If you're interested in some of the more unusual attractions found in Virginia, then naturally we have a few treats in store at Virginia State Parks. 

Atlas Obscura highlights unusual attractions in Virginia found at Virginia State Parks

Atlas Obscura is a fun online site that features unusual sites of interest in all 50 states. If you go to the Virginia page you will find a few Virginia State Parks featured in their 130 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Virginia.

Here's the highlight reel for two of our most unusual natural attractions, one trains go through, and the other cars drive over.

NATURAL TUNNEL

Hike down to the tunnel floor or take the seasonal chair lift at Natural Tunnel State Park

More than 850 feet long and as tall as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. Daniel Boone was probably among the first men of European descent to see the tunnel in that the tunnel lies along the original route he took westward. If you hike up .36 miles on the Lovers Leap Trail you can experience breathtaking scenery like the several pinnacles, or "chimneys" and also get this view from the overlook. Learn more about it here.

Bonus: Visit the Wilderness Road historic area and blockhouse, plus there are wild cave tours available from April 1 through October 31 each year.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, eight hours; Richmond, six hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, eight to nine hours; Roanoke, three and a half hours; Knoxville, Tenn., one and a half hours; Winston-Salem, N.C., three hours; Lexington, Ky., two and a half hours.

NATURAL BRIDGE

Check out Natural Bridge State Park, easily accessible from I-81 near Lexington Virginia

Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. There is a shuttle to take you down to the bridge area and back up at no extra charge. Be sure to visit the living history at the Monacan Indian Village and walk to the end of Cedar Creek Trail to Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade. Learn more about it here.

Bonus: There is a saltpeter mine, a hidden river and even a J.R.R. Tolkien carving etched on a rock. You can drive over the bridge, it is Highway 11.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, 30 minutes.

Watch the video below to see more cool photos of these two unusual natural attractions:

Fall is perfect time of year for road tripping, if you're interested in visiting these two natural wonders, or learn more about any other Virginia State Parks, click here. For overnight accommodations in cabins, lodges, campgrounds, camping cabins or yurts call 800-933-7275.

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