One of the features of the Elroy-Sparta trail are the three tunnels, as the trail winds through the bluffs of Monroe County.
This structure goes underneath Summit Ridge.
This tunnel, is by far the longest. It is listed at a length of 3,810 Feet total (or about 7/10 of a mile).
In addition, the tunnel is also the easiest to access. It was built in 1873 at a cost of $247,272; or $65 per foot.
This made it by far the most expensive to construct. In addition, shafts were opened from the top, and later sealed after the construction was done.
The house on the west end of the tunnel is a rest area for the trail, operated by someone by the name of Tunnel Tom.
Meeting Tom was quite the experience, as he had many stories of growing up next to the tunnel.
The tunnel is an important attraction along the trail, and is probably the most popular.
The tunnel is a straight, bored tunnel. Over the years, certain segments have had new liners put in.
A majority of the tunnel is either bare rock or brick interior. The roof is mostly bare rock, leading to trickles of water leaking in.
Because of this trickle of water, there is a complex flume system on the east end of the tunnel. This was constructed in 1909, to drain into Moore Creek.
The west portal is a traditionally built portal, resembling an arch structure. However, the east portal lacks wing walls and uses extremely smooth stones.
Similar to the other tunnels, this one has doors that are typically closed between November and March.
The author has ranked this tunnel as being regionally significant, due to the long length
The photo above is looking at the west portal.