Don’t Go Inside Arkansas’ Longest Tunnel If You’re Claustrophobic

Tunnels are necessary roadways. The primary reason for their existence is to link one place to another. Many sectors require tunnelings, such as transit systems, railroads, water distribution, sewage disposal, hydroelectric generation, mining, and flood control. Some of the largest tunnels in Arkansas are also the oldest. Many were built in the early 20th century. The size of these structures is impressive, and their narrowness and creepiness wrap them in mystery. Don’t go inside Arkansas’ largest tunnel if you’re claustrophobic!

Discover the longest tunnel in Arkansas, including the biggest tunnel you can drive through in the state and the location of some secret underground tunnels.

How Many Tunnels Are in Arkansas?

There are seven railroad tunnels and one highway tunnel in Arkansas. The most well-known tunnels in the state include the Bobby Hopper Tunnel, the Cotter Tunnel, and the Pyatt Tunnel. The Bobby Hopper Tunnel is the only highway tunnel in the state, located on I-49, which is open to four lanes of traffic.

The Cotter Tunnel brings the Missouri Railroad and the Arkansas Railroad together underneath a ridge of US Route 62. It was built in 1903 and still sees active freight service. And the Pyatt Tunnel is another historic site from 1903. This railroad tunnel is located in Marion County. Unfortunately, it has not been improved like other railroad tunnels.

What is Arkansas’ Longest Tunnel?

The Crest Tunnel is Arkansas’ longest tunnel. Situated northwest of Omaha, this tunnel passes under Arkansas Highway 14 near the junction of US 65. The Crest Tunnel runs from northwest to southwest and is approximately 3,500 feet long. This historic tunnel is also unique for its impressive curve near the southern portal. It was built in 1903 and is listed as a historic place on the National Register of Historic Places in Boone County, Arkansas. Apart from being the longest tunnel in the state, it is also very narrow and somewhat creepy. The long tunnel does not allow for much room as you move through its dark interior.

Crest Tunnel was built alongside the Cricket Tunnel during the same time. Both are located in Northern Arkansas, and the Cricket Tunnel passes under the old Route 65, running northwest to southeast. It is small than the Crest Tunnel, featuring 2,657 feet. Construction crews did not complete either tunnel. The Crest Tunnel’s northwest end is incomplete, and the Cricket Tunnel’s southeast portal is unfinished.

What is the Crest Tunnel Used for?

The White River Division of the Missouri Pacific Railroad built both tunnels, straight through bedrock. And the crew encountered several setbacks due to the type of clay and an unforeseen rockslide. The White River Division was in charge of building the Iron Mountain railway, which would go from Carthage, MO to Newport, AR, including the area along the White River. But they ran into many problems with the rugged terrain, and not long after completion, the railroad industry faded away.

The Crest and Cricket Tunnels are no longer active. And the Crest Tunnel is pretty inaccessible and difficult to find.

What is the Big Tunnel in Arkansas You Can Drive Through?

The Bob Hopper Tunnel is the only highway tunnel in Arkansas. It’s located on I-49 north of Crawford and Washington counties. Construction finished the tunnel in 1999. It features twin bores 1.595 feet long. It was an alternate route from Route 71, which was once one of the most dangerous highways in America as it passed through the Ozark Plateau.

Are There Secret Underground Tunnels in Arkansas?

While not really a secret, the Hot Springs Creek Tunnel is not known by many in the state. It is an underground aquifer with stone arches located in Downtown Hot Springs. Some say mobsters used it to get around the city. But it was originally built in 1884 to lead stormwater runoff from the mountains to nearby Lake Hamilton. However, they have been the cause of many floods in the area due to their small passage, which can’t carry a large volume of water. While these tunnels are interesting, the city does not allow visitors to traverse these historic aquifers. 

Wildlife Around Crest Tunnel

We wouldn’t be AZ Animals without telling you a little bit about the animals in the area. The Crest Tunnel is in Northern Arkansas, which is in the middle of the Ozarks. The Ozarks are heavily forested mountains that run through several south-central states.

Here are some animals that might live around the Crest Tunnel;

• White-tailed deer
• Black bears
• Moles
• Mountain lions
• Bobcats
• Coyotes
• Birds of prey
• Otters
• Beavers
• Minks
• Bats
• Salamanders
• Woodpeckers

Where Is Crest Tunnel Located on a Map?

The Crest Tunnel is situated northwest of Omaha, passing under Arkansas Highway 14 near the junction of US 65. It runs from northwest to southwest and is approximately 3,500 feet long. This is a historic place and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Boone County, Arkansas.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © CC BY-SA 3.0 – License / Original