via a short hiking trail, which begins at the C&O Canal towpath, a popular route for hikers and bikers. While the tunnel itself is not officially open to the public, visitors can still view the entrance and take in the ominous, historic structure from the surrounding area. To get there, take Interstate 68 to exit 64 for Paw Paw, then follow signs for the Paw Paw Tunnel parking area. Whether you’re an avid history buff or a curious ghost hunter, the Paw Paw Tunnel offers an unforgettable, eerie experience.