Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, East Trailhead 215 Afton Depot Lane, Afton, VA 22920
About the Business
The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, East Trailhead is a park located at 215 Afton Depot Lane in Afton, Virginia, United States. This institution is part of the historic Blue Ridge Tunnel, which was constructed between 1850 and 1858 beneath Rockfish Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia. The tunnel was generously donated to Nelson County by CSX Transportation in 2007.
Situated at the convergence of the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, the northern entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and U.S. Bicycle Route 76, the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, wildlife watchers, history enthusiasts, and more. The tunnel is also located near Interstate 64 and U.S. 250 at Rockfish Gap.
Visitors to the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, East Trailhead can experience the unique opportunity to travel through the long, dark tunnel, providing a stirring experience for all who visit. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a history buff, or a local resident, this community landmark offers outstanding recreational opportunities for all. To learn more about how you can support the Blue Ridge Tunnel Foundation and this historic site, please visit their website.
Photos
Location & Phone number
215 Afton Depot Ln, Afton, VA 22920, United States
Hours open
Monday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Reviews
"I enjoyed it tremendously. The tunnel was scary for some of the children, but exciting for the adventurous children. Flashlight for all children individually is recommended."
"We went to the East entrance. It was a fun walk for our 4 year old and a stroller for our baby. We are not hikers, so you know if we do it, it's not too hard. There are benches to rest or nurse the baby on the trail to the tunnel. Don't forget your flashlights! You want lights in the tunnel. It's a fun experience!"
"This is a great trail and worth the stop. The tunnel entrance is about a half mile walk from the parking lot. The tunnel itself is about .87/mil in length. So, just the tunnel out and back is nearly 2.5 miles roundtrip. An easy walk that took us about an hour and half with stops inside the tunnel to check it out. A headlamp/flashlight is a must if you want to really see what's in there."
"The east entrance is flat and densely packed rock, so it is very stroller friendly. The west entrance has a steep decline getting down to the tunnel - something a couple bikers were kind enough to point out when they saw me making my way towards the entrance with my dog and stroller. East entrance has plenty of parking and porta-potties. The trail is very well marked, including distance signs, and fun facts along the way for those who enjoy reading. Trail is very easy, however, more than a phone flashlight is highly recommended for the tunnel itself as it is DARK. It is also quite chilly (significant temp drop from the 85⁰ temp outdoors) - I'm grateful my son had a long sleeve, footed onesie and hat, or he would have been cold. The tunnel itself is relatively smooth but it is grooved in areas from water. There is running water and dripping water from the tunnel archway throughout, so do not be surprised to get wet. It's a little eery for little ones (my kiddo slept through most of it), and even my dog was a little on edge, but it was fun and worth the stop. Budget about an hour and 30 minutes."
"Awesome little hike! I think it's about a 1/4 mile to the tunnel from the afton side, but it's a comfortable walk to the tunnel. The tunnel is awesome! It's nice and cool in there, and such an awesome experience walking through the tunnel. Bring a head lamp or flashlight, it's pitch black in there! This is a great hike! Go check it out!"
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