Julie and I have just returned from a fantastic road trip, enjoying the breathtaking views along Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. Along the way, you’ll find one tunnel on Skyline Drive and a total of 26 tunnels along the entire Blue Ridge Parkway.
To our astonishment, we found a hidden tunnel that was open to visitors. This secret was one of the highlights of our trip. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail.
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Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
You’ll take a repurposed trail that leads you through a historic railroad tunnel within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The walk will be in darkness.
As you walk through the tunnel, you’ll come across informational signs that offer a glimpse into its past and the individuals responsible for its construction. The surroundings just outside the tunnel are home to a variety of lovelily situated plants.
This path begins as a serene, educational stroll through nature, touching on historical sites. However, when you enter the lengthy, dimly lit passageway, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. You’re suddenly surrounded by strange noises, the sound of dripping water, and irregular terrain beneath your feet. Your heart quickens and your senses become more alert as you acclimate to your new environment. Much like a haunted house, the experience is meant to be thrilling and a bit unsettling, but ultimately enjoyable.
Let’s go over a concise history of the tunnel and review the necessary details for your journey, after which we’ll share our thoughts about the experience.
Tunnel History
In the 19th century, the Blue Ridge Mountains posed a major obstacle to goods being transported westward by Americans. Overcoming this geological hurdle by building a railroad was an extraordinary technological feat that demanded unique engineering expertise to succeed.
Claudius Crozet, a French immigrant who was the lead engineer, designed the tunnel and oversaw its construction. As such, the structure is commonly referred to as the Crozet Tunnel or Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel.
The construction started in 1850 and was supposed to be finished within three years, but the rock discovered to be extremely hard and difficult to work with ended up taking a lot longer than anticipated.
It’s worth mentioning that dynamite was not yet available, meaning workers were forced to use hand drills and black powder to dig through the tunnel.
In 1858, the first train used the Blue Ridge Tunnel. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway discontinued its use of the tunnel in 1944, opting to use a neighboring tunnel that could accommodate larger trains instead.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Railwaychanged name to CSX Transportationin 2007, donated the tunnel to Nelson County. Following restoration work, the Blue Ridge Tunnel reopened as a trail path on November 21, 2020.
Blue Ridge Tunnel: Getting There and Getting Around
The Blue Ridge Tunnel is located at 175, Interstate Road, Gallmeyer, Virginia, 22732. Here are the directions to the Blue Ridge Tunnel:
**Travel by Car**
1. From Miami: Take I-66 West towards Winchester
2. Continue on I-66 W for approximately 10.5 miles
3. Take Exit 13 towards VA-81/I-81
4. Keep left on the exit
5. Get on VA-81/ Crozet Ave going south
6. After 0.7 mile, turn left on Tunnel road
7. In 0.4 miles, arrive at Blue Ridge Tunnel
**Parking and Facilities**
There is one-hour free parking available near the Blue Ridge Tunnel. Please be advised that parking is limited and on a first-come basis.
Connecting the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Blue Ridge Parkway does not apply to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Blue Ridge Tunnel is located at the meeting of the two roads at Rockfish Gap.
It’s not surprising that the tunnel remains a mystery to the majority of people.
I recommend taking the time to hike the tunnel trail, as it offers a one-of-a-kind experience and a hike through a historical setting.
So where can you find the great tunnel’s location? The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail has two trailhead access points.
West Trailhead
The west trailhead can be found at 483 Three Notched Mountain Highway, located in Waynesboro, Virginia 22980.
Directions:
East Trailhead
The trailhead for this path can be found at 215 Afton Depot Lane, located in Afton, Virginia 22920.
Directions:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the length of the Blue Ridge Tunnel?
The Blue Ridge Tunnel is approximately four thousand two hundred seventy-three feet long, equivalent to about 0.8 miles.
What is the length of the tunnel?
At its lowest point, the tunnel extends 700 feet beneath the earth’s surface.
What is the length of the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail?
The distance from one endpoint of the trail to the other is 2.25 miles. This makes the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail a total length of 4.5 miles one way, and 9 miles round-trip.
What is the estimated duration of the hike?
The hike is considered relatively simple and can be completed in about 1.5 to 2 hours with a leisurely pace. The path on the east side of the tunnel is generally flat, whereas the western portion features steeper sections.
What is the cost to hike the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail?
I’m pleased to inform you that admission is free when hiking the historic railroad tunnel trail.
Is parking available?
The west trailhead parking area has 20 designated parking spaces available for visitors. In contrast, the parking lot at the east trailhead has space for 56 vehicles.
What are the hours?
The hours of operation for the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail are from dawn to dusk.
Is the tunnel lit?
The tunnel is unlit. It is suggested that hikers bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Are dogs permitted on the trail and in the tunnel?
Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trail and in the tunnel.
Can you pedal a bicycle on the path and also ride through the enclosed passage?
Bicycling is indeed permitted on the path and inside the tunnel. It’s advisable to pedal your bike through the tunnel on foot, though, due to the rough surface and pedestrian traffic.
Are restrooms available?
Portable toilets are readily accessible at every trailhead for your convenience.
What else would you like to know about this topic?
It’s worth noting that the temperature within the tunnel is typically between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
You may notice water leaking from the walls and ceiling of the tunnel. The ongoing water seepage has led to some rough spots and pools of water, making it another good reason to bring a flashlight.
The ten-foot-wide trail, made of finely crushed gravel, is relatively flat east of the tunnel, but has a few hilly spots on the west side. The path gets steeper as you go, which means the average grade is about 6.5% and the steepest parts reach as high as 19%.
You’ll come across a concrete mat stream crossing on the western part of the trail. If it rains, there may be water flowing over it.
What will you be needing to bring along?
To ensure a fulfilling experience, please consider bringing the following:
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail: Our Impression
The Blue Ridge Tunnel, located in Pearisburg, Virginia, is the longest cave tunnel in the world and a breathtaking hiking experience. Considered one of the most challenging and technical trails in the United States, this tunnel hike has attracted daredevil hikers and adventurers from all over the globe.
**Introduction**
“We are the ones who came looking for a unique hiking experience in Virginia’s beautiful Greenbrier River Hotel park,” shares Blue Ridge Tunnel Treks, a company that offers guided tours of the tunnel. “The Smoky Mountains has so much to offer, of course, but a UNESCO Natural World wonder, Pistake sequence falls… all these destinations share one thing in common: endless scenic vistas, wildlife, & of …. Great adventures!”
The 11-Meter Blue Ridge Tunnel is nestled within a fourteen-mile diversion of the Appalachian Trail in South West Virginia. Excavated between 1894-80, the tunnel became the final remnant of a project begun by the Beronto Indians, bringing traffic across mountaineous terrain by the disruptive tour of descent washstone axle and wedge.
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I truly appreciate experiences that bring together nature and rich history. Hiking through a tunnel that was part of a former railroad is a thrilling adventure. As I walk through the mountain, I can almost hear the sound of the trains whizzing by on the tracks through years past.
The dark tunnel and dripping water create an eerie atmosphere, unintentionally making the experience feel spooky. You’ll have a blast walking through the tunnel with your light guiding the way, expertly navigating around ruts and puddles, as if through a minefield.
I pointed out to Julie that she walked quickly through the passageway. Even now, she insists that the passageway is haunted.
The tunnel is not just short and narrow, the Blue Ridge Tunnel is nearly a mile long, plunging you into complete darkness for a good stretch, only to reveal a glimmer of light ahead, making the hike a thrilling experience.
Spending time here is definitely a great use of your time, and we highly suggest you add it to your to-do list when deciding what to do next, as there are many other exciting places nearby that are definitely worth visiting.
For more information on the Blue Ridge Tunnel and other local attractions, I recommend checking out a reliable website or online encyclopedia such as Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, or the official tourism website for the area.
**Choosing the Right Trail**
When planning a journey through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, it’s essential to pick the right route.
To determine which trail is best for you, consider your surroundings and the time of day when planning your hike.
1. **Safety:** Be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
2. **Steep terrain:** Be mindful of the steep hills, both up and down.
3. **Distances:** Plan your hike accordingly, depending on how much mileage you want to cover.
From here, two trails will guide you through the Blue Ridge Tunnel.
1. **Trail 2:** This trail is less frequented and offers a more rugged experience.
2. **Trail 3:** This trail is more heavily trafficked, and offers scenic views.
**Summary:**
Experience the thrilling combination of outdoor adventure and historical significance on the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. This unforgettable journey takes you through a long, dark tunnel, offering an exhilarating experience unlike any other hike. Grab a flashlight and get ready to navigate through the underground terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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