Tunnel Trail and Lover’s Leap in Natural Tunnel State Park, VA

Hike Tunnel Trail and Lover’s Leap Natural Tunnel State Park, VA

Class 1 1.6 miles 400 gain <1 hr Out + Back Jun 23, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Tunnel Trail and Lover’s Leap GPX Track

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This small loop hike in Natural Tunnel State Park features some outstaning scenery. The area is known for the Natural Tunnel, a naturally-formed cave large enough to be used as a railroad tunnel. I started along the Tunnel Trail, where I was the only hiker. I watched people take the chairlift down the minimal elevation to get to the Tunnel rather than do the baby hike to get down there. Unfortunately, you can't enter the tunnel, only view it from a wooden platform, but the cliff walls are stunning.

In addition to the Tunnel, I wanted to extend my hike and explore the park a bit more. Back at the parking lot, I hiked a mini loop that visits Lover's Leap, an overlook that looks down above the tunnel. This was a worthwhile addition to see the steep cliffs below, despite the fact that the trail's exposed edge is fenced-in the whole time.

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Starting along the Tunnel Trail, chairlift following you down as you go.
Starting along the Tunnel Trail, chairlift following you down as you go.
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Railroad visible as you come down.
Railroad visible as you come down.
Overlook at the natural tunnel.
Overlook at the natural tunnel.
Boardwalk leading closer to the tunnel.
Boardwalk leading closer to the tunnel.
Natural Tunnel.
Natural Tunnel.
Along the Lover's Leap Trail. A fence leads along the whole cliff top to prevent people from falling off. Eyeroll.
Along the Lover's Leap Trail. A fence leads along the whole cliff top to prevent people from falling off. Eyeroll.
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Lover's Leap overlook.
Lover's Leap overlook.
Close-up of the cliffs below, near the natural tunnel.
Close-up of the cliffs below, near the natural tunnel.
Heading back on the other half of the loop from Lover's Leap.
Heading back on the other half of the loop from Lover's Leap.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!