History: Military Base to Bio-Security Fortress

History: Military Base to Bio-Security Fortress

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: a mysterious island lurking just off the coast of Long Island’s North Fork, called Plum Island. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. This place is seriously off-limits. We're talking Fort Knox levels of security.

Why the big deal? Well, beneath the surface of this small island lies a network of paved roads, a relic of its past as a military fort. But these roads aren't for leisurely drives. They're exclusively for accessing the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), a top-secret research facility. Think high-containment labs studying scary animal diseases.

Getting anywhere near these roads is a no-go. No public access, no private vehicles, nada. We're talking federal law enforcement and serious security. The reason isn’t treacherous terrain or hidden dangers, but a bio-containment and national security protocol. Every move is monitored, every person decontaminated.

This isn’t your average scenic route. It's a network of roads existing solely within a high-security quarantine zone. The primary danger isn't a sharp turn or a steep drop, but something microscopic. So, while the scenery might be intriguing, this is one road trip you'll only experience in your imagination.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Kenosha Pass, a 5 stars road in the Rocky Mountainsmoderate

Kenosha Pass, a 5 stars road in the Rocky Mountains

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're cruising through Colorado and want a scenic drive? Kenosha Pass is calling your name! This beauty sits at just over 10,000 feet in Park County, and it's a super accessible, paved route – no special vehicle needed. Highway 285 takes you on a 12-mile journey from Jefferson to Grant, with gentle curves and grades that won't make you sweat. The east side is a breeze, while the west has a bit more of a climb. Nestled in the Rockies, Kenosha Pass is famous for its vibrant aspen trees painting the landscape in autumn. The summit boasts spacious parking areas, perfect for soaking in those panoramic views. You'll be treated to incredible sights of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. Feeling adventurous? A small gravel road south of the pass takes you even higher, topping out at over 12,300 feet!

Where is Atigun Pass in Alaska?extreme

Where is Atigun Pass in Alaska?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Atigun Pass in wild Alaska! Perched way up at 4,822 feet, this is the highest year-round pass in the state, and it's a real beast. Located north of Coldfoot, right where the Dalton Highway crosses the Continental Divide, Atigun Pass links Alaska's oil country with the rest of the state. We're talking serious inclines here – up to a 12% grade in spots! This isn't your Sunday drive. Plus, the road is entirely unpaved, which just adds to the thrill (and the challenge). Be warned: this remote spot sees some seriously harsh weather and even avalanches in winter, so come prepared. So, is braving Atigun Pass worth it? Absolutely! Keep your eyes peeled for Dall sheep clinging to the mountainsides. You'll be crossing the Continental Divide, with rivers flowing north to the Arctic and south to the Bering Sea. The scenery is unreal – pure, untamed Alaskan wilderness. This high altitude Arctic drive is not for the faint of heart, but for those who love a challenge, this is a bucket-list road trip.

Terry Flatmoderate

Terry Flat

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever heard of Terry Flat? Nestled way up in Apache County, Arizona, this massive meadow sits at a whopping 9,950 feet! We're talking serious altitude here, folks, making it one of Arizona's highest drives. The road, known as Terry Flat Loop Road (or Forest Service Road 56), winds its way to the base of Escudilla Mountain. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect gravel, rocks, and a generally bumpy ride. You'll definitely want a 4x4, especially if it's been raining – that mud can get real tricky! And forget about it in the winter; this road is usually snowed in. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You're in the heart of the White Mountains, surrounded by incredible scenery. It's a quiet, peaceful ride on a road less traveled, especially gorgeous in the fall. So, if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a scenic challenge, Terry Flat needs to be on your list!

Route 61 in Centralia is consumed by an underground fire since 1962extreme

Route 61 in Centralia is consumed by an underground fire since 1962

🇺🇸 Usa

# Pennsylvania Route 61: The Graffiti Highway Buried beneath the abandoned mining town of Centralia in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, sits one of America's most eerie road stories. A 1.18 km (0.73 mile) stretch of Route 61 has been literally consumed by an underground coal fire that's been burning since 1962. Nobody's entirely sure how it all started, but the most likely culprit was a landfill fire near an old strip mine that eventually reached an exposed coal vein. From there, the inferno spread like wildfire through the maze of coal mines underneath the town. Today, the blaze continues to rage at depths of up to 300 feet across an eight-mile stretch covering 3,700 acres—and at its current pace, it's got another 250+ years of burning left to do. When things got too dangerous, locals packed up and left in 1984, and Centralia transformed into a genuine modern ghost town. The original highway section got so badly damaged by subsidence (that's fancy speak for the ground literally sinking and cracking) that they had to reroute traffic via Byrnsville Road instead. What's left of the old road? A buckled, cracked strip of asphalt that's constantly sinking, with smoke regularly pouring from widening fissures in the ground. The "Graffiti Highway," as it's become known, has become a magnet for urban explorers and photographers drawn to its apocalyptic vibe. But here's the thing—this place is genuinely dangerous. We're talking unstable ground prone to sudden collapse, toxic gases venting from below, and minimal warning signs. A car won't protect you much if the road gives way beneath you. Seriously, this isn't an official tourist spot, and visiting isn't recommended. The risks aren't worth the Instagram shot.