This RR Tunnel was built in 1891 and in regular use until 1982. The cache location and the parking coordinates are on WMA property and parking is permitted here. If the gate is locked, you'll have to park at the gate and walk in from there. From the parking coordinates, go over a berm and fallen tree and then hike straight along the flat RR right of way.
This tunnel, which is still mostly intact, is commonly known as the "TAG Pigeon Mountain Tunnel." It was originally constructed by the Estelle mining venture (directly across the highway). It was then owned by the Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia (TAG) Railroad, and finally the Southern. You will NOT enter the tunnel.
You are seeking a relatively modern plastic container. Be sure to stay on the flat level right of way trail and away from the edges! Keep kids and pets close by! As you approach this tunnel, marvel at the earthwork required to build a tunnel over 1600' long in such steep terrain.
The parking/trail/railroad tunnel & cache are all on Georgia WMA property.
Disclaimer: As required by the Wildlife Resource Division, either a hunting license, fishing license or a land pass is required to enter any Wildlife Management Area property. These can be obtained online, by clicking here.
Geocaching activity is prohibited during all quota and check-in hunts. Geocaching activity is also prohibited daily until after 10:00 AM during turkey season. WRD organizes hunting all year except for the months of July & August. See the hunting info here.
Created by jimpate in October 2000 and maintained by him until March 2009
Maintained by thebisch March 2009 - August 2020
Maintained by Cali9-1-1 August 2020-January 2023
Maintained by Team Bear-Cat since January 2023
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Please see original post and notes below. These are here for historical reference only! The cache is NOT inside the tunnel nor available from above the tunnel. The entrance to the tunnel is beginning to collapse and therefore entering the tunnel is NOT recommended nor necessary to find and log this cache!
[Original description: We discovered that this one can be approached either from the top or the bottom of the mountain. If you come down from the top, you will seriously want to go all the way to the bottom of the trail whether you find the stash or not. And bring flashlights to explore a piece of forgotten Georgia history! From the bottom, if the road is open the terrain rating is a 1. Coming from the top, it's a 3. So I gave it an average of 2... Notice... The cache was replaced 28 Sept 03 and is now in a 3"x2.5' long olive drab mortar tube and has been relocated to it's original position above the pool. I'm still looking for the original. There isn't much in it yet as I am looking for a source of cheap lights for the best part of the cache. If you come in from the top, beware of the butt surfing opportunities and keep heading down the trail after you find the cache. (*) technicolor rump syndrome today...]
Update Summer 2021 - Most recently a smaller container to help keep it from being muggled again. Unfortunately no longer large ammo tube.