Melmont Ghost Town Hike

This is an old railroad grade hike that can be walked for many miles. The trail passes through a canyon that feels very remote and forgotten. Along the way are some relics of the former town of Melmont. There is very little left to see but the few relics make for an interesting historic walk. Expect a muddy trail. Some sections are pretty bad in the winter, but with boots, you should have no issues.

At the Fairfax Bridge, cross it and park in the limited parking area, maybe a half dozen cars can park. Walk across the bridge and jump the guard rail on the far side. Both sides of the road have steep trails dropping down to the railroad grade. Once at the grade, go left toward Melmont.

After a short distance, on the right is a long rock retaining wall. Take the little trail down to the bottom of the wall and walk the length of it. Back on the railroad grade trail, continue and soon you pass a dynamite shed on the left. Next, keep an eye out on the right for a trail going down to the old car, viewable from the main trail. Eventually, around a mile, the main trail splits. Going left will take you up a short hill to a clearing where the old schoolhouse was located. There are some foundations to explore. Continuing straight will take you to the main townsite. You will notice a large open meadow, down on your right. A steep trail drops down or continue and find an easy trail down to the meadow. This was the main townsite but very little remains. Social trails continue across the meadow and down to the river, where many railroad relics are on the banks of the river. Back at the main trail, you can continue several more miles until reaching a bridge in Upper Fairfax.