Natural Tunnel State Park has been called a wonder of the world, and we agree that it should be part of any trip-worthy bucket list. 

Visit this one-of-a-kind park in Southwest Virginia (image credit: Chris Peek)

A seasonal chairlift can bring you down to the Tunnel floor and back again

ABOUT

At more than 850 feet long and ten stories high, Natural Tunnel was carved through a limestone ridge naturally over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or "chimneys."

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. So be sure to explore the Wilderness Road historic area and the Blockhouse.

Visitors enjoy park programs like cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River and the Cove Ridge Center, which offers environmental education, conference facilities, and overnight dorm accommodations. The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Center is new this year.

OVERNIGHT

You can enjoy great overnight accommodations in cabins, campgrounds and yurts. The cabins feature a gas log fireplace, expansive decks and covered porches with views of the valley and foothills.

They have all linens, bathrooms and open floorplans.

Cabins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are two-bedroom frame cabins. The cabins have one queen bed and two sets of bunk beds (sleep four) in a second bedroom. They sleep up to six and have parking for two vehicles.

Learn more about staying a few nights here or by calling 800-933-7275.

VISIT

Click here to see a listing of park programs coming up. Each year thousands enjoy unique programs and events at The Tunnel, like the Annual Railroad Day in July and the Lighting of the Tunnel end of November for the holidays.

DIRECTIONS

Natural Tunnel State Park is in Scott County, about 13 miles north of Gate City and 20 miles north of Kingsport, Tenn. From I-81, take U.S. 23 North to Gate City (about 20 miles) to get there. The turn-off to the park is at mile marker 17.4 on Rt. 23. Take Natural Tunnel Parkway about one mile east to the park entrance.

The Park address is 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway. Duffield, VA.

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.

Add this park to your must-see list; it's really all that, no, really, it is.

But don't just take our word for it. See it for yourself. You'll discover why Natural Tunnel State Park is truly awe-inspiring and bucket-list worthy.

You may also enjoy: Welcome to Cabin 11 at Natural Tunnel State Park.