Hiking at Natural Tunnel State Park

Carter Log Cabin

This trail is an extension of the Tunnel Trail and is the connector along Stock Creek to the Carter Cabin. The cabin, built as part of Carter's Fort in 1784, is believed to be the oldest house in Scott County, Virginia. Carter's Fort, also known as Crissman's Fort, Rye Cove Fort, and Fort Lee was built in 1774 by Issac Crissman and, ten years later, rebuilt as a permanent settlement by brothers Thomas, Joseph, and Norris Carter. The house was moved sometime later to the town of Rye Cove, then in 1997 the cabin was moved to its current location at Natural Tunnel State Park.

Blaze Color: Green

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Gorge Ridge Trail

The Gorge Ridge Trail is a 0.5 mile moderate difficulty multi-use trail that connects the campground to the Visitor Center area. It is accessible from the Purchase Ridge, Lovers Leap, and Tunnel Hill Trails. The trail passes through open fields and dense hardwood forest where plant life and wildlife abound.

Blaze Color: Yellow

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Lover's Leap Trail

The Lover's Leap Trail is named after two lovers, a Shawnee and a Cherokee, who, legend has it, leapt into the gorge and to their death when their tribal differences would not permit them to marry. The trail is a .4 mile moderate difficulty trail that follows the rim of the gorge offering many spectacular views. The trail is accessible from the Visitor Center, the Tunnel Hill Trail, and the Gorge Ridge Trail. From the Visitor Center until the first overlook near the Tunnel Hill Trail access, the trail is paved and handicap accessible. Beyond the Tunnel Hill Trail, this trail features numerous switchbacks and stairs which earn it the moderate difficulty rating.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Purchase Ridge Trail

The Purchase Ridge Trail is a 2.1 mile moderate, multi-use trail that is accessible from the group camp area and from the Gorge Ridge Trail. This smooth, earth trail climbs 200 feet to a dramatic overlook of the natural tunnel. Due to the significant increase in elevation on this trail, users should consider their abilities and plan accordingly.

Blaze Color: Brown

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Spring Hollow Trail

The Spring Hollow Trail is a .28 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail, that is accessible from a small, marked, parking area off of State Route 646. The trail winds downhill through the woods by way off a narrow, smooth, path that takes users through a hollow and along Stock Creek. The trail brings hikers to the northern entrance of the natural tunnel, the opposite end from the more frequently visited southern opening. The trail ends just inside the tunnel's mouth and users are well advised to not attempt further exploration. The tunnel has a rich history and has been part of an active railway line since 1890, so trains may approach unexpectedly at any moment.

Blaze Color: Gold

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Tunnel Hill Trail

The Tunnel Hill Trail is a .54 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that connects the picnic area to overlooks of the gorge and several other trails. It is accessible near picnic shelter 1 as well as from the Gorge Ridge Trail and Lovers Leap Trail. Starting from picnic shelter 1 the trail is narrow, flat and paved and runs through a clear area until it crosses Bishoptown Road. The trail enters a wooded area and becomes wider as the paving ends with only slight changes in elevation. Near the end of the trail there is a series of terraced steps that provide access to the Lovers Leap Trail. Users will see several small markers along the trail identifying the various types of trees that may be seen in this area.

Blaze Color: Orange

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Tunnel Trail

The Tunnel Trail into the gorge is a .3 mile, difficult trail that takes users from the Visitor Center down into the gorge where they may see the tunnel from the observation platform or hike south along Stock Creek to the Carter family cabin. The trail is gravel, somewhat steep, and has a lot of switchbacks. Hikers should not assume that the short length of the trail makes it any easier. If you have any doubt about your ability to climb back out of the gorge, consider the chairlift as an alternative.

Blaze Color: Green

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Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail

The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail is a .7 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail, that takes hikers around a loop through several different environments. These include a cedar thicket on former farmland, a mature forest, an early forest, a mowed hayfield, and a shrub area. Interpretive signs along the trail and a small pamphlet help explain what kinds of plants and birds hikers may expect to see. The trail passes two bird observation blinds, the gazebo, and near the blockhouse. The gazebo offers spectacular views of the surrounding Rye Cove and the Purchase Ridge. The trail is part of the statewide Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail system which may be accessed from the Birding and Wildlife area of this program.

Blaze Color: Red

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Chair Lift

The chairlift is a unique feature of the park that allows easy access to the gorge and the observation platform where the natural tunnel is located. For $3 visitors may ride down the chairlift, explore the area at the bottom, and then ride back up when they are ready. Restrooms are located at the top in the visitors center and at the bottom near the chairlift station. A snack bar is located at the upper station. At the bottom visitors should make sure to check out the observation platform, which makes for a natural amphitheater. In the summer on weekends the park puts on live music for their Lighting Of The Tunnel program. In the winter they put on a Christmas program with colorful lights on the lift and caroling down by the tunnel.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (276) 940-2674
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:36° 42.1033 -82° 44.7466