Author:
Clyde Lopez
Date Of Creation:
24 June 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
New York City's Freedom Tunnel was once home to several hundred or several thousand homeless people living in makeshift homes. In the 90s, the Federal Passenger Rail Service forced them to leave this place, and the Freedom Tunnel became a haven for graffiti artists.
The Tunnel of Freedom is miles of history and art and is a must see for every urban exploration enthusiast. It is very easy to get to and you don't need any equipment.
Steps
1 Take 1 train to 125th Street.
2 Go under the bridge until you come to the overpass. The paths at this moment will be above you. 
3 Climb the hill and slide through the gap between the fence and the flyover.
4 Follow the paths until you reach the tunnel.
5 At the end of your journey, exit the tunnel and look for a picket fence. Just climb over this fence using one of the overpass pillars and walk towards Riverside Park.
Tips
- Keep in mind that this is considered a violation, the tunnel is actively patrolled by the railway police.
- Bring replacement shoes with you if you don't want to get dirty.
- About a quarter of the tunnel's path is occupied by abandoned stations. They are very interesting, but to see them you need to be an experienced climber, since the path is closed by a gate.
Literature and documentary
- Cinematographer Mark Singer made an excellent film Dark Days, anthropologist and journalist Tean Voeten wrote in great detail “People of the Tunnel”, photographer Margaret Morton created the photo album “Tunnel”. All of this work focuses on the Tunnel of Freedom and the homeless people living there in the mid-90s.
Warnings
- The tracks are still in use even if the tunnel is not in use. Every hour or so, trains will pass by. Turn away from passing trains to avoid getting dirt in your eyes.
