Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

First Day Hikes at Natural Tunnel

Location of Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia

Where

Natural Tunnel State Park, 1420 Natural Tunnel Pkwy., Duffield, VA 24244.
Various Locations Throughout the Park

When

Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Get your heart pumping as you hike into the new year at Natural Tunnel! Join rangers for guided hikes throughout the day or choose any trail and take a hike on your own. Make sure to stop by the Visitor Center and pick up a First Day Hike sticker to commemorate your trip.

9 a.m. - Purchase Ridge Hike: Meet a ranger at the Camp Store to begin the trek to one of the highest points in the park to enjoy the view from Purchase Ridge Overlook. This hike is a 3.5-mile round trip, moderate hike.

12 p.m. - Tunnel Talk Hike: Join a ranger to discover park history and how the tunnel was formed during this guided hike down Tunnel Trail. You will end up at the Tunnel Platform where you’ll find amazing views of the 300-foot-tall amphitheater walls of the Natural Tunnel, rock pigeons, and if you’re lucky, a train. 0.8-mile round trip, difficult hike with stairs. Meet at the Visitor Center.

2 p.m. - Lovers' Leap Hike: Hear the tale of star-crossed lovers that the trail is named after and view the tunnel from above. Hike along the mostly paved trail to the overlook and learn about the legend behind the name. 0.7-mile round trip, moderate hike with stairs. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Please wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and bring water. Leashed pets are welcome on all First Day Hikes.

Natural Tunnel State Park is proud to offer red/green colorblindness correcting outdoor glasses by EnChroma during all offered programming; three protan red sensitivity and three deutan green sensitivity are available for use during programs.

About First Day Hikes

Every year on Jan. 1, Virginia State Parks celebrates First Day Hikes. This nationwide initiative invites people to ring in the new year by connecting with nature and making lasting memories at a state park. Ranger-led and self-guided First Day Hikes are offered across the state, giving visitors of all ages and skill levels the chance to explore outdoors. January 1 is a Free Parking Day at all Virginia State Parks. (The admission fee at Natural Bridge still applies).

Other details

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