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Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, West Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 278 Google reviews · Running trail in Waynesboro, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, West Trailhead'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.
This gravel hike through the woods and farmland leads to a tunnel that was formerly part of the Virginia Central Railroad.
What runners say about Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, West Trailhead
“Beautiful scenery and a surprisingly long tunnel with many animals and insects living within.”
“Some steep hike on the way back but overall pretty easy trail.”
I have reviewed the east side, now for the west. This side is way more of a workout getting to and from the tunnel. More of a woodland trail where you eventually make your way to the black fence and tunnel, but with a lot of ups and downs.
Such great family fun. We took our disabled daughter and could use the special stroller without issue for the entire walk. I suggest going to the east entrance and walking up to and through tunnel and back. Kids loved it. Will never forget the memories.
Great hiking/history adventure! We parked in the East Trail lot. (8 spaces) Easy walk down, but straight uphill coming back. Park in the West lot for easy in and out. (20 + spaces) At first glance into the tunnel, seeing the light at the other end, it appeared to be a short walk. Not so! It was an hour walk, one way.
Hike from West side to the tunnel is mostly downhill and tunnel grade is downhill from west to east. I recommend if you have small children and are able to park a car on the east side drive to the west side and hike to you car. Almost all downhill and then drive to pick up car at the west trailhead.
Trail conditions & character
“I met a friendly stranger and we walked and talked together with minimal light but others passing had flashlights and were friendly too.”
“Beautiful scenery and a surprisingly long tunnel with many animals and insects living within.”
“The West Trailhead of the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is a great spot to park and hike to the tunnel.”
“You have to walk a mile up and down a hilly dirt road to get to it.”
“We took our disabled daughter and could use the special stroller without issue for the entire walk.”
“We hiked through west trail head, easy flat for strollers (or wheelchairs).”
Plan your run at Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, West Trailhead
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
- Distance1 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 — 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 |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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