In far western North Dakota, there’s a weird, short little trail that’s definitely a bit on the spooky side thanks to its unusual features and eerie presence. It lurks quietly in McKenzie County and crosses over the Yellowstone Bridge; it’s been closed to traffic for a long time, now, though brave explorers can approach on foot. This creepy hike in North Dakota doesn’t feature any natural wonders or anywhere particularly beautiful, but it does feature an abandoned rail bridge (and tunnel!) with some interesting (and creepy) history. Check it out…if you dare:

The town of Cartwright, North Dakota is a pretty sleepy little place.

Andrew Filer/Flickr There isn’t a lot going on here, and it’s definitely got peak “tiny Midwestern town” vibes. With a population of under 200 people, it’s easy to forget Cartwright exists at all.

…and within this tiny, forgotten little town is an enormous, forgotten rail bridge, as well as a tunnel.

Ksteblet/Wikimedia It’s pretty easy to access by hike; if you take State Route 200 to Sundheim Park, right on the west bank of the Yellowstone River, and you park there, you’ll see it: the Fairview Lift Bridge, in all its stunning, empty glory, looming overhead. Follow the path to the bridge.

The bridge, and its corresponding railroad tunnel, was built in 1913 and in use until the 1980s.

NDfrmboy/TripAdvisor The tunnel is particularly notable thanks to its uniqueness; called the Cartwright Tunnel, it’s 1,458 feet long and was dug mostly by hand during its construction in the early 1900s. It’s the longest tunnel in the entire state, and it’s not without its creepy urban legends.

There have been whispers through the decades that at least one body of an old-time outlaw is here - somewhere - as his final resting place.

NDfrmboy/TripAdvisor His name was J.C. Collins and, having (allegedly) killed two lawmen during a crime spree in 1913, he was lynched and (supposedly) tossed into one of the concrete abutments of the bridge. Of course, it’s not clear what exactly was done with the body, but it was never laid to rest properly, and some say J.C.’s wayward spirit lingers in the area.

Voices are sometimes heard in the tunnel. Was that you? Your friend?

george b/TripAdvisor …what, you didn’t say anything and you’re here alone? Alright, time to go.

Either way - haunted by the victim of a lynching or not - there’s something super uneasy about an abandoned bridge and, even creepier, a long, dark rail tunnel.

Don Barrett/Flickr

So, what do you think? Is this creepy hike in North Dakota really haunted by the spirit of a lynched outlaw, or is it only so eerie simply because of what it is (an abandoned bridge and tunnel)? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Need more creepy North Dakota in your life? Try this creepy day trip!

Andrew Filer/Flickr

There isn’t a lot going on here, and it’s definitely got peak “tiny Midwestern town” vibes. With a population of under 200 people, it’s easy to forget Cartwright exists at all.

Ksteblet/Wikimedia

It’s pretty easy to access by hike; if you take State Route 200 to Sundheim Park, right on the west bank of the Yellowstone River, and you park there, you’ll see it: the Fairview Lift Bridge, in all its stunning, empty glory, looming overhead. Follow the path to the bridge.

NDfrmboy/TripAdvisor

The tunnel is particularly notable thanks to its uniqueness; called the Cartwright Tunnel, it’s 1,458 feet long and was dug mostly by hand during its construction in the early 1900s. It’s the longest tunnel in the entire state, and it’s not without its creepy urban legends.

His name was J.C. Collins and, having (allegedly) killed two lawmen during a crime spree in 1913, he was lynched and (supposedly) tossed into one of the concrete abutments of the bridge. Of course, it’s not clear what exactly was done with the body, but it was never laid to rest properly, and some say J.C.’s wayward spirit lingers in the area.

george b/TripAdvisor

…what, you didn’t say anything and you’re here alone? Alright, time to go.

Don Barrett/Flickr

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Address: Fairview Lift Bridge/Tunnel, 217 9th St, Fairview, MT 59221, USA