Photos of the Blue Ridge Tunnel courtesy of Jack Looney Photography
Blue Ridge Tunnel
About the Blue Ridge Tunnel
The Blue Ridge Tunnel was constructed between 1850 and 1858 beneath Rockfish Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia. CSX Transportation generously donated the tunnel to Nelson County in 2007.
The tunnel is located at the convergence of the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, the northern entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and U. S. Bicycle Route 76. Both Interstate 64 and U. S. 250 cross over the tunnel at Rockfish Gap.
Traveling through the long, dark tunnel will be a stirring experience for a variety of visitors from across the Commonwealth and beyond: hikers and cyclists of every level, wildlife watchers, history enthusiasts, railroad buffs, heritage tourists, school children on field trips, and nearby residents. To learn how you can support this community landmark and outstanding recreational resource please visit Blue Ridge Tunnel Foundation.
Important Information
History
French immigrant Claudius Crozet (1789–1864) designed the Blue Ridge Tunnel and was its chief engineer. He was a graduate of the École Polytechnique in Paris and served as an artillery officer during Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. Among his many accomplishments, he was a professor of engineering at the U. S. Military Academy in West Point, N. Y. He was also a founder of the Virginia Military Institute and first president of the Board of Visitors.
Chief Engineer Crozet began, with the help of assistant engineers, by surveying a route between Mechum’s River in Albemarle County on the east side of Rockfish Gap to Waynesboro on the west side. His resulting plan included three tunnels, man-made embankments across deep hollows with numerous culverts in Albemarle County, and the almost one-mile-long Blue Ridge Tunnel between Nelson and Augusta Counties.
Crozet predicted that the Blue Ridge Tunnel would be finished by 1853, but the unexpected hardness of the rock, especially greenstone on the east side, turned out to be an almost unbeatable opponent. Indeed, he referred to hard rock 90 times in letters he wrote to the Board of Public Works between 1849 and 1858.4 Nonetheless, Irish immigrant laborers perforated the tunnel on December 29, 1856, meeting within inches of his carefully engineered alignment.
Sixteen long months passed before laborers could finish blasting, laying tracks, and lining sections of the Blue Ridge Tunnel with bricks. Meanwhile, local citizens—most from Augusta County—petitioned the Board of Public Works three times in 1857, insisting that the Virginia Central Railroad finish the passage. Disgusted by criticism of his management, Crozet found employment elsewhere in December 1857. He formally resigned in January 1858.
The Blue Ridge Tunnel opened to traffic three months later on April 13, 1858. At the time, it was the longest railroad tunnel in North America. Though Claudius Crozet was not among the dignitaries who rode the first train through the passage, his professional expertise and visionary leadership were essential to the Blue Ridge Railroad and other lines built across Virginia in the 1840s and 1850s.
Visit the Blue Ridge Tunnel Foundation website for additional information on the history of the tunnel.
Trail & Park Rules
We want your visit with us to be as relaxing and trouble-free as possible. Before you arrive, please become familiar with these few simple facts. Observe the rules and regulations while visiting the Blue Ridge Tunnel.
The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Please be cognizant inside the tunnel of other visitors and beware of uneven ground. BRING FLASHLIGHTS!
The roadway and the land leading to the trailhead/park is privately owned and visitors should obey all parking signage. There is no overnight or RV camping at either trailhead.
Virginia’s natural areas have small parking areas, some as few as 8-10 spaces. When the lot is full, the attraction is full.
- If the lot is full when you arrive, please come back another time.
- Park only in designated spots, not on roadsides.
- Have a backup plan for your day in case parking is not available.
Easier access on the east for those seeking a less strenuous experience (and is recommended for accessibility for wheelchair users).
Bikes: We recommend east trail for bikes as well. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians. Bring flashlights or headlamps!
Natural surroundings:
- Help preserve the trails and tunnel. Please do not cut or scar any plants or trees.
- Collecting any animal or plant is strictly prohibited. Remember, take only pictures and leave only footprints.
- Refrain from feeding wild animals. Litter and garbage are unsightly and attract and injure animals.
- Please use the trash containers or pack all trash out in our trash-free parks. The releasing of balloons is not allowed. Decorative balloons must be deflated and disposed of as trash.
- Help prevent trail erosion. Walk along designated trails only. Mountain bikes are permitted only on roads. Please don’t create your own trail.
The operation of golf carts, utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles is prohibited by law. Drones, other unmanned aerial vehicles including remote control aircraft, and aircraft in general cannot be flown.
State law prohibits alcohol use. Smoking is not allowed inside the tunnel. Guests should properly dispose of cigarette butts. Fireworks are prohibited.
Overnight camping is prohibited and considered trespassing.
Anything illegal elsewhere in Virginia is illegal at the Blue Ridge Tunnel.
What To Bring
Walking at a comfortable pace, the hike to the western portal and back will take roughly 1.5 hours. The trail is crushed gravel; there are some steep inclines. One way mileage is 2.25 miles, and round trip from one trailhead to the other and back is 4.5 miles.
- The tunnel does not have lighting and the tunnel is dark. The use of a high-powered flashlight or headlamp is recommended.
- Wear comfortable shoes. There will be puddles of water inside the tunnel.
- Dress appropriately as the inside of the tunnel stays cool at roughly 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of year. Water drips from the top and the sides constantly.
- The dripping water also creates ruts and puddles on the tunnel interior trail path, be cautious when walking and/or biking.
- One section on the west trail includes a concrete mat stream crossing that may have water flowing over it during or shortly after rainstorms.
- There are portajohns at both the eastern and western parking areas but not along the trail.
- There are no water fountains along the trail. Bring water from home for your hike.
FAQ
Is the trail suitable for wheelchairs?
The trail is crushed gravel. The east trail has little change in elevation. The tunnel does not have lighting. Headlamps and/or high powered flashlights are strongly recommended. It stays cool inside the tunnel at roughly 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of year. Please note that water drips from the top and sides of the tunnel interior constantly, creating ruts and puddles on the interior of the tunnel trail path and is a natural occurrence.
Here’s trail slope and grade information:
East Trail to East Tunnel Entrance
Length 3,346 ft. (0.63 miles) net change in elevation +37 feet, max. grade 5.3% for 150 feet, most of the rest of the east trail is < 1.6% ; avg. 1.5%
Length of Tunnel
4,273 feet; change in elevation +55 feet; average grade 1.3%
West Trail to West Tunnel Entrance
Length 4,279 feet; change in elevation +175 feet; grades range from -17% to +19% for lengths of 150+ feet with grades over 5% for a majority of the trail; average grade is 6.5%; max grade 19%. One section includes a concrete mat stream crossing that may have water flowing over it during or shortly after rainstorms.
Trail width is 10 ft.
Cross Slope 1-2% for the entire trail.
East Trailhead to West Trailhead: 2.25 miles.
Are dogs allowed on the trail/in the tunnel?
Yes. Leashes are mandatory and you must clean up after your furry friend.
How long is the trail and the tunnel?
The trail is a total of 2.25 miles from one trailhead to the other. The tunnel is 4,273 feet, which is almost a mile long.
From the east trailhead through to the end of the tunnel is: 1.44 miles
From the west trailhead through to the end of the tunnel is: 1.62 miles
Who owns the trail?
Nelson County owns the trails. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains the trail and tunnel. For questions, please call 434-263-7130.
Are there amenities such as a restroom or picnic tables?
There is a portable restroom at both the east and west trailheads. Picnic tables are coming soon. Please call 434-263-7130 for updates.
What are the hours for visiting the tunnel?
The tunnel is open from sunrise to sunset.
Is the tunnel lit?
No. Visitors need to bring high-powered flashlights or headlamps.
Can I ride my bike?
Yes. Please note that water drips from the top and sides of the tunnel interior constantly, creating ruts and puddles on the tunnel trail path and is a natural occurrence. The east trail leading to the tunnel has little elevation change. The west trail is best for experienced mountain bikers and has steeper hills. See below:
East Trail to East Tunnel Entrance Length 3,346 feet (0.63 miles); net change in elevation +37 feet, max. grade 5.3% for 150 feet, most of the rest of the east trail is < 1.6% ; avg. 1.5%
Length of Tunnel 4,273 feet; change in elevation +55 feet; average grade 1.3%
West Trail to West Tunnel Entrance Length 4,279 feet; change in elevation +175 feet; grades range from -17% to +19% for lengths of 150+ feet with grades over 5% for a majority of the trail; average grade is 6.5%; max grade 19%. One section includes a concrete mat stream crossing that may have water flowing over it during or shortly after rainstorms. Trail width is 10 ft.
Cross Slope 1-2% for the entire trail.
East Trailhead to West Trailhead: 2.25 miles.
Directions
Please use the directions on this page instead of GPS or Google Maps.
The tunnel is open for public access from sunrise to sunset. Parking is available at both trailheads. There is easier access on the east for those seeking a less strenuous experience (and is recommended for accessible/handicap access).
The roadway and the land leading to the trailhead/park is privately owned and visitors should obey all parking signage.
Virginia’s natural areas have small parking areas, some as few as 8-10 spaces. When the lot is full, the attraction is full.
- If the lot is full when you arrive, please come back another time.
- Park only in designated spots, not on roadsides.
- Have a backup plan for your day in case parking is not available.
West Trailhead*
483 Three Notched Mountain Hwy, Waynesboro VA 22980
From I-64: Take Afton Exit 99. Take a left onto 250 West towards Waynesboro. The trail entrance will be on your left.
20 parking spaces available and buses may park here. Trail is NOT ADA accessible.
*Significant elevation change, max grade 19%. The steep grade of the Western Trailhead may limit access to people with limited mobility.
West Trailhead Map
West Tunnel Portal (entrance) to Western Trailhead: Length 4,279 feet (0.81 miles); net change in elevation +175 feet; grades range from -17% to +19% for lengths of 150+feet with grades over 5% for a majority of the trail; average grade is 6.5% max grade 19%.
One section includes a concrete mat stream crossing that may have water flowing over it during or shortly after rainstorms.
Trail width is 10 ft. Cross Slope 1-2% for the entire trail. Surface material: crushed stone.
East Trailhead
215 Afton Depot Lane, Afton VA 22920
From I-64: Take Afton Exit 99. Take a right onto 250 East. After 1.5miles, take a sharp right onto VA-6 East. Go .5 mile and turn right onto Afton Depot Lane.
56 parking spaces. No bus parking. Trail fully ADA accessible.
East Trailhead Map
Distance from East Trailhead to East Tunnel Portal (entrance): 3,346 ft. (0.63 miles) net change in elevation +37 feet, max. grade 5.3% for 150 feet, most of the rest of the trail is < 1.6% ; avg. 1.5%
Length of Tunnel: 4,273 feet; change in elevation +55 feet; average grade 1.3%
