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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore Virginia’s Appalachia At This Underrated State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia offers breathtaking scenery, unique geological features, and various hiking trails.

Published Jul 1, 2022

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Virginia's Appalachian region is characterized by breathtaking scenery, rugged mountains, and tight-knight communities. You can experience all of these characteristics when you travel to Natural Tunnel State Park, an underrated state park in Virginia with a lot to offer. Whether you're an enthusiastic geologist, hiker, or sightseer, you'll quickly fall in love with this special park.

Tucked away within the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia awaits one of the state's greatest natural wonders: Natural Tunnel.

A scenic view of lush green hills and a rocky cliff under a partly cloudy sky.
Virginia State Parks / flickr

There's an entire park centered around this massive geological feature.

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Sign for Natural Tunnel State Park with a wooden structure and landscaped bushes in front, under a clear blue sky.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr

In fact, Natural Tunnel is so large that it also doubles as a train tunnel. If you're lucky, you may even see a train pass through.

A railway track leads into a dark tunnel, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain, with warning signs nearby.
K e v i n / flickr

The tunnel is 850 feet long and as tall as a 10-story building. Seeing it in person is quite an impressive sight!

For a totally unique experience, you can take a chairlift down to the base of the tunnel. It's a scenic ride you won't soon forget.

A ski lift with empty chairs suspended above a forested area with autumn foliage.
Virginia State Parks / flickr

Of course, there's plenty more to the park than the tunnel, so you'll want to dedicate at least a few hours to experience all that there is to do.

A historic wooden building with a person standing at the entrance, surrounded by green fields and mountains in the background.
Virginia State Parks / flickr

There are seven unique hiking trails in the park, the longest of which is just 2.1 miles.

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A lush green forest path surrounded by vibrant foliage and wildflowers, creating a serene natural setting.
Virginia State Parks / flickr

One of the most popular hiking trails is known as Lover's Leap Trail.

Whether you're here for a few hours or a couple of days, you'll find that this beautiful park showcases the best of Virginia's Appalachia.

A scenic view of rolling green hills and valleys under a partly cloudy sky.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr

Have you ever visited Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia? What was your favorite part about this fascinating natural space? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! Learn more about planning your visit to Natural Tunnel State Park when you visit the official Virginia State Parks website.

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Nature|National & State Parks

The Most Iconic View in Virginia Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

Virginia's Grand Canyon is more than just an awe-inspiring wonder; its history runs deep.

Published Nov 13, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

There are so many postcard-worthy overlooks in Virginia that it can be easy to take them for granted. But there are a few that will catch your breath every time, no matter how long you've lived here. The view of Breaks Interstate Park is one of them. By all accounts, it's one of the most epic views in Virginia right up there with McAfee Knob and Molly's Knob. But as is true of many beautiful places in Virginia, there's more there than meets the eye. The history of the region is vast and like the river-carved canyon, it runs quite deep.

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K e v i n / Flickr

Breaks Interstate Park is characterized by unspoiled Appalachian wilderness, complete with vast woods and rare species. The canyon itself is a true work of art; it's carved in almost a perfect loop by the Russell Fork River. Plus, it's one of the deepest in the Eastern United States, earning the nickname "The Grand Canyon of the South."

In 1767, Daniel Boone located an unexpected break in the 125-mile stretch of Pine Mountain, thus naming the area "the Breaks." Of course, the passage had long been used by Native Americans. When you visit the park, be sure to stop by the Visitor's Center, which offers more details about the culture and history of the landscape. You'll have the opportunity to view artifacts and tools from early settlements.

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Virginia State Parks / Flickr

As you continue exploring the park, it becomes obvious that the land has a story to tell. And there are many ways to engage with the stunning surroundings, ranging from epic hiking trails to breathtaking overlooks, wildlife tours, and even zip lining. For those who just have a few hours to spare, we'd recommend hiking the Breaks Interstate Loop Trail. It's a challenging three miles, but the views are worth the effort.

Another must? Elk tours. The eastern elk has been reintroduced to the area, thanks to conservation efforts, and visitors can be transported by bus to a Virginia Elk Restoration zone. Tours are offered during select dates in March, April, May, August, September, and October, and reservations are required.

Have you ever visited Breaks Interstate Park? Share this article with a fellow history and outdoor enthusiast! Learn more about planning an unforgettable trip to Breaks Interstate Park by visiting the official website. For related content, be sure to take a look at our list of the most beautiful natural wonders in Virginia.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Virginia’s Most Popular State Park, Grayson Highlands is Even More Stunning During the Winter

Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia transforms into a magical winter wonderland with wild ponies, snowy peaks, and scenic trails.

Updated Nov 4, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

It's true that winter is often the season for staying indoors, cozying up by the fire, and reflecting on the year ahead—and yet there are so many beautiful outdoor attractions that we'd argue are even more magical during the wintertime. So if you're up for an exhilarating and wintery adventure, we have just the place in mind. Grayson Highlands, Virginia's highest-rated state park, promises to be a winter wonderland this time of year. At a high elevation of over 5,000 feet, this park is surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas and the Grayson Highlands weather can create scenes like you've never seen. If you can't make the trip, the following photos will show you just how magical a Grayson Highlands winter can be during the off-season. Let's explore one of the best state parks in Virginia in the winter.

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Wild mountain ponies, snowy peaks, Fraser firs, and fresh air—these are just a handful of things that make Grayson Highlands State Park such a magical winter destination.

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Getty Images / Eifel Kreutz / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Grayson Highlands is Virginia's highest-altitude park, and just next door inside the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is the tallest peak in the state, Mount Rogers. If you plan on hiking within the park, preparation is essential. Weather can change quickly up in the mountains, so it's necessary to bundle up with plenty of warm, dry layers.

You'll likely encounter the majestic residents of Grayson Highlands: the wild ponies. Seeing these creatures is a hallmark experience of visiting this state park, but you'll need to respect them.

Help keep the ponies safe by keeping your distance, refraining from feeding them, and avoiding startling them. There are plenty of trails to enjoy within the park, and one of the most scenic is Wilburn Ridge via the Appalachian Trail.

A rocky path leads through a grassy landscape with sparse trees under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
Joelle Corey/AllTrails

You might even get to see a little snowfall while you're up there! So whether you're planning a hike, picnic, or just a quick stroll in the great outdoors, you'll be glad you chose Grayson Highlands as your winter outdoor destination.

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Getty Images / Shaun Aigner-Lee / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Visit the Grayson Highlands State Park website or the Grayson Highlands Facebook page for the most current updates.

Have you ever experienced a Grayson Highlands winter? What did you think? We'd love to hear all about your experiences in the comments. If you love hiking around and exploring beautiful places like this, check out some of the best hiking trails in Virginia. And be sure to take a look at our list of outdoor essentials before your next great adventure.

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