Natural Tunnel State Park

A trip to beautiful Scott County must include a visit to the Natural Tunnel. A tourist attraction since the 1920's, the tunnel still amazes visitors, and it surely amazed us. It's hard to snap a picture that really captures the grandeur of this natural wonder.......but that didn't stop us from trying!

Natural Tunnel was carved out of the mountain by Stock Creek. Following the curve of the railroad track passing through it, the tunnel is 838 feet long. For most of its length it is about 100 feet wide, though at its widest point, it measures 200 feet across. The height inside varies, but averages about 50 feet. The highest points are 70-80 feet high.

These facts are taken from the book, "Natural Tunnel, Nature's Marvel in Stone" by Tony Scales. Tom and I met Tony and bought this wonderful book the first time we visited the amphitheater of the tunnel.

A thunderstorm rolled through just as we were arriving at the park. For safety reasons, the chair lift to the bottom of the gorge doesn't run in storms. It will begin again 20 minutes after the last peal of thunder is heard. So, we browsed in the nature center and gift shop, and after the worst of the rain was over we walked the upper rim to Lover's Leap. Above is a shot after the storm.

The Craley Clan waits to cross the railroad tracks in the gorge. About 12 - 15 trains run through the tunnel every day, still hauling coal from the coalfields of southwestern Virginia.

This small dwelling is reputed to be the oldest house in Scott County. It is a Carter house, but not the Carters of the Carter Fold. It was moved to the park.

Grandpa and Cait took the lift to the bottom of the gorge. It's a white knuckle ride!