Berlin Townsite Trail, NV

Overview: This hike is located within the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in central Nevada. The park was established in 1957 to preserve two very different events. This hike will cover the historical non commercial town site of Berlin, an authentic 20th century ghost town with many of its original buildings and equipment. The Ichthyosaur site which is the largest and most concentrated collection of Ichthyosaur fossils in North America will be documented in the hike description Richmond Canyon Loop.

History: Silver was first discovered in this area in 1863 but it wasn't until 1896 that gold was discovered and the town of Berlin was created. The short but intense hunt for gold was enjoyed by as many as 250 people at the height of activity. This rush for riches generally ended by 1911 but the town was never totally abandoned. While some of the equipment was sold to other area mining endeavors much of the original settlement is intact as one of Nevada's best preserved ghost towns.

Hike: There is no one way to do this hike but it is described here in a counter clockwise direction from the entrance station. The entrance station doubles as a small museum which is a good place to start and end your exploration. The trail starts across from the museum and passes by several old homestead property's. Some have the original cabins still equipped with household items of the era. There are more than eighty informative signs at points of interest on this trail. The trail meanders thru the town and passes several prospect mines. There is rubbish such as old tin and cans at various disposal sites throughout the town site as everything has been kept true to life. The trail makes its way down off the hillside to the old town cemetery. My own speculation here but as opposed to many towns that put the cemetery up high such as boot hill. This cemetery was placed low, down off the hillside a good distance away from any digging for minerals so as to not interfere. From the cemetery the trail works back towards the east passing several more prospects and generally heading towards the stamp mill which dominates the horizon. The workmanship inside the stamp mill is amazing. The building is undergoing renovation as funds allow. The mine superintendents house is next with an old automobile still parked out front. Passing an old storage building brings you back to the museum . Take the path behind the museum to access the Diana Mine Tour .

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2010-06-08 AZLOT69