Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail - Hiking area in Afton - Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, USA

I loved the trail and the tunnel! It’s missing a star because the tunnel was absolutely terrifying😂😂it’s very cool for those who aren’t superstitious or afraid of the dark! The trail was great and the info plaque were very informative!

Such a neat little trail. Start at the east and you get to the tunnel quicker, and make sure to bring flashlights! I would say read the info on the trailheads and enjoy. Quite a neat piece of history.

Absolutely amazing hiking trail, plus a really fun walk through the tunnel!

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.

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. You walk about a 1/2 mile, relatively level, to get the tunnel entrance. Once you enter the tunnel, it is completely dark and about a mile walk, so you definitely need a flashlight (or two). You can continue the trail after the tunnel on the Waynesboro side for about a 4.5 mile walk /hike, but we decided to head back after the 1.5 mile marker. Overall, it was a beautiful trail that is easily walkable.

There are two kinds of people: one who gets shirt to get wet and a bright flashlight, and the other not afraid of getting wet and the dark. It is THE experience. Pick a bit of a rainy day and go there. Get a small flashlight just so you won’t bump into walls. If moment is right you won’t be able to see further than your own hand. Your chance to become blind to open your mind. Middle way when there is no any other light - turn your flashlight off. Feel yourself. Express yourself. Sing. Cry. Acoustic allows it and makes it double. Enjoy yourself. Virginia is for lovers.

We began at the Western trail head in Waynesboro. We went at 2 PM on a Wed. It wasn’t busy, just a few people here and there. There is dedicated parking, but it is limited. Portable potties located at parking area. The hike to and from the tunnel on the West end does have a lot of elevation variation. This part of the hike is moderate with a good amount of uphill climbing from the tunnel back to your vehicle. You can feel the temperature drop as you get close to the entrance. At least a 20 degree difference in the tunnel, so you may want to bring a jacket or sweatshirt. The path is very well maintained, wide with crushed asphalt/gravel. Bring a headlamp or flashlight with you! The nearly 1 mile walk through the tunnel is smooth and easy. It was a dry day when we went with not much recent rain, and there were a few spots with some dripping water from above and water to the sides of the trail. We were glad we went on this hike! Well worth it.

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. Plaquards along the way telling about its history. Nicely Done!