Abandonded railroad lines

[Anonymous]

Is there anyone else out there who explores old abandonded railroad lines? If so, what are your favorites? My personal favorite is the former IC branch from Freeport, IL to Dodgeville, WI.

[Anonymous]

The Milwaukee Road mainline from St. Regis Montana to Seattle Washington, beautiful !! Mountains, and flatlands, big lakes, rivers it is all cleared for bicycle path and horse riding

[Anonymous]

It wasn't too long ago (within the last two years)
that the tracks on that line (the Illinois side, anyway) were taken up. I know it's been deactivated for some time, and was owned last by WSOR, but I can remember the tracks still being in place in '98.
Also, there is the old "gruber" line from Freeport to Bloomington and beyond, and the former
great western main line that are in the same general area of Freeport.
For that matter, both Milwaukee Road and CNW had branches to freeport from Rockton/Rockford that are in parts still clearly visible

[Anonymous]

There is a section of the old Milwaukee Electrified that parallels I-90 from Garrison to Missoula Montana that has many of the tunnels and substations still standing. So far, I have only observed it from the highway, but much of it is readily accessible, and I really want to do a little exploration of the area. MRL (Ex-NP) also runs next to this abandoned right of way. Anyone visiting anytime soon is advised that some restrictions are in place due to the high fire danger.
Not so much for exploration, but there is a section of old Milwaukee Road grade west of Great Falls, Montana, that overlooks the BNSF main for a good photo location, and has enough of an old cut left to provide a safe place for target practice while waiting for trains to photograph or videotape. Due to the dry year, the snake population is rather high, so a pistol with "snake rounds" is not a bad idea. Ron H.