Hidden in the Uwharrie National Forest, on a tract with no curated trails, is this mine. To get to it, you need to follow a number of old forest tracks and a lot of offtrail just using dead reckoning (I know that is a nautical term). During a previous visit with Will here, we were able to locate the mine entrance for the Sally Coggins Mine but getting down a steep embankment to it was too risky. Since then, another friend, Matt, made a visit and was able to get down and in. However, without light he entered the mine and took a photo. The flash startled a Vulture which in turn startled Matt who does not startle easily. This trip, we had multiple ropes and light sources.
Ed. note: Some conflicting information indicates this might be Morris Mtn mine or Sallie Coggins mine.
After repelling down the embankment, there is a small space right in front of the opening, flanked by steep sides and this water filled vertical shaft. Matt attempted to measure the depth of the vertical shaft using a rock tied to a string. It is at least 10 feet deep.
At the very end of the mine shaft this Camel cricket makes its living. Also known as Cave crickets, they are wingless and unable to fly or chirp. They can jump a surprising distance.
For safely repelling and climbing out, two safety ropes were used.
Measuring the vertical shaft.
Matt looking at an upside-down Russula mushroom
We saw several upside-down mushrooms on the mine ceiling
Looking out
The shaft goes in about 30 feet, then turns for a short distance and we can easily stand up the entire way.
Looking in
After visiting the mine we climbed back out using our ropes and continued our exploration of the mine area.
Nearby is another vertical shaft. This one measured about 6 feet deep. Matt saved a Box Turtle that had gotten down to water level and could not get back up the steep sides.
Then it was off to find the Morris Mountain mine which we never found but had a nice hike in the woods.
A White Oak cradles a Red Maple.
Fresh patch of Jack-O-Lanterns
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