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Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 170 Google reviews · Running trail in Afton, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking trail leading to a historical tunnel requiring a flashlight to explore.
What runners say about Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
“Overall, this trail is beautiful, well-maintained, and unlike anything else we’ve experienced.”
“Overall, the Blue Ridge Tunnel is a unique, family-friendly hike with a great mix of history, nature, adventure, and accessibility.”
We stayed in Afton, Virginia for a weekend getaway. This trail was close by, and we had looked at reviews for the trail before attempting it. I will say the reviews are spot on. It was a short drive the Afton (East Trailhead) entrance. At the entrance, there's a gravel lot with a couple portable toilets.
It is an almost 1 mile decline on a rocky path and then incline return. The bottom of the trail meets you with a blast of cool air from the tunnel and if you are having beautiful light on a summer day you may get a gorgeous hazy light to filter through its entrance. Enter on the West side where we did if possible.
Interesting history. Approximately half mile to the tunnel and 3/4 mile through. Make sure you have a good flashlight. Lots of people on this easy trail including families, stroller, bicycles and walkers. Temperature drops in the tunnel. I bet it would be great in the hot summer months.
Excellent hike! Parking is better from the East Trailhead. I parked at the West Trailhead. Hiking from the west is steeper and longer to the tunnel entrance than from the east. Makes a difference on a hot day! The temperature drop is more noticeable from the east.
Trail conditions & character
“The hike is downhill in and is rounded out by a nice strenuous hill climb on the way back to the west trailhead parking.”
“The hike is downhill in and is rounded out by a nice strenuous hill climb on the way back to the west trailhead parking.”
“Overall, this trail is beautiful, well-maintained, and unlike anything else we’ve experienced.”
“One of our flashlights had a UV light, and by coincidence we spotted some pretty cool details in the rock that we would have missed otherwise.”
“There are 2 parking lots; the west is flat terrain whereas the other parking wouldn’t be considered accessible.”
“At the entrance, there's a gravel lot with a couple portable toilets.”
“At the entrance, there's a gravel lot with a couple portable toilets.”
“There are 2 parking lots; the west is flat terrain whereas the other parking wouldn’t be considered accessible.”
Plan your run at Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenelsoncounty.com
- Phone(434) 263-7130
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Afton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rockfish Gap Entrance Station
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Public park offering scenic overlooks, kid-friendly hiking trails, and opportunities for biking.
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, West Trailhead
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This gravel hike through the woods and farmland leads to a tunnel that was formerly part of the Virginia Central Railroad.
Constitution Park
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Rife Park
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