The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is located below Rockfish Gap, with a 2.3 mile crushed-stone trail that leads to the tunnel between the community of Afton on its eastern side and the city of Waynesboro near its western end.
About the Route
It is often recommended to begin the trail in Afton for a more gradual grade. From the Afton trailhead, it’s a 0.6-mile hike to the eastern tunnel entrance. This section of the trail parallels active rail tracks and overlooks Rockfish Valley. Despite the light visible at the end of the tunnel, you should come prepared with a flashlight or headlamp as the tunnel is not lit.
On the Waynesboro end, the route gets steep, with an average grade of 6.5% and a maximum grade of 19%. Although bikes are permitted on the trail, it’s advisable to walk your bike in the tunnel due to foot traffic and the uneven surface of the tunnel floor.
Be sure to note the beautiful elliptical stone portal located on the western entrance of the tunnel, which contrasts with the rocky entrance of the eastern portal. Beyond the tunnel, the western portion of the trail becomes a series of steep switchbacks until it reaches the parking lot at its western terminus in Waynesboro. For an easier walk, you may wish to turn around and head back to Afton after experiencing the tunnel.
Trail History
The impressive Blue Ridge Tunnel was originally designed by French engineer Claudius Crozet to allow the Blue Ridge Railroad to pass through the mountains to reach the Shenandoah Valley.
Construction of the Blue Ridge Tunnel began in 1850 using only hand drills, pickaxes, and black powder. The work, done mostly by Irish laborers and enslaved African Americans, was completed in 1858; you can still see the drill holes in the stone. Stretching nearly a mile, it was the longest tunnel in the country at the time and was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1976. It was abandoned during World War II when a new tunnel was bored to accommodate larger trains. In 2007, CSX Transportation donated the tunnel and trail right-of-way to Nelson County. The trail and tunnel were opened to the public in 2020. As you walk along the trail, look for interpretive signage that details its storied past.
Notice: The trail is popular, and it is recommended to visit during the week in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Please respect the private property around the area and only park in designated spots.
The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail runs between 483 Three Notched Mountain Hwy (Waynesboro) and 215 Afton Depot Ln (Afton), which both offer parking.
Please see TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
Amazing tunnel and a fun experience with kids. Be sure to bring your flashlight.
This is absolutely worth the drive from near or far. The tunnel is nearly one mile long and nothing less than amazing. Kids will be astounded by the tiny waterfalls, dripping water, dark tunnel, and Tarzan vines everywhere. Take a headlight for them and you’ll be a hero. You can easily shorten the hike and get rid of almost all the elevation change by starting at the East trailhead and turning around after going through the tunnel. If part of your group want to finish the whole trail, the others can sit on a bench a few hundred feet outside of the tunnel. Enjoy!
We drove down and stayed the night in Waynesboro back in late April. The trail was very close by the town. It is a well maintained trail with ports-potties on either end. We parked at the northern end which is mainly downhill until we reached the tunnel. I recommend bringing a flashlight since the tunnel is nearly 3/4 of a mile and very dark. There are also uneven spots in the tunnel and a flashlight will help you safely pass through. If you down want to walk up the mountain I also recommend parking at the Afton lot. I don’t think this is worth riding bike on but highly recommend walking and enjoy the history boards along the way.
Dogs are allowed on leash. I recommend bringing a flashlight, 300 lumen is recommended. We went in mid-April. The views from the east portal are fantastic and the hike up and down the west portal got the heart pumping. Kudos to everyone who opened this trail for the historical experience. It was worth the over 4 hour drive for me to visit the area.
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