McIntyre Cemetery is the resting place for the deceased of a short-lived 1800’s coal boom town. Join us as we explore its ruins and ponder our own mortality.
The abandoned McIntyre Cemetery is the mountain top burial place used by the residents of a short-lived coal boom town from the late 1800’s. The McIntyre Coal Company was established in 1870 to perform large scale mining of McIntyre Mountain in Lycoming County, PA. The town of McIntyre sprang up around the mines near the plateau of the mountain.
At its peak, McIntyre had 300 homes and a population of 1500, with a coal production exceeding 200,000 tons in some years. However, the mining operations and town were short lived – a mere 16 years. Large scale mining ceased about 1886 when the mines were exhausted. The mining equipment was removed and the town was abandoned.
McIntyre Mountain was logged between 1913 and 1919 and mining continued sporadically into the 1930s. However, all that remains are abandoned mines, foundations, old grades, and the abandoned McIntyre Cemetery. The cemetery is located behind the church in the historic map shown above. There are approximately 30 marked graves among the trees.
We visited in mid-autumn. Many of the grave markers were obscured by moss and lichen, although still readable with close inspection. Dry periods in winter are the best times to visit.
We found the foundation of the Powder Magazine noted in the historic map above.
The site of the abandoned coal mining town of McIntyre and its cemetery are the woods to the east of the parking area. When unobscured by foliage, you can see the town’s powder magazine at 41.52513, -76.94106 across the road from the parking area.
Parking is at 41.52568, -76.94163
The cemetery is at 41.52419, -76.93985
The easiest way to access the cemetery is by driving up McIntyre Mountain Road from Rock Run Road. Park in the pull off (red “P” in a circle on the map). Don’t park at the crossed-off parking area at Band Rock.
CAUTION: Driving Rock Run Road is not for the faint of heart. The road is narrow, cliff hugging, and is wide enough for one vehicle for much of the drive. The road contains numerous exposed boulders, ruts, and large mud puddles. We strongly recommend a high clearance vehicle with four wheel drive. We have made it to the top of MacIntyre Mountain in a car before, but do not recommend it. There is no winter maintenance and the road may be gated during periods of inclement weather.
While you’re up here, Band Rock is about half a mile down the road.
Want more? Here are other adventures in McIntyre Wild Area:
McIntyre Wild Area
Abbott Run
Scenic Overlook
in All of PA
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
