Old US highway rest stop

[dognose]

I have traveled an old US highway for many years. Outside of a small town, as the highway rises up a river hillside is visible a old half circle rest stop. Now completely tree covered and overgrown, this old rest stop was likely out use and off limits by the guardrail sometime even before the new interstate highway was completed in the early 1970s.

Its only noticeable to someone passing by IF they notice the half circle arc in the woods. By itself the one pull off look like an old workman's pull off into a wooded area.

Buy think back in time, 1940s; before the interstates, one can see the old cars parked in the area with folks sitting at the picnic tables eating sandwiches - just like my family did in the early 60's.

so here is the questions:
Who actually owns the old right of ways? The state?
What sort of things may be found here besides old pop top pull tabs?

What are the Pros and Cons?

There is a good chance this has been missed by virtually all others, and could be worth checking out. Any chance of an old bottle dump ?

 

[broken_detector]

Man u are literally in a gold mine if you can go thru all the trash. I love looking at old truckstop. Amazing what all was left behind out back where they dumped stuff over the years.

 

[ARC]

Give it a test run and see what happens.

Post results... I for one am curious.

 

[Kray Gelder]

If it was me, I'd hit it. But if you really want to know, check the appropriate county's GIS website. It should show the land owner. Good luck!

 

[ToddsPoint]

You'll hit a lifetime supply of pull tabs. Gary

 

[jeff of pa]

One My Family used to use Early 60;s for Picnics sat here.
Just One Picnic Table, In the days People didn't swipe them For personal Use.
Had a small stone fireplace also.

Guaranteed Big Balls of Aluminum Foil Used to Cover the Rusted Grate, Before Building a Fire.
And the foil the Burgers Were Wrapped in. along with Soda Cans,
Bottles, Jars, Cigarette packs etc.

There were No Garbage Cans, So the woods were for
Disposal


As far as Ownership, It's so Close to the Road, It would be considered Dept. of Transportation Right of Way,
If they decided to widen the road . So I Doubt anyone would look twice if you Detected the Immediate area.

But you'd need to be a special Kind of Detectorist to last more then 10 Minutes

 

[creskol]

I have hit quite a few of those roadside picnic areas both in Virginia and Maryland, and yes..there is a lot of trash, but there is also a lot of silver and jewelry. Having a good notch is helpful.

 

[jeff of pa]

of course former interstate rest areas may be less trashy, but not as old

These 2 were Shut Down because Of Less then Normal Men who sold themselves to Truckers.

Even though D.O.T. Property, These may actually get you Fined for parking along the Interstate to Access.

the one to the North was mentioned in a 70's Treasure Magazine in a Long Range Locator ad from a Williamsport PA Company.

A supposed Customer Claimed he took his Out here & It directed him to a Jar of Gold or silver Coins .
I Don't remember which. But it was a supposed Customer Letter so

 

[broken_detector]

of course former interstate rest areas may be less trashy, but not as old

These 2 were Shut Down because Of Less then Normal Men who sold themselves to Truckers.

Even though D.O.T. Property, These may actually get you Fined for parking along the Interstate to Access.

the one to the North was mentioned in a 70's Treasure Magazine in a Long Range Locator ad from a Williamsport PA Company.

A supposed Customer Claimed he took his Out here & It directed him to a Jar of Gold or silver Coins .
I Don't remember which. But it was a supposed Customer Letter so

View attachment 1809479

So ur saying caitlyn jenner was one of the ones tapping their brake lights? Lol

 

[CoinHunterAZ]

There's an old abandoned rest stop like you describe west of Flagstaff on the vestiges of Old Route 66. It was used prior to Interstate 40 coming through, which completely bypassed this particular section of road. I hunted it for a number of years and found quite a few silver coins and wheat cents there. I also found a lot of trash too, as is to be expected in a spot like that. My best find though was a one dollar gold coin, wrapped in a bezel. Apparently someone lost part of their charm bracelet. I'd hunt that spot in a heartbeat.

 

[jeff of pa]

One thing you can count on is Children at a Lonely Picnic spot can get bored Quick, & Start Roaming the woods or other Surrounding areas..
Young Lovers Find Secluded spots to be alone together.. And
if there long enough Someone eventually may Drop trou allowing coins or Keys to be lost.

Years ago Most Gas stations had a Picnic Spot beside them.
as did Roadside Ice Cream Stands & restaurants.

also look for springs or Creeks at the Top & Bottom of Long Steep Inclines.
and secluded back roads.
Cars Heated up Often in the Early years, Needing Water & Rest.
expect more then one roadside picnic or exploration on the spur of the moment.
or simply a Car wash using the creek. I've washed & Waxed My cars as a Teen at a Roadside Creek in the 70's.
along with Many others While Partying there

 

[ticndig]

The wayside stop on US -1 in stafford Va holds relics from the war of 1812 and the civil war . and it's fair share of trash. it is less than a mile from the courthouse which was a major dug in camp.
It's been well hunted over the years but machines are better now than when it was a hot spot in the 80s.