How are you doing at being more active this year? Natural Tunnel State Park wants to encourage you to meet your goals of a healthier lifestyle. Romantic hikes, nature hikes, and competitions – they have something for everyone to enjoy. No one knows your abilities as well as you do. Please keep that in mind as you choose your adventure. Here are some suggestions over the next couple of months.

Easy Walks:

First Day of Spring Bird Walk
March 23, 2019 at 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The birds are very active and for some, spring is the time for many birds to display their bright colors. 
Join bird enthusiast, Randy Smith to celebrate the beginning of spring with a bird walk throughout the park. This leisurely hike will take place on the Birding and Wildlife Trail, wear sturdy shoes and bring water, field guides and binoculars.

Wild about Wildflowers
April 6, 2019 at 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Wildflowers vary by regions of Virginia. We will be hosting a wildflower walk to see what flowers show up first in our area. Don’t forget your camera, you will want to tell your family and friends what flowers you saw.

Wild flower walks are a great way to welcome spring

Moderate:

Valentine’s Day Hike
February 15, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Grab your significant other or loved one and join a park interpreter on a sunset set hike along the Lover's Leap Trail. Along the way, you'll view the awe-inspiring mountains in the distance, view the Natural Tunnel from above, and experience the vibrant colors in the sky as the sun begins to set below the ridge. This is a moderate hike, 1 mile roundtrip.

Full Moon Hike
February 19 at 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
March 20 at 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
April 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The park is offering three opportunities for this guided hike to the Gazebo and for you to be a part of a unique experience here at Natural Tunnel. You'll watch the moon rise over the mountains and hear stories about the thrilling night life. This 1.2 mile hike will take place along a semi-moderate trail. Sturdy hiking shoes and a flashlight are recommended. Dress for the weather.

Sunrise Hike
April 20, 2019
6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
If you prefer morning hikes, join an interpreter on a guided hike on a portion of the Wildlife and Birding Trail. When we reach the Gazebo, we'll enjoy the stunning views right as dawn breaks. This trail is a moderate 1.2 mile roundtrip. Bring plenty of water, a camera, and a flashlight. 
Pre-register at the main office by April 19 by 4:30 p.m.

The full moon hike at Natural Tunnel

Difficult:
Tunnel Talk
April 13, 2019 at 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy guided walk with a park interpreter down to the Natural Tunnel. As you enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the mouth of the tunnel, discover why this geologic phenomena is so unique. This will be a 1/2 mile hike roundtrip that requires climbing sets of stairs on the way back up the trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, snacks, and a camera.

Competition:

 Run the Tunnel
April 27, 2019 at 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Do you have what it takes to run this multi-terrain race? The race will take you through several sections of the park from the campground through wooded areas along asphalt and grassy areas. This is a 3.8 mile race that is hosted by the State of Franklin Track Club and the Scott County Chamber of Commerce. Packet pick-up and race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at Picnic Area Shelter #4. Race will start at 9:00 a.m. Registration fee is $15 per person.
For more information call Frank Kibler at (423) 292-9980 runfankrun@hotmail.com 
Additional information: https://tinyurl.com/ycew2q7a

Plan now to run in the Run the Tunnel Race in April

Of course as you get more comfortable, you can venture out on your own with self-guided hikes. Stop by the park office for information about suggested self-guided hikes. Click here (PDF) for our trail guide.