Natural Tunnel State Park, Duffield

4.7

#28 of 101 in Nature in Virginia

Geologic Formation · State Park

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Natural Tunnel State Park is a Virginia state park, centered on the Natural Tunnel, a massive naturally formed cave that is so large it is used as a railroad tunnel. It is located in the Appalachian Mountains near Duffield in Scott County, Virginia.

The Natural Tunnel, which is up to 200 feet (61 m) wide and 80 feet (24 m) high, began to form more than a million years ago when groundwater bearing carbonic acid percolated through crevices and slowly dissolved limestone and dolomite bedrock. A small river, which is now called Stock Creek, was diverted underground and it continued to erode the tunnel over many millennia.

The walls of the tunnel show evidence of prehistoric life. Many fossils have been found in the creek bed and in the tunnel walls.

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Natural Tunnel State Park reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

195 reviews

Google

4.8

By williamsW2951YD

Wife and I went to take a look at this, and not disappointed!!!! Hiked down to the tunnel, as the chair lift not in operation yet, but get our walking in! Beautiful place! And just amazing to see...

Wife and I went to take a look at this, and not disappointed!!!! Hiked down to the tunnel, as the chair lift not in operation yet, but get our walking in! Beautiful place! And just amazing to see... more »
By 962anthonyp

This park has a little bit of everything. There is, of course the huge natural tunnel that pioneering businessmen decided would be a great place for a train to get through the mountain - they are...

This park has a little bit of everything. There is, of course the huge natural tunnel that pioneering businessmen decided would be a great place for a train to get through the mountain - they are... more »

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Google

By YoungKi Chang

What an amazing place! The tunnel is about 7 stories high and 60 yards wide. The view point is about 18th floor up and let you enjoy the entire scenery! (Just don't drop your phone...🤳🫣) The park rangers are super duper awesome as well. They accommodated my daughter's wheelchair needs during our visit, even the chairlift ride. They coordinated with the low side and got a rental one ready for free. After the return ride, a park ranger showed our kids how the chairlift works and let them push some buttons under her supervision. The rail is active and you will get to see the train if you are lucky - according to the ranger, the train 🚂 schedule is random. Lastly, one ranger had tons of animal footprint casts and let the kids pick and paint them. Ten thumbs up and Highly recommend!!! 🙌

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By Ronnie Kegley

Extremely nice park all set up for Christmas. From the Christmas Lights, to decorations , the seats around an open fire. Christmas music playing through out the entire park , the Carter trail and cabin to the popcorn and hot chocolate along with more snacks and drinks makes for a wonderful time and getting the mood set for a glorious spiritual Christmas.

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