> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.hikingamerica.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Hiking into Darkness: A Tunnel and An Eclipse - URL: https://www.hikingamerica.com/darkhiking/ - Published: 2023-04-04T14:00:13.000Z - Updated: 2023-04-04T14:00:12.000Z - Description: Peer into the imposing structure and enigmatic ambiance of the C & O Canal's Indigo Tunnel. Abandoned in 1975, it provides hikers with a cool respite on a hot day. - Author: John Wesley Brett - Tags: Maryland, Indiana, Illinois ### The Indigo Tunnel For 71 years, the **Indigo Tunnel** was a bustling rail tunnel just east of Little Orleans, Maryland, along the **C & O Canal/American Discovery Trail**. Since 1975, it has stood abandoned, barricaded, and repurposed as an exclusive home for bats and other small animals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0f/28/0f286572-aa37-49a3-8704-f6d42aa3a69a/content/images/2022/12/Hiking-America-wordmark-GreenSlogan.jpg) Not affiliated with nor authorized by the American Discovery Trail Society® While you can't enter it, you can peer into it and see its imposing structure and enigmatic ambiance as **American Discovery Trail** section hiker [**Richard Morgan**](https://www.facebook.com/aminias.thompson) did recently (above). We have added **Waypoints** to **Hiking America Gaia GPS** data and **Hiker Notes** in the [**Maryland Segment 1 Guide**](https://www.hikingamerica.com/guides-maryland) to denote **Indigo's** location and history. The southwest entrance of the tunnel is a mere 500 feet away from the C & O Canal, allowing for easy access. As hikers approach, the **refreshingly cool breezes emanating from within the tunnel** provide a much-needed reprieve from the sweltering heat, making it a true blessing for those needing a respite during the summer heat. 🥵 ### The Best Spots to Witness the 2024 Total Eclipse ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0f/28/0f286572-aa37-49a3-8704-f6d42aa3a69a/content/images/2023/04/image.png) The **River to River Trail** in Illinois and the **Knobstone Trail** in Southern Indiana will offer an excellent view of the upcoming total eclipse on April 8th of next year. These picturesque hiking trails are not only beautiful in their own right but also located in regions where the skies are typically clear, making them an ideal destination for witnessing next year's total solar eclipse. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0f/28/0f286572-aa37-49a3-8704-f6d42aa3a69a/content/images/2022/07/Swoosh_UPDATES.png) ## Illinois - Southern Route ### Segment 3 - Grand Tower to Goreville ***Alert issued Now through the Summer of 2023*** **Giant City State Park - Prescribed burning (M-F)** is planned for areas of **Giant City State Park** this spring. Portions of the Red Cedar Trail, Horse Trail, the **River to River Trail**, and the Trillium Trail will be impacted. Call 618-529-4110 for more information. I have created a **new track** from a recent and more accurate trace of the **River to River Trail** for our **Gaia GPS data**. We have **redrawn all maps** impacted by the change and **updated Turn-By-Turn directions** and mileage. Hiker Notes and a couple of new Waypoints suggestions from Bernie Krausse's crossing. The new route adjustment adds two **Category 4 climbs,** and thus the **Trail at a Glance** graphic has been updated. ## Ohio ### Segment 3 - [Mt Orab to Mount Hollow Campsite](https://www.hikingamerica.com/guides-ohio/) I added a shortcut suggestion in the Hiker Notes from Bernie'22 that trims three miles of road walking south of Mt Orab. ### Segment 4 - [Shawnee State Forest to Mineral Springs Resort](https://www.hikingamerica.com/guides-ohio/) The location of the restroom and hydrant at Turkey Creek Lake was corrected. ### Segment 8 - [Logan to Burr Oak State Park](https://www.hikingamerica.com/guides-ohio/) Added Hiker Note to **Shawnee** services. > **– RESUPPLY** > Shawnee RoadDog Marathon Convenience Store - M-F 5-11, Sa 7-11, Su 8-10 - 0.48mi N of the trail. > 11/12/22 - "Full Deli." - Bernie'22 ## Iowa ### Segment 3 - Des Moines to Marshalltown Added eight new service waypoints for Marshalltown, Maxwell, and Collins. ## Missouri ### Segment 3: [Katy Trail - Windsor to Boonville](https://www.hikingamerica.com/guides-missouri/) Added additional food and resupply services in Sedalia, including **Mighty Melt Sandwich & Spuds,** which has "reopened under new ownership. Still the same amazing sandwiches, soups, and spuds!" - Anonymous'22 ### Segment 4: [Katy Trail - Boonville to Jefferson City](https://www.hikingamerica.com/guides-missouri/) Detour removed. [HOWARD COUNTY BRIDGE SET TO REOPEN ON ROUTE 40The Howard County U.S. Route 40 bridge over Salt Creek and the Katy Trail is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, March 14\. U.S. Route 40 has been closed since June 2022 when contractors working with the Missouri Department![](https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1333/2020/02/17173110/cropped-KMMO-APP-LOGO-270x270.png)KMMO - Marshall, MO![](https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1333/2020/07/09151914/Ingestor_07-09-2020-16-52-49_MoDOT-Roatdwork.png)](https://www.kmmo.com/2023/03/10/howard-county-bridge-set-to-reopen-on-route-40/?ref=hikingamerica.com) ## Maryland ### [Segment 4-DC: Georgetown/C&O Canal to Greenbelt](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ck15euvpTKFRF1Gw4-m6cSvzSpLiqczf/view?usp=sharing&ref=hiking-america-trail-maps-and-guides-to-the-american-discovery-trail) \- *FREE Preview* [National Park Service Reopens Greenbelt ParkHiking trails and picnic areas are open again at Greenbelt Park just off the Beltway and the B-W Parkway. The National Park Service has been working to restore access to the park since a severe windstorm in July. News4’s Darcy Spencer took a look at the improvements.![](https://media.nbcwashington.com/2019/09/cropped-NBC_Washington.png?fit=192%2C192&quality=85&strip=all)NBC4 Washington![](https://media.nbcwashington.com/2023/03/21700367751-1080pnbcstations.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&resize=1200%2C675)](https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/prince-georges-county/national-park-service-reopens-greenbelt-park/3298852/?ref=hikingamerica.com) **Hike Your Hike - John.** [ **Powered by Ghost** ](https://ghost.org/vs/patreon?via=hikingamerica&ref=hikingamerica.com) [ ![Shop at MountainHardwear.com.](https://www.tqlkg.com/image-100733746-13442697) ](https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100733746-13442697?ref=hikingamerica.com)