Meet the Author: Tony Scales

Location of Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia

Where

Natural Tunnel State Park, 1420 Natural Tunnel Pkwy., Duffield, VA 24244.
Visitor Center

When

Sept. 13, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

In Natural Tunnel: Nature's Marvel in Stone, author and geologist Tony Scales recounts the history of the great feature, from its geologic beginnings to the first written accounts of man's interaction with the Tunnel, through a period of commercial exploitation, to the present-day state park. Richly illustrated with numerous historic photographs and geologic diagrams, Natural Tunnel is a must for the railfan, the casual visitor, or the die-hard fan of the treasure that is Natural Tunnel.

Stop by the Visitor Center and pick up your own copy from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept.14. Author Tony Scales will be there for a book signing and to answer questions. He will also be leading the Tunnel Talk program at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Tony Scales was born in Bristol, Virginia, and raised in Bristol, Tennessee, and now resides in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. He earned master's and bachelor's degrees in geology from the University of Tennessee. A Certified Professional Geologist, he has spent his professional career in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia. He has published a number of professional articles, and the books "Natural Tunnel: Nature’s Marvel in Stone", and "The Breaks; The Grand Canyon of the South".

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 276-940-2674
Email Address: naturaltunnel@dcr.virginia.gov