Trip Planner: USA / Virginia / Duffield / Natural Tunnel State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park, Duffield

4.7

#29 of 100 in Nature in Virginia

Must see · Geologic Formation · State Park

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.

With our world travel planner, Duffield attractions like Natural Tunnel State Park can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away.
Source

Create an itinerary including Natural Tunnel State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor traveler rating

185 reviews

Google

4.8

By 363lacyw

Had a nice time with the family! The chair lift is really neat and the little cabin. The area is beautiful and breathtaking. more »
By Jane M

It was raining (Tropical Storm Beta) which prevented us from riding the Virginia Creeper so we drove over to the state park and was pleasantly surprised. The trails were well maintained and provided.... more »

See more on TripAdvisor »

Google

By Anon Ymous

5 stars aren't enough for this gem. Well kept and maintained sites, Beautiful surroundings, amazing history... Oh yea, and there's the Natural Tunnel too. Wow. What an amazing feature in this Earth. Thank you for making this a state park. You must check out the Block House and definitely take the Bolling Cave Tour; so far beyond my expectations for a cave in this area.

more less
By J E

Seriously one of the wonders of the world. Ive been to Natural Tunnel a few times over the past 3 decades yet never ventured further than the main cave area and above canyon rim. Yesterday I hiked every trail offered in the park. All of the trails were well-kept and mostly easy to navigate, but always take a park map. There are black bears inside the park, I spotted one in the morning right at the base of the chairlift area crossing the railroad and creek. Highly recommend visiting NT. A full day of great outdoor fun.

more less

See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Duffield

Get a personalized trip

A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferences

Customize it

Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules

Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.