Before the recent extension of the Western Maryland Rail Trail, access to the Indigo Tunnel was not too easy. But now that the Rail Trail has been extended and paved almost to the Potomac River crossing, just west of Little Orleans, the former roadbed of the Western Maryland Railroad is now paved and can be accessed easily on foot or by bicycle. The State has decided not to renovate the tunnel (an expense which would cost probably a number of millions) and instead allow the current occupants (bats and other small animals) exclusive use. Therefore it is barricaded off. The Western Maryland Rail Trail is reportedly detoured via the towpath of the adjacent C & O Canal National Historical Park.

Easy walk from 15 Mile Creek campground along the bike path. Interesting tidbit of history.

This is locked to prevent any entry. Seems there are endangered bats in there and they shut it down. When you walk up to locked gate, you can see thru to the end, its VERY far away! Because this is not available, to continue on the Rail Trail you must get on the Tow Path and proceed till you can rejoin the Rail Trail on other side. They did a fantastic job building this bypass, first class !!

Indigo Tunnel was the longest of the Western Maryland RR's series of tunnels by 4,350 feet. Its track was torn up in the early 1980s. Now it is closed to the public to protect an endangered species of bats.

My Dad and I walked our bikes through it in the mid-'90s. The structure was an enormous accomplishment for any railroad and I hope its history will not be forgotten.

My Virginia National Guard unit hiked the Tunnel in the mid 90’s. Was a great experience! Now I know what “see the light at the end of the tunnel!”