Dunderberg Mountain is located in the Northeast corner of Rockland County, NY in the Bear Mountain State Park at Jones Point on the west side of the Hudson River. Dunderberg or “Thunder” Mountain was the site chosen by the Mumford Brothers in 1889 to construct a thrill ride similar to the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railroad that they operated in Pennsylvania (Mauch Chunk is now known as Jim Thorpe). The Dunderberg Spiral Railway would climb two inclined planes to a height of 900 feet above sea level and then descend on a spectacular ride to the base station at the bottom. Partial construction occurred in 1890 and 1891 and then halted when funding ran out. Not a single section of rail was ever placed on the Dunderberg Spiral Railway. Had the railway been completed, the total length would have been close to 15 miles, making the Dunderberg Spiral Railway the longest and largest roller coaster ever constructed. This view shows the mostly completed lower tunnel. The first of two inclined planes would have pased over the top of the tunnel, while the descending grade from the summit would have passed through the tunnel - near the end of its run. Most of the ruins are now part of the Bear Mountain State Park and are publicly accessible. Hikers who visit Dunderberg will be rewarded with a chance to explore the fascinating remains of this partially-completed railroad in the Hudson Valley.

Photographed by Rich Kugel, January 5, 2008.
Added to the photo archive by Rich Kugel, March 28, 2008.
Railroad: Dunderberg Spiral Railway.

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