Dudleytown TODAY

Dudleytown (all 850 acres of it) is now owned by the Dark Entry Forest Association, (DEF), a partnership in Cornwall dedicated to preserving Dudleytown from those who would exploit it. It was incorporated in December, 1924, and one of the original founders was Dr. William Cogswell Clark--the man whose wife went mad! They seem to be doing a good job. They had posted hiking trails, and you had to park at the bottom of the hill and walk up to the town itself. Mind you, there were NO signs telling you exactly where the town is. That is for a purpose....there are so many folks that wish to use it for "Paranormal" investigations that what is left of Dudleytown would simply be trashed out of what little existence it has.

It is CLOSED now, but when it was opened it is only opened (technically) by day--at night you MUST leave, or your car will be towed, and you will be arrested for trespassing. They are serious about that. Even with such protectiveness, "Paranormal" groups still venture up there and take pictures and post long, haunting stories of their "experiences" there, swearing that they have been "slapped", "chased", and what not. Yet, from everyday folk who simply wish to see an historical place, I get hundreds of emails saying what a pretty place it is---and no more. No ghosts, vortexes, nothing. Just like it was before.

Should DEF every open Dudleytown again, and should you happen to find it, here are some warnings....stay ON the roads........do NOT get off of them....the area is still heavily forested and you can get lost quite easily. (actually, anything you want to see is along the main roads anyway, that is where the residents built their houses.) Like the days of old, the area is still very rocky, so wear good hiking boots and take along a first aid kit (just in case). PLEASE, do not walk there alone. Take a look at the pictures on this site, and you will see what I mean. No, you will not see any spooks, but as you can see, the area is not the place you would want to be alone in.....just common "safety sense."


Be very careful--again, the area is rocky and contain what the locals call FAIRY CAVES. What are they? Well, an old saying goes: "God sent rocks to Cornwall, and little else." Fairy Caves are rocks that are covered with grass, making it appear safe to walk on. When you do, your foot gets caught in the rocks......stuck fast! Unless there is someone with you, you may have a long, painful wait. Should you free yourself, expect a bruised, or sprained, ankle.

So what is there? Not much. Just a few foundations and some (less than twelve) cellar holes (be careful! some are covered over!) Oh, if you are a Dudley I know you have got to see it, so do should it open again! But if you are expecting a (pardon the pun) real, still fully built, Ghost town---well, you are going to be disappointed. It's a nice hike, and pretty scenery, so pack a lunch, a blanket, and enjoy it!! Just leave before nightfall or you may get a free ride in the County Mounties car!!

By the way, you MAY run into a "Paranormal Expedition" while you are there (especially if on a weekend). Some of those folks are really quite friendly--and may ask you to join them. IF they do, go ahead! But be aware, 95% of them know NOTHING of the TRUE history of Dudleytown--only of the legend. IF you are familiar with the FACTS, go ahead and try (GENTLY) to correct them. If you see you are upsetting them, remember that you are really not a part of the group and be silent. THEN watch how a legend becomes fact for some people, and pray for them.

ENJOY!