“Where does it go?”
More than 850 feet long and as tall as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or "chimneys." Facilities include two campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, an amphitheater, a visitor center, a camp store and a gift shop. You'll also find the Wilderness Road historic area, a swimming pool with a 100-foot slide and a chairlift to the tunnel floor. Guests enjoy cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River, as well as the Cove Ridge Center, which offers environmental education, conference facilities and overnight dorm accommodations. The center came about thanks to a unique collaboration between the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Cove Ridge Foundation. Natural Tunnel State Park is also home to one America's most pervasive Lover's Leap tales: Legend has it that a young maiden was being attacked by a bear when a warrior from the local tribe intervened, saving the woman's life. The two fell in love, but when her father refused to let them marry, the young couple met at the cliff's edge, and leapt hand-in-hand at sunrise.
A very pretty location but I was very disappointed that you could only look at the outside of the tunnel. They only open it up once a year for tours. I would like to have been able to tour the tunnel, instead of just looking at it. You really can't see much.
I love Natural Tunnel State Park!! Friendly people, cozy cabins with Tempurpedic mattresses, as well as an amazing Interpretive staff. Be sure to check out the Wild Cave Tours and Kayak trips on the Clinch River. Also in response to the earlier comment, You can go in to the tunnel with a Park guide by way of Stock Creek, on a program called Stock Creek Passage.
Always love going here. Such a beautiful place!
It is disappointing that you aren’t allowed to walk through the tunnels, but the staff is laid back and friendly. They also have a chairlift, so you can get up and down the mountain in no time. It’s a nice little stretch your legs detour.
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/-82.7374115,36.6977773,14/300x172@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1Ijoicm9hZHRyaXBwZXJzIiwiYSI6ImJ3eVhLem8ifQ.yQYCwE4pIQahc6sjWNrrIQ)
Natural Tunnel State Park
Hours not available
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Pet Friendly
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Public Restrooms
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Check-In
- 3pm
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Check-Out
- 11am
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Pull Through
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Dump Station
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Showers
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Laundry
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Swimming Pool
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