Sept. 13, 2023 ~ Blue Ridge Tunnel

 

Sept. 13, 2023 ~Wednesday afternoon was perfect for stopping, first at Rockfish Gap Overlook(route 250), on our way to the BLUE RIDGE TUNNEL. 

A designated parking area(East Trailhead in Afton), porta potties, the  short distance (1/2 mile) to the beginning of the tunnel was a good warm up! Gravel walk made walking easy!

*** If you are able to walk 3 miles on flat ground, you would LOVE this excursion. There were strollers as well as a person in a wheelchair being led through the tunnel. Be sure to take a flashlight, and a jacket. The mile long historic train tunnel (under Rockfish Gap in Central Virginia) is DARK and 50 degrees.

We were not alone! Several young men from St. Thomas Aquinas (located in Scottsville, Va) were in front of us. 

We stopped and chatted for a few minutes, and became the recipients of a small token.

Enjoy the short video below! The group gave a lovely serenade inside the tunnel!❤️

The Blue Ridge Tunnel was built from 1850 to 1858. It was the longest railroad tunnel in the US at 4,273 feet in length. 

 Timing was perfect as we finished our tunnel walk. Amtrak made its appearance!