Matildaville was once a booming mining community that centered around the Patowmack Company from 1785 until 1799. Today, all that remains are the foundations of this long-forgotten ghost town in Virginia. Those that are curious enough to try to catch a glimpse of Matildaville can reach it via a wooded hiking trail through Great Falls Park, aptly named the Matildaville Trail. Here’s more on how you can venture to this little-known ghost town in Virginia! What’s your favorite ghost town? Let us know.

Visiting Great Falls Park is an adventure that belongs on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list.
Molly R. / AllTrails
But, few people have learned the unique canal history associated with the mighty Potomac River. It's a story worth retelling, for sure.
The Virginia Assembly issued a charter for Matildaville in 1790.
Eloise La Mill / AllTrails
George Washington himself became its first president. The development of a canal system on the Potomac was one of his lifelong goals, and with the help of the Assembly, he was going to make it happen.
The town began modestly as a staging area for the canal's construction; however, it quickly expanded into a full town complete with a market, grist mill, sawmill, foundry, inn, ice house, barracks, boarding houses, and homes.
Keith Schofield / AllTrails
With new homes going up come new folks moving in, and that's exactly what happened: people and families made it home, all based entirely around the mines.

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Unfortunately, construction costs greatly exceeded what was initially planned, and the charter was eventually revoked, much to the chagrin of... well, everyone.
Keith Schofield / AllTrails
Today, all that remains of Matildaville are its ruins.
Those interested in touring the original site can take the scenic Matildaville Trail, a 1.7-mile out-and-back trek.
Mel Le Roux / AllTrails
There's not a whole lot left of it, but it is interesting to explore nevertheless.
You can look forward to walking through the woods and glimpsing views of the dramatic Potomac River falls and rapids along the way.
Denise I / AllTrails
It's beautiful; the beauty is a delightful perk of this interesting historic trail.
While there isn't much left of the town of Matildaville, the ruins that exist will surely ignite your imagination and wonder for this long-forgotten community.
Heather Pierce / AllTrails

Did you know anything about the abandoned town of Matildaville? What are your thoughts on this little-known ghost town in Virginia? Be sure to let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear from you! For more information on Matildaville and Great Falls Park, you can visit the official National Park Service website. It’s worth every moment, we promise! It’s a hike filled with wonder, natural beauty, and, of course, some pretty intriguing local history.

If you find you can’t get enough of all the mysterious abandoned places in VA, you might want to also check out places like Wash Woods, Union Level, and Elko Tract. What are some of our favorite mysterious places in VA? Let us know!

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Matildaville Trail

Tori Jane | January 09, 2023
  1. Where is the Matildaville Trail?  

The Matildaville Trail is a beautiful hiking trail in Virginia that’s just 1.7 miles in length and quite scenic. Though hiking the trail itself is free, it’s located within Great Falls Park, which requires an entry fee.  

2. Are there any spooky ghost town hikes near me?  

No matter where you are in Virginia, there’s sure to be a ghost town nearby. Some of the most notable ghost towns in Virginia are places like:  

 

3. How many ghost towns in Virginia are there today?  

As of the time of this writing, there are 19 known ghost towns in Virginia. Some of the more famous ones are listed above, but the list doesn’t end there – there are plenty more, including:  

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