Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail

Located between Afton and Crozet, the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is one of Virginia’s most unique rail-trail experiences. Completed in 1858 under the direction of engineer Claudius Crozet, the tunnel served the railroad for nearly a century before being abandoned in favor of a newer route. Today, it has been restored as a pedestrian trail, allowing visitors to experience one of Virginia’s greatest engineering achievements from the inside.

We entered from the East Trailhead, which offers the shorter walk from the parking area to the tunnel entrance. It’s a great choice when traveling with smaller adventurers.

Wayfinder Tip: As you approach the East Trailhead, you’ll notice a building that looks remarkably like an old railroad depot. Despite its appearance, it’s actually a private law office and isn’t part of the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. Don’t mistake its parking area for trail parking; continue to the designated trailhead parking instead.

Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for Adventure

Our Littlest Wayfinder thoroughly enjoyed the expedition. Mysterious noises echoing through and around the tunnel frequently sounded like unseen dinosaurs. (We maintained they were mostly Jake brakes and motorcycles, but Littlest Wayfinder remained unconvinced by our pedestrian and unimaginative explanations.)

The surrounding vegetation also appeared suitably prehistoric, lending further credibility to his theory. We were later informed that the suspicious-looking plants were simply a local variety of sumac that only looks like it belongs in the age of dinosaurs.

Littlest Wayfinder proudly wore his adventure hat and carried his lantern throughout the expedition. Once inside the tunnel, he determined that the atmosphere was ideal for establishing a campsite by placing his lantern beneath his hat. This activity was, regrettably, prohibited by both the trail rules and the other Wayfinders.

He promptly declared that we were “camping.”

This created something of a diplomatic impasse. Forward progress ceased while lengthy negotiations took place regarding the feasibility of establishing a permanent campsite inside a nineteenth-century railroad tunnel. Unfortunately, no agreement could be reached, and the expedition officially concluded approximately one-third of the way into the tunnel.

Littlest Wayfinder happily walked the entire distance we covered into the tunnel and made an impressive effort on the return journey, requesting to be carried only about halfway back.

Official Findings:

Difficulty: Easy

The trail is wide, packed gravel and generally both bicycle- and stroller-friendly. We still wouldn’t recommend the lightweight umbrella stroller, though… you know the one. The one whose wheel gets stuck whenever the slightest opportunity presents itself.

Once inside the tunnel, we noticed bicycle ruts in a few places, but overall the walking surface was comfortable and accessible.

The first thing you’ll notice is the temperature. About 100 feet before reaching the tunnel, the air begins to cool, and once inside, the difference is dramatic, making this an excellent summer adventure. Depending on recent rainfall, expect standing water and puddles. Even during drier weather, the tunnel has its own spring water feature. While it’s fascinating to see, visitors are advised not to drink the water. Leave your best shoes at home if they aren’t on speaking terms with puddles, mud, and the occasional splash.

Bring a flashlight or headlamp (one per person, really). There are no lights inside the tunnel. The only illumination comes from the distant openings at either end, and at times the circle of daylight ahead has an uncanny habit of looking like it’s never getting any closer. Having your own light makes the experience far more enjoyable (and much safer), especially for younger explorers.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Porta-potties are available near the trailhead.

They were stocked.

That is where the positive portion of this review concludes.

We’ll simply note that the facilities were functional enough for an emergency but left significant room for improvement.

Wayward Restroom Rating: 💀

(Unfortunately, this is the primary reason the location didn’t receive a perfect score. That said, if you never need to use the facilities, your own experience probably won’t be affected, and you may very well leave wondering why we didn’t give this place a 10/10.)

There is no gift shop at the trailhead.

Plan accordingly if your Littlest Wayfinder expects to commemorate every expedition with a stuffed animal.

Not terrible, but you may lose signal once inside the tunnel.

Honestly, the Wayfinder Team was significantly distracted by the lack of illumination, the random frog, the spring running through the tunnel, Littlest Wayfinder’s impromptu decision to establish a campsite, and the disconcerting fog that seemed to settle inside the tunnel to pay much attention to whether we still had cell service.

Your experience may vary.

This turned out to be a fantastic family adventure.

The trail is manageable, unique, and unlike almost anything else we’ve experienced in Virginia. Children who enjoy trains, tunnels, flashlights, or simply exploring unusual places will likely love the experience.

Just remember:

Somewhere around a third of the way into the tunnel, the adventure changed.

The air had grown colder. A rushing spring burst from the side of the tunnel, its steady splash echoing through the darkness, becoming the only sound besides our hushed voices. Fog drifted through the tunnel.

And then there was the mountain.

You know, intellectually, that you’re walking through it. But eventually that knowledge becomes something you can almost feel. Thousands of tons of rock rest silently overhead, and suddenly the tunnel feels less like a trail and more like a place deserving of respect.

Littlest Wayfinder, blissfully unconcerned with geology or structural engineering, decided this was the perfect location to establish a campsite. Without explanation, he removed his hat, placed his lantern on the ground, and carefully set the hat over top. By then, we were just far enough into the tunnel that both entrances had been reduced to tiny pinpricks of light in the distance.

We, perhaps a bit more aware of the literal weight of the mountain above us, decided it was time to head back toward daylight.

While the tunnel is unquestionably the destination, we found it pairs exceptionally well with Devils Backbone Basecamp, which earns our Prancing Pony Award.

After our tunnel adventure, it was the perfect place to relax with good food while Littlest Wayfinder safely burned off the rest of his energy in the outdoor spaces. Sometimes the best part of an adventure is having the right base camp waiting at the end.

Absolutely.

The Blue Ridge Tunnel is one of those rare places that seamlessly combines history, engineering, outdoor recreation, and genuine adventure into a single experience.

Whether you’re fascinated by railroads, looking for a unique family hike, or simply hoping to escape the summer heat for an hour, it’s an easy recommendation.

Some places are worth visiting because they’re beautiful. Others because they’re fun. The Blue Ridge Tunnel is worth visiting because, for a little while, it lets you experience both history and wonder from the inside.

Littlest Wayfinder is already planning a return expedition to finish establishing his campsite.

We’re mostly hoping the dinosaurs remain cooperative.

Wayward Rating: 9.8/10