Finley Mine Shaft in Mount Hope NJ Finley Mine Shaft in Mount Hope NJThe Finley shafts are just one of many mines which comprise the Mount Hope Mine in the rockaway area. All told they produced ore by the millions. Not much is known about the finly shaft, it being a large depression/pit just feet from the roadway. All that changed recently since the mine opened up. The new shiny fencing with cryptic warnings tell you.
Over the years, rainfall, rock fall and weathering of a mine shaft may cause it to cave and plug up. Appearing as harmless pits for many decades, until one day all that rock just break through like a clogged sink opening up. In the case of the Finley shaft, it is indeed extremely large, ominous, and extremely deep. I would reckon anything falling in there would most likely never be retrieved.
Signs are everywhere practically screaming at you to heed!
From a safe distance, the shaft.
Closer..
The fencing shows the enormity of the shaft.
A side view makes it look like a gaping mouth..
The very edge of the collapsed area
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Disclaimer: This site attempts to presents a historical perspective to the arm chair explorere on the mines of NJ & NY. The owners and authors do not condone visiting these mines, as they are dangerous and life threatening. We do not take responsibility for any injuries or death which may occur by visiting these mines nore will we give directions to anyone. All mines were thoroughly examined, with all suitable precautions taken when documenting these sites.
