Massac County Ohio River Bottoms Coal Haul Historic Circuit

This forgotten network of dirt roads was carved in the 1920s to haul coal from strip mines to Ohio River barges near Brookport. The main route follows Massac Creek through dense bottomland forest, passing the foundations of Company Store #3 and crossing several seasonal creeks on rickety wooden bridges. The highlight is reaching the ghost town of Coalport, where concrete loading ramps still jut into the river and rusted conveyor towers stand sentinel over cottonwood groves.

Easy driving in dry conditions, but these clay-based roads become impassable soup after rain — locals call it “gumbo mud.” Any vehicle with decent ground clearance works during dry spells, but 4WD recommended during wet seasons. Spring flooding can close access for weeks. No permits needed, and excellent primitive camping along the Ohio River bluffs. This is industrial archaeology at its finest, where nature is slowly reclaiming Illinois’ coal mining heritage.