- Highlights: Natural Tunnel, Carter Cabin, views
- Distance: 1.4 miles out and back
- Elevation Change 491 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt, gravel, and wood steps
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trailhead Parking: Visitor Center parking area, Natural Tunnel State Park, 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield VA. Park entrance fee required.
- Trail Markings: green and blue blazes, sign posts at junctions
- Website: AllTrails and Natural Tunnel State Park
- Beer Pairings: Bays Mountain Brewing Co.—Barney’s Brown Ale & 2280 IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
Natural Tunnel is one of the six original Virginia State Parks. The park’s trails and facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This hike combines two of the park’s most popular (and short) hikes: Tunnel Trail and Lover’s Leap Trail. Both hikes begin and end near the visitor center.
For an overview of the park, begin with the short blue-blazed hike to Lover’s Leap. Take in the views and return via the yellow-blazed Gorge Ridge Trail. From the visitor center, follow the green-blazed Tunnel Trail as it descends to the tunnel. Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over many thousands of years. The tunnel is massive—850 feet long and 10 stories high.
The naturally formed cave is so large it is used as a railroad tunnel. A second tunnel was built by the South Atlantic and Ohio railroad in 1893. The Carter Cabin is believed to be the oldest house in Scott County. It was moved to its present location in 1997.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Bays Mounting Brewing in Kingsport TN is about 30 minutes from the trailhead. This family-friendly brewery has 16 taps of craft beers, is kid and dog friendly, and food trucks visit on weekends. They are located next door to Reedy Creek Bicycles.
2280 IPA (5.3% ABV • 33 IBU) gets its name from the elevation of Bays Mountain, the nearby namesake of the brewery. 2280 is brewed with Cascade and Mosaic hops and is hoppy and bitter—just the way we like our IPAs. Pete really liked Barney’s Brown Ale (5.8% ABV) named after the legendary bear of Bays Mountain. Barney’s is a classic brown ale, malty and toasty, with notes of caramel and toffee. Cheers!
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.