Abandoned logging railroads

The red and white pine of the Chippewa National Forest were first logged in the late 1800s, now known as the river era of logging. Logs were floated downriver to the sawmill. By the early 1900s these easily accessible pines were gone and railroads were built to haul logs out of the woods. This was a much more efficient and reliable method of transportation. Many miles of abandoned railroad grade lie hidden in the Chip, like the one shown here west of Longville, MN. It seems the wooden railroad ties were left in place here after the tracks were taken up. You can't really see them but you can feel the rippling under your feet as you walk.