Buzz
What exactly is urban exploration, you ask? It’s the pursuit of uncovering the hidden, often forgotten chapters of local history—the pieces that have been veiled by fear, myths, and the passage of time. As civilization spreads further into nature, the opportunities to explore seem fewer. Or so we think.
As urban sprawl creeps deeper into the secluded forests, vast deserts, and towering mountain ranges, it leaves behind remnants of what once was. We watch as forests are cleared for housing projects, while entire city blocks stand abandoned, now home to stray animals and forgotten memories. As freeways slice through the landscape, we leave behind forgotten paths, only to be rediscovered by those who wander and explore.
I’ve driven countless nights with high beams blazing, taking sharp turns only to encounter unexpected sights. Even the most mundane towns harbor dark, strange tales beneath the surface. But, like any seasoned adventurer, you need to be prepared. Getting stuck on a deserted, forgotten road can be as eerie as a night spent in a jungle. No jaguars to worry about, but let's be real: where do you think the serial killers dispose of their victims?
For those of you eager to explore, I’ve put together 10 essential tips to help you avoid getting into trouble (or worse—ending up in a river with moths in your throat... or a night in jail. Your mom won’t keep bailing you out forever). Also, note this: Urban exploration is not the same as paranormal investigation. Though they often overlap, paranormal investigation seeks to uncover or debunk ghosts, while urban exploration aims to uncover forgotten and often unsettling histories.
10. Fuel
Make sure to stop at a gas station before heading out. Regardless of how much fuel you think you have, it’s never enough. It’s always better to top off your tank just to be safe. Unless you’ve been to the area before and know exactly how much fuel you’ll need, expect the unexpected. Would you rather return home with three-quarters of a tank, or risk stalling in front of a deserted farmhouse with no streetlights or neighbors in sight?
9. Snacks
Consider making a quick pit stop at your favorite fast food joint. A meal can work wonders—satisfying your hunger and helping you feel more relaxed and focused. Once your stomach is taken care of, you can concentrate better and avoid distractions. Picture this: you're sitting in your car, thinking, 'Boy, I could really go for a cheeseburger,' and in that moment, it’s easy to miss that important side road. Missing it might just steer you off course, heading toward a dead-end.
8. Flashlights
A lot of urban exploration happens after the sun sets, once work is done and we’re free to explore. Let’s imagine you ignored steps 9 and 10. You didn’t refuel, but that’s fine because—man, you're starving—you could really go for a cheeseburger, and you know exactly where to find it. Fast forward an hour, and you've completely missed Turnhere Rd. No worries, though—just turn around. But wait, the car doesn't seem to be on your side; it’s not just delayed—it’s dead. Luckily, you’ve got a flashlight with spare batteries. It’s not the ideal situation, but at least you’ll be able to spot that serial killer lurking in the dark.
7. Take a buddy along
This person will serve as your co-pilot. You'll likely be navigating through winding roads or forgotten neighborhoods, and you’ll need to focus on the journey and the road ahead. You never know when an unexpected deer or wandering traveler will dash in front of your car. Having a second pair of eyes is helpful to spot turns and potential dangers. And if one of you starts feeling drowsy, the other can take the wheel. Teamwork really does make the dream work.
6. Stick to areas you're familiar with
Isn’t the whole idea of urban exploration to venture into the unknown and discover uncharted places? Absolutely. BUT, having a good sense of direction is essential. I know my county and its surrounding areas well enough that if I ever got lost, I could easily find a road or town to guide me back. But if I were to venture into another state, I’d be completely lost. There’s nothing familiar to help me out. That’s the worst kind of situation—when you can’t find your destination and can't even turn back home.
5. Refrain from trespassing
It’s not the easiest thing, but it’s smart to avoid stepping onto private land or entering condemned buildings. Ending up in jail would certainly spoil your plans. Also, condemned buildings are shut down for good reasons. That gap in the second-floor isn’t a secret window to admire what’s below; it’s an actual danger. If you happen to fall through, you’ll find yourself in a hospital and then in jail – much worse than simply ruining your night. Unfortunately, the most intriguing places are often off-limits. If you can’t resist, seek permission from the owner. And if sneaking in is necessary, go with the full knowledge that you’re doing so at your own risk. Personally, I avoid trespassing and do not support it in any form.
4. Get yourself a TomTom
Or at the very least, have a strong sense of direction. Maps are helpful, but they can be outdated and may not show smaller or less-traveled roads. A GPS system can be a real lifesaver, reducing a lot of the stress for item 3.
3. Always bring your spare keys
Make sure to keep them on you, in a secure pocket that won’t let them slip out. There’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve locked your keys inside the car – almost as bad as actually locking them inside. Or if you trip or run, having one set of keys go missing is a disaster, but with a spare on hand, you’re covered. You can always return in daylight, when you actually stand a chance of finding them. And remember: On a dark, lonely night, when you’re stuck and waiting for help that seems light years away, nothing’s worse than being forced to wait outside your car, rather than inside it.
2. Make sure your phone is fully charged
A lot can go wrong, but at least you can rely on your phone to call for help if needed. That is, unless your battery dies. Keep it on the charger long enough to fill up the battery. Use it sparingly during the journey. Talking and texting while driving are dangerous enough, especially at night and in unfamiliar areas, but it also drains your battery. You can forgo a few messages or jokes, but make sure your phone’s charged for a crucial 911 call later.
1. Prepare to get lost
When you start your trip, it’s great to feel confident about reaching your destination. Confidence is important, but don’t place all your bets on it. Be ready to get lost. This circles back to point 10: having plenty of gas gives you room for mistakes. Eat beforehand, because there might not be another chance for a while. Keep an eye on street names and addresses as you go, as they might jog your memory later. Country roads twist and turn unexpectedly. If you do get lost, remembering a road name from a county highway sign could help you find your way back. Road signs are your guideposts. In urban areas, pay attention to one-way signs and ‘no outlet’ markers to avoid confusion in narrow streets, which will also help you shake off any curious cops.
+ Bring along a camera
Capture your discoveries—you may have stumbled upon something amazing! Urban exploration is a thrilling adventure, and preserving the memories of the night will keep them alive for years to come. Who knows, one day your children might jump into a car and set off on their own quest to uncover hidden wonders.
