Both residents and visitors to Virginia are well aware of the unusual natural attractions that this state boasts. One of the most famous, Natural Bridge, is largely considered to be one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Yet fewer people know about a similar phenomenon that doubles as a train tunnel. Aptly named, Natural Tunnel is a must-see geological wonder in Virginia.
Natural Tunnel is a 300-yard long passageway that cuts straight through an ancient Appalachian Mountain Ridge.
DM/flickr While the limestone tunnel has a longstanding history in the Native American culture, it is also prominently known for its discovery by Daniel Boone in the 18th century.
The Park is located at 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield VA 24244.
Google Maps Nestled in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, Natural Tunnel State Park is entirely picturesque.
What’s so extraordinary about this geological feature is that it has doubled as a train tunnel since 1893.
DM/flickr While the train tunnel originally served passenger trains, today the functioning line transports only coal. Visitors can only walk into the tunnel during a designated “Railroad Day,” when the railroad intentionally stops running and visitors are free to explore the cave.
Parking for the attraction is located near the visitor’s center, atop the valley.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Hiking down to the tunnel is an adventurous trek that takes about 20 minutes.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
You can also opt for the ski lift that offers visitors a unique perspective of the valley as it descends hundreds of feet.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
After you’ve marveled at this fantastic attraction, which has unofficially been dubbed the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World, there are plenty of ways to explore the surrounding landscape, too.
Brian Kilgore/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr The nearby Stock Creek Trail offers a beautiful walk into the woods and, during warmer months, a glimpse at some seriously beautiful wildflowers.
Have you visited Natural Tunnel State Park and seen this fascinating geological wonder in Virginia? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences there — be sure to leave us a comment below! Learn more about this unique attraction by visiting the Virginia State Parks page. For more easy-to-access natural wonders in Virginia, be sure to read about these 8 Amazing Natural Attractions Hiding In Plain View In Virginia. You won’t be disappointed!
DM/flickr
While the limestone tunnel has a longstanding history in the Native American culture, it is also prominently known for its discovery by Daniel Boone in the 18th century.
Google Maps
Nestled in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, Natural Tunnel State Park is entirely picturesque.
While the train tunnel originally served passenger trains, today the functioning line transports only coal. Visitors can only walk into the tunnel during a designated “Railroad Day,” when the railroad intentionally stops running and visitors are free to explore the cave.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Brian Kilgore/flickr
The nearby Stock Creek Trail offers a beautiful walk into the woods and, during warmer months, a glimpse at some seriously beautiful wildflowers.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Natural Tunnel, VA 24244, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
geological wonder in Virginia May 27, 2021 Beth C. What are some other must-see natural wonders in Virginia? If you’re fascinated by Virginia’s natural wonders, there are some more destinations that belong on your radar. Next up on your itinerary should be Luray Caverns. This unique and complex cavern system is home to some seriously impressive rock formations. Down below ground, you’ll enjoy exploring the famous attractions like the Stalacpipe Organ or the Wishing Well. Some other fascinating natural wonders in Virginia include Breaks Interstate Park, Natural Bridge, the Channels, Devil’s Bathtub, and Crabtree Falls. Learn more about these must-see natural wonders in Virginia. What are some unique destinations in Virginia? Do you love a good day trip? If so, Virginia is the state for you! There are so many fascinating destinations, in fact, that it may be a bit overwhelming to select the best option. Fortunately, we’ve done a bit of research for you. The following is a list of some of the most unique destinations in Virginia: the Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, Rose River Farms Glampground, Loudoun Valley Vineyards, Assateauge Island, the Udvar-Hazy Center, Sandbridge Beach, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and the Virginia Safari Park. How many of these unique day trips destinations in Virginia have you experienced? What are the most beautiful state parks in Virginia? There’s nothing quite as fun as heading to a Virginia state park. Our state boasts some seriously beautiful parks, complete with hiking trails, fun recreational activities, camping, and much more. Some of the most beautiful state parks in Virginia include First Landing State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Douthat State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, and Westmoreland State Park. Learn more about Virginia’s most popular state parks.
The OIYS Visitor Center
geological wonder in Virginia
May 27, 2021
Beth C.
What are some other must-see natural wonders in Virginia? If you’re fascinated by Virginia’s natural wonders, there are some more destinations that belong on your radar. Next up on your itinerary should be Luray Caverns. This unique and complex cavern system is home to some seriously impressive rock formations. Down below ground, you’ll enjoy exploring the famous attractions like the Stalacpipe Organ or the Wishing Well. Some other fascinating natural wonders in Virginia include Breaks Interstate Park, Natural Bridge, the Channels, Devil’s Bathtub, and Crabtree Falls. Learn more about these must-see natural wonders in Virginia. What are some unique destinations in Virginia? Do you love a good day trip? If so, Virginia is the state for you! There are so many fascinating destinations, in fact, that it may be a bit overwhelming to select the best option. Fortunately, we’ve done a bit of research for you. The following is a list of some of the most unique destinations in Virginia: the Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, Rose River Farms Glampground, Loudoun Valley Vineyards, Assateauge Island, the Udvar-Hazy Center, Sandbridge Beach, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and the Virginia Safari Park. How many of these unique day trips destinations in Virginia have you experienced? What are the most beautiful state parks in Virginia? There’s nothing quite as fun as heading to a Virginia state park. Our state boasts some seriously beautiful parks, complete with hiking trails, fun recreational activities, camping, and much more. Some of the most beautiful state parks in Virginia include First Landing State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Douthat State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, and Westmoreland State Park. Learn more about Virginia’s most popular state parks.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re fascinated by Virginia’s natural wonders, there are some more destinations that belong on your radar. Next up on your itinerary should be Luray Caverns. This unique and complex cavern system is home to some seriously impressive rock formations. Down below ground, you’ll enjoy exploring the famous attractions like the Stalacpipe Organ or the Wishing Well. Some other fascinating natural wonders in Virginia include Breaks Interstate Park, Natural Bridge, the Channels, Devil’s Bathtub, and Crabtree Falls. Learn more about these must-see natural wonders in Virginia.
What are some unique destinations in Virginia?
Do you love a good day trip? If so, Virginia is the state for you! There are so many fascinating destinations, in fact, that it may be a bit overwhelming to select the best option. Fortunately, we’ve done a bit of research for you. The following is a list of some of the most unique destinations in Virginia: the Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, Rose River Farms Glampground, Loudoun Valley Vineyards, Assateauge Island, the Udvar-Hazy Center, Sandbridge Beach, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and the Virginia Safari Park. How many of these unique day trips destinations in Virginia have you experienced?
What are the most beautiful state parks in Virginia?
There’s nothing quite as fun as heading to a Virginia state park. Our state boasts some seriously beautiful parks, complete with hiking trails, fun recreational activities, camping, and much more. Some of the most beautiful state parks in Virginia include First Landing State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Douthat State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, and Westmoreland State Park. Learn more about Virginia’s most popular state parks.
