Flinderation Tunnel

Flinderation Tunnel, located near Salem in Harrison County, WV, is a popular destination for ghost hunters across the region.  It was even brought to national attention with the help of several popular television shows.  And...according to those who have been there, the tunnel does live up to his haunted reputation.  Apparitions, noises, and EVPs are commonly reported, and are said to be the result of a horrific accident that occurred at the tunnel.

 According to folklore, repairs were being made on the tunnel, when a train unexpectedly came through.  Legends differ, but the general idea of the story is that one of the workers was unable to seek refuge in one of the alcoves quick enough, and met a gruesome death.  The track, which was being repaired, combined with perhaps the accident itself then led to a train derailment.  In fact, another example of paranormal activity seems to be the phantom lights from a train, the sound of a phantom train whistle, and even the scraping sounds of a train crashing against the sides of the tunnel.  In later years, it is said that the tunnel was used by the KKK as a lynching spot.  Several reports from African-American investigators have confirmed that there are energies here that support this thesis. 

But aside from the folklore, how much is REALLY known about the Flinderation Tunnel?

For starters, the tunnel technically isn't the "Flinderation Tunnel," but rather the Brandy Gap Tunnel #2.  The colloquial name of Flinderation Tunnel comes from the fact that it is located off Flinderation Road.  This old railroad tunnel was commissioned by the Northwestern Virginia Railroad for the B&O Railroad.  It was to serve as a link between Grafton and Parkersburg.  Work began in August of 1852 under contractor Thomas S. Spates, and the tunnel was completed in January of 1857.  It was taken fully out of commission in the 1990s.  The land surrounding the tunnel was part of the Lynch family estate, and could possibly be a historical fact that got twisted into the idea of lynch-ings.  And yes...the tunnel DOES run directly under the large, yet historical Brandy Gap Cemetery.  In fact, some believe that the decaying bodies of the cemetery "drip" remains into the tunnel, and could possibly account for some of the apparitions sighted therein.  Another related story tells of bodies and body parts actually being visible from inside the tunnel, as parts of the roof erode away.

Unfortunately, not much else is known from a historical standpoint.  Despite in-depth research from several independent parties, there doesn't seem to be any record of a train derailment or even a death.  Since details such as dates and names have been lost to history, further research into the verification of the tale would be a daunting task.  However, a lack of documented history doesn't necessarily mean that the events didn't occur, as many are quick to point out.  Although it does seem likely that if the train DID derail, there would be some record of it, there wouldn't necessarily be any record of a lone worker killed.  In early days of railroad work, it wasn't uncommon for immigrant laborers (Italians made up a large percentage of immigrant rail workers in this area) or those of African American descent to be forgotten about...not even reported as deceased and buried where they lie...especially if they were single men without families. 

Today, the tunnel is part of the 72 mile long North Bend Rail Trail system, a popular place for ghost hunters, and even the location for a multi-stage geocache.  Directions to the tunnel, curtesy of Mountain State Spirit Seekers Society can be found below...but if you're traveling to the Salem area from Clarksburg, keep your eyes open for another local ghost legend.

As seen in the book Cry of the Banshee by Susan Sheppard, Rt. 50 (the road which will lead you to Salem) is home to a ghostly woman in red.  When the moon is full, motorists have said to have spotted a woman wearing a red hooded coat, walking along the side of the road.  Those who stop to ask the woman if she needs help are shocked to discover that under the scarlet hood, the woman has no face.  Allegedly, this woman is also said to follow motorists home, pacing outside of their home, peering into their windows with her faceless visage.

Photo property of Susan Carleton

Directions to Flinderation Tunnel from MSSSS:

Flinderation Tunnel is located about 15-20 minutes "west" of Clarksburg (Harrison County). The road that you will take is Flinderation Road, of course. Once you get off of Flinderation Road you will cross a bridge and you keep right and then you drive for about 500ft or little more and you will notice in the road that it looks like train tracks ran across the road and you will see a gate on your right hand side in the middle of used to be railroad tracks and thats where you park your car. From the gate to the Tunnel is about 100yds or so back. You will see the "Lake Floyd" sign on your right. Thats the next exit on the left and then Flinderation Road is the "Next" exit on the right.

If your coming West going east your will travel thru salem on Rt 50 and the exit before Flinderation Road is Raccoon Run Road. You will cross a bridge and you keep right and then you drive for about 500ft or little more and you will notice in the road that it looks like train tracks ran across the road and you will see a gate on your right hand side in the middle of used to be railroad tracks and thats where you park your car. From the gate to the Tunnel is about 100yds or so back.