Natural Tunnel State Park

State Park Virginia

Visited April 2007

Entrance sign for Natural Tunnel State Park

Natural Tunnel SP is located in southwest Virginia on Rt 23 near Duffield. The major attraction is a large naturally-made tunnel, which is now used by the Norfolk-Southern Railroad.

Tel: 276 940-2674

Arriving on the Monday after Easter, we had our choice of any site in the campground, except for the CG Host. Here we are on lucky #13.

Greetings from

Natural Tunnel State Park

Arriving on the Monday after Easter, we had our choice of any site in the campground, except for the CG Host. Here we are on lucky #13.

Ribbit! The WxToad

Around the campground

It's a small campground with only 22 sites. Very pleasant, in a grassy field with small shade tree at most sites. All have E(30A)/W hookups. A dumpstation is available.

Across from site #18 are the horseshoe pits, complete with horseshoes.

We didn't get to check out the bathhouse. Due to some construction activities (more camp sites and some cabins), the bathhouse was closed during our visit.

The big feature of the park is the Natural Tunnel, over a million years old. The Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks run through the 850' long, 10-story tall tunnel. There are short hiking trails to various vantage points and a trail down to the tunnel entrance. There is also a chairlift one can ride down to track level.

And if you get lucky, you'll get to see a train emerging from the tunnel. This coal train had 2 locomotives up front and 3 more pushing on the rear.

The above picture of the train was taken from the lookout shown here.

Trails are fairly short, but are quite steep and feature lots of swithbacks. I was able to hike from the campground down to the tunnel entrance and back.

As the railroad emerges from the Natural Tunnel, it crosses a small river and then goes through a short tunnel.

Down on the valley floor a short distance from the Tunnel is the Carter Cabin. Built in 1784, it is the oldest building in Scott County.

Nearby campgrounds

Warriors' Path State ParkTN · 20 miles away

Persimmon Ridge City ParkTN · 32 miles away

Sugar Hollow City ParkVA · 35 miles away

Observation Knob County ParkTN · 39 miles away

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