Blue Ridge Tunnel with BGHRVA

Although only 2.25 miles long, the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail has plenty of wow factor. After nearly 20 years of effort by Nelson County, the rail-trail passes through a 4,700-foot tunnel bored through the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia, originally constructed between 1850 and 1858. Spanning nearly a mile long, it was the longest tunnel in America at the time of its completion. As the tunnel isn’t lit, visitors should bring a headlamp or flashlight for the experience. The eastern trailhead is located at 215 Afton Depot Lane in Afton, VA and the western trailhead is located at 483 Three Notched Hwy, Waynesboro, VA. More parking at the western trailhead, though the trail is much steeper on this side with a 19% grade in one section.