15 Eerie Photos of Abandoned Coal Mines

Written by Erin Kuschner on May 16, 2025

An abandoned, dimly lit mine tunnel with rusty tracks, wooden supports, and wet, muddy ground surrounded by rocky, yellow-brown walls. Light shines faintly from the far end of the tunnel.

In 1924, coal mining in America was at its peak, employing over 860,000 miners. Today, employment numbers are slightly over 40,000. Want more proof that the industry is on the decline? Just take a look at these abandoned coal mines, which have long since turned into dilapidated, incredibly creepy caves that belong in a horror flick. You can almost smell the mildew through your screen.

1. Vampires Definitely Live Here

A large underground cave with numerous stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the cave floor, illuminated by artificial lights that cast dramatic shadows and highlight the rock textures. — the_dnf

2. Rust, Chains, Darkness … the Stuff Nightmares Are Made of

Rusty metal arches and chains reinforce a dark, rocky tunnel with debris scattered on the floor, suggesting an abandoned mine or underground passage. — UserDeleted

3. Let’s Be Honest, Both Options Are Bad

A dimly lit underground tunnel with rocky walls, rusty railway tracks splitting in two directions, and red arrows painted on the walls indicating pathways. — UserDeleted

4. Nope

A dark, rocky tunnel of an abandoned mine with rusty reddish water covering the ground and streaks of black and orange minerals on the damp cave walls and ceiling. — the_dnf

5. Is This the Start of a Horror Movie or …?

A dimly lit underground tunnel with rough stone walls and a narrow track running along the muddy ground, disappearing into darkness. — UserDeleted

6. Hello, Claustrophobia

A dimly lit underground tunnel with rough, rocky ground and support beams spaced along the back wall. The ceiling and walls are dark and uneven, suggesting it is an old mine or cave. — UserDeleted

7. Train to Absolute Horror Town

A dimly lit tunnel inside a rocky mine, with old, broken railway tracks running along the muddy, uneven floor and rough stone walls lining the passage. — the_dnf

8. It Almost Looks Beautiful … Almost

Icicles and ice stalagmites rise from the rocky, uneven floor of a dark cave with layered brown rock walls and ceiling, creating a stark contrast between the ice formations and the surrounding stone. — the_dnf

9. This Is Prime Zombie Territory

A dimly lit, abandoned mine tunnel with rough stone walls, scattered debris on the ground, and rusted metal beams and supports overhead. Old tracks run along the floor, disappearing into the darkness. — UserDeleted

10. Some People Have Interesting Hobbies

A person wearing dark clothing and a gas mask stands in a muddy, abandoned tunnel beside a rusty mining cart. The tunnel has a curved, arched ceiling made of metal and brick, with debris scattered around. — Underground_1973

11. HARD PASS

Abandoned underground tunnel with brick and concrete walls, decaying wooden beams on the ceiling, and rusty railway tracks running through the center, leading into darkness. — UserDeleted

12. Nature Has Taken Over

An underground mine tunnel with rocky walls and ceiling, metal support beams, scattered debris, and mineral formations hanging from the ceiling and rising from the floor, all illuminated by artificial light. — the_dnf

13. ‘World’s Best’…Ghosts?

White-painted names, dates, and words such as "WORLD'S BEST" and "WERFT" are inscribed on a dark, rocky cave wall, surrounded by yellow and orange lichen. — the_dnf

14. This 1920s Anthracite Coal Mine Has Seen Better Days

A rusty, overturned metal mining cart lies on rocky ground inside a dimly lit cave or mine, surrounded by uneven stones and debris. — UserDeleted

15. Ah Yes, That Looks Structurally Sound

A narrow, rocky tunnel with dark stone walls and wooden support beams overhead. The floor is covered with yellowish debris and rocks, and a flashlight illuminates the scene. — UserDeleted

Want more vintage Americana?

Check out 10 Photos of Old Receipts That Make Today’s Prices Look Outrageous. You should also check out 12 Rare and Valuable Relics From the Wild West and 10 Forgotten Self-Defense Gadgets From the Past.