Located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Natural Tunnel State Park is a hidden gem. Many people come here for the 100-foot-tall Natural Tunnel, but they discover quickly that the more than 1,000-acre park has much more to offer.

Whether you’re a hiker, history buff, birder or looking for a relaxing place to connect with nature, there’s something for everyone.

Here are our five recommendations to ensure you make the most out of your visit to this one-of-a-kind park.  

1. Go down to the Natural Tunnel.

An aerial view of the Natural Tunnel

The park’s focal piece is the Natural Tunnel itself, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to its size and geological significance. This limestone gorge was formed more than a million years ago by the erosion of the rock, creating a tunnel 850 feet long and 100 feet high.

You can take in views of the tunnel from the Lover’s Leap Overlook, but if you want to get a closer look, hike or take the seasonal chairlift* down to the mouth of the tunnel.

The scenic ride offers a unique perspective of the park and takes you to the tunnel’s entrance, which features the Bruce Wingo Observation Area*. From here, not only can you see the tunnel but, if you’re lucky, you can also observe a passing train.

Norfolk Southern and CSX Corporation still use the track that runs through the tunnel to transport coal. Since there’s not a public train schedule, you never know when one might pass through, making the experience even more memorable.

If you want to do more than see the tunnel, plan your visit to the park around a Stock Creek Passage or Railroad Day. These events give you the chance to actually walk inside it. You can find more information about these special events at virginiastateparks.gov/events.

*The chairlift and the Bruce Wingo Observation Area are wheelchair accessible.

2. Hike the trails.

The view from the gazebo

The park has nine trails (PDF), totaling 7 miles, and each one has something different to offer. Whether you want to hike to the tunnel and Carter Log Cabin, soak in the views along Purchase Ridge Trail or grab your binoculars and head to the Virginia Wildlife and Birding Trail, there’s something for you.

A bonus feature near the Virginia Wildlife and Birding Trial is the gazebo, which overlooks Rye Cove and provides a stunning 360-degree view. This is also where the park’s EnChroma-adapted viewfinder is located, giving those with red-green colorblindness the chance to see an expanded range of colors.

3. Explore the Wilderness Road Historical Area.

Wilderness Road Historical Area

Get a glimpse of what life was like for those who traveled the Wilderness Road at the Wilderness Road Historical Area.

One of the main features is a replica of the Anderson blockhouse. The original blockhouse was built by John Anderson in Carter’s Valley in 1775 not too far from where the replica stands today. The blockhouse served as a waystation for the pioneers crossing through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky, providing a place for travelers to camp and trade goods.

The blockhouse is typically open on Saturdays and Sundays from May through October, giving you the chance to explore the two-story structure. Inside, you’ll find common appliances you would find in an 18th-century home, hand-carved wooden furniture, a pioneer bed, spinning wheel and gunports that were installed to defend the blockhouse from invaders.

The park also hosts special educational events at the blockhouse throughout the year. The Frontier Games, The Colonial Experience and Fall on the Frontier give you the chance to take a step back in time and learn about life on the frontier. Learn more at virginiastateparks.gov/events.

4. Go to the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center

Before you head out on the trails or explore the tunnel, a stop at the Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center is a must. Here, you can shop for souvenirs and books and learn more about the area’s history through an interactive museum.

The museum focuses on the portion of the trail from Sycamore Shoals to Cumberland Gap and the men, women and children who traveled it. There are several hands-on exhibits, such as striking flint and steel to get a spark and period-appropriate clothing for you to try on.

The center is located directly in front of Kane Gap, one of the last undeveloped portions of the Wilderness Road, so it offers a glimpse of the rough, unforgiving terrain early settlers traversed on their way to Kentucky.

The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center has seasonal hours, so check the park’s website before you go.

5. Spend the night.

Photo courtesy of Bill Crabtree, Jr., Va. Tourism Corp

This park has overnight accommodations for everyone, from glampers to tent campers.

If you want to sleep indoors, there are 13 cabins and one family lodge, which are all furnished and climate-controlled. For larger groups, the Cove Ridge Center has two six-bedroom dormitories that can accommodate up to 48 people.

Another indoor option is a yurt, a cross between a tent and a cabin. There’s no electricity, air conditioning or heat, but each yurt has a large wooden deck with patio tables, a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate.

For campers, the park has two campgrounds with electric-water hookup sites, totaling 34 sites, and a primitive tent-only campground.

While camping is only available from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December, cabins, lodges and yurts are available year-round.

You can make reservations for overnight accommodations 11 months in advance at reservevaparks.com.

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Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a family-friendly outing, Natural Tunnel State Park has it all.

If you’re ready to start planning your adventure, go to virginiastateparks.gov/natural-tunnel.