Is it illegal for someone to take old rail road spikes laying on the side of a rail road?

Kris Bozelle: technically it would be stealing but I have a pile of those in my garage

Kenneth Blacker: both previous responders are most suitable, yet your phraseology shows your question comes from the U.S., so Christopher is ideal. lots of information in case you Google, a touch side examining can be a biography of Harriet Tubman. Many operators of the Underground Railway were Quakers residing their faith.

Wilburn Denice: Of course it is stealing, someone owns them and it isnt you. One or two for souvineers or paper weights is not likely to get you in trouble but your Dad is right, you dont own them or the property they are on, you were trespassing.

Maryland Gareau: The rails are on the easement which belongs to the rail road.You can contact local rail office and get permission to remove old ties and spikes.Neither are usable and considered waste material.