Entry No. 45 — the Philadelphia file — filed under: abandoned
Staley Mine
Discovered and opened in 1832, the Staley Mine was one of the earliest iron ore sources supplying the historic Oxford Furnace. Though abandoned before 1868, its legacy remains preserved within the forested West Oxford Mountain Natural Resource Area. Today, hikers can spot relics of the mining era, including an old railroad bed, a wooden cistern, a brick structure, and fenced-off mine shafts.
The story
In 1832, workers carved into the slopes of West Oxford Mountain to open the Staley Mine, driving iron ore down to feed the historic Oxford Furnace nearby—which was upgrading its setup around that time with massive new blowing tubs. It was one of the earliest iron sources fueling the furnace's blast, but its operational life was surprisingly brief.
By the time the civil war era wrapped up—and certainly before 1868—the mine had been completely abandoned. Nature moved back in to bury the mountain, but industrial heavy metal doesn't dissolve so easily. Today, the reforested slopes hide lingering bones of the operation: decaying brick masonry, a rotted wooden cistern, and straight lines cut through the timber where train tracks used to haul raw rock.
The county wrapped heavy chain-link fencing around the original mine shafts for a reason—they are deep, dark drop-offs descending straight into the hollowed-out mountain. Sticking strictly to the marked paths lets you trace the outline of a long-dead 1800s iron operation without risking a sudden shift in the soil beneath your boots.
What it's like
You'll park near 27 Mine Hill Road and hit the quiet, woodsy trails of the West Oxford Mountain Natural Resource Area. At first, it feels like any standard North Jersey hike, but keep your eyes on the ground and you'll quickly spot the level grade of an old 19th-century railroad bed. As you move deeper, the woods give up their secrets: crumbling brick foundations, a sun-bleached wooden cistern, and fenced-off mine pits yawning into pitch blackness. It's a peaceful, shadowy walk with a distinctly eerie undertone, so keep your dogs leashed and stay firmly on the marked trails.
The move: Hike the scenic trails of the West Oxford Mountain Natural Resource Area to search for historic mining ruins, then enjoy a quiet picnic surrounded by the peaceful, reforested landscape.
📍 Before you go The mine is located within the publicly accessible West Oxford Mountain Natural Resource Area, but the actual mine shafts are extremely dangerous and have been fenced off by the county; visitors must remain on the designated hiking trails.
- 📍 Oxford
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 27 Mine Hill Rd, Oxford, NJ 07863, USA
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.
Pair it with
- Burnt Mills Grist Mill Ruins — Pair these two for a full day of hunting mid-19th-century stone and brick industrial ruins being swallowed by New Jersey woods.
- Fonthill Castle — Trade raw 1830s iron mine pits in the woods for Henry Mercer's wildly hand-poured concrete architectural masterpiece down in Bucks County.
- Mahoning Drive-In Theater — Follow up an afternoon of tramping around historic abandonments with a retro 35mm double feature across the state line in the Poconos.
Good to know
Can you go inside or descend into the mine shafts?
No. The shafts are extremely unstable and hazardous. County authorities have securely fenced off the shaft openings, and visitors must remain outside the perimeter.
Where is the mine located and how do I access it?
The ruins are located within the West Oxford Mountain Natural Resource Area at 27 Mine Hill Rd, Oxford, NJ. Access is via public hiking trails.
What visible relics remain along the trail?
You can spot the former railroad grade, a wooden cistern, a brick structure, and several fenced mine shaft openings scattered through the woods.
Are there official opening hours or fees?
It is open, public county parkland, so there is no admission fee, but you should confirm current park access and trail conditions before making the drive out.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: njskylands.com · metrotrails.org · warrencountynjheritage.com · dep.nj.gov
last checked: 2026-07-20