Watch out Humpback Rock, there’s a new trail in town
Located 500 feet beneath Rockfish Gap in Nelson County, Virginia has opened a brand-new walking trail called the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. This isn’t any ordinary trail, but central Virginia’s only former train tunnel converted into a trail. A 15-20 minute walk from the parking lot takes visitors right up to the nearly one-mile long former train tunnel. Built between the years 1850 and 1858, the tunnel was built mostly by a poor Irish workforce and slaves. The tunnel hasn’t been in use since the 1940s and was donated to Nelson county in 2007 by CSX Transportation to construct this trail. It was finally opened to the public on Nov. 21, 2020.
On the trail to the tunnel, you will find many informational signs about the history of how it was constructed. The trail is relatively flat and very well maintained with trash cans along the footpath. The train tunnel itself is almost a mile long, 16 feet wide, and 20 feet tall. Most of the walls are exposed rock with some parts having to be bricked up to prevent debris from falling.
Since there are no lights in the tunnel the only light comes from each end, but that light doesn’t reach far. I recommend bringing a flashlight stronger than a phone flashlight. It is so pitch black inside that the phone light is consumed by the darkness. If you have never been inside a long tunnel, being inside might feel odd at first because your eyes won’t be able to adjust without the help of your light. Thankfully, the path is flat, and also had no trash when I went through. Another thing that you should bring is a jacket, even if it’s cool or temperate weather the wind is directed into the tunnel and is strong at times.
It is important to know that the trail isn’t a loop, so when you finish you go back through to get to your car. I also recommend going during the weekdays if possible because it does get busy and there’s limited parking. There are port-a-potties located at the trailhead. This is truly a unique, beautiful, and relativity easy hike for the family. Just remember to not leave trash and to be respectful to the wildlife.
Address: Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, Afton, VA 22920