Quick Facts
- State
- Pennsylvania
- County
- Elk County
- Status
- Unknown Status
- Access
- Unknown Access
- Coordinates
- Not recorded
Big Run isn't the ghost town on the postcards, which is exactly why it's worth knowing about. Big Run is a borough in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 624 at the 2010 census, a decline from the figure of 686 tabulated in 2000.
Elk County holds 18 documented ghost towns, including Arroyo, Blue Rock, Corduroy — Big Run keeps them company on the map.
The story of Big Run
Pennsylvania invented the American company town — coal patches and oil booms that burned bright and short.
Big Run is a borough in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 624 at the 2010 census, a decline from the figure of 686 tabulated in 2000. The borough was named for the waterway of the same name.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Big Run is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Big Run is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.
Good to know
Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.
Big Run FAQs
Where is Big Run located?
What county is Big Run in?
What is the history of Big Run?
What remains at Big Run today?
Can you visit Big Run?
Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Big Run, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania”), CC BY-SA.