Blue Ridge Tunnel Crozet Virginia
Step into history at the Blue Ridge Tunnel, a 4,237-foot abandoned railroad marvel offering a cool, dark adventure year-round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat!
Blue Ridge Tunnel Crozet Virginia
Best Time
Escape the heat!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at the Blue Ridge Tunnel, a 4,237-foot abandoned railroad marvel offering a cool, dark adventure year-round.
"The Blue Ridge Tunnel is an amazing piece of engineering, especially for the time period."
🔦 Bring a Bright Flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark tunnel. Phone lights are often insufficient.
🌡️ Dress for 50°F Year-Round
It's cool inside, even on hot days. Layers are recommended for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Blue Ridge Tunnel
Crozet/Afton, Virginia
Step back in time in this 4,237-foot abandoned railroad tunnel, a marvel of 19th-century engineering. It's a cool, dark adventure!
Year-Round Cool Escape
Inside the tunnel
Experience a consistent 50°F temperature, offering a refreshing break from summer heat or a unique cool-weather destination.
The Tunnel Greenway Trail
East and West Trailheads
Enjoy a 4.2-mile out-and-back crushed-stone trail, perfect for walking, biking, or even strollers, leading to and through the tunnel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat (and Crowds)
Light Up Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Bright Flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark tunnel. Phone lights are often insufficient.
🌡️ Dress for 50°F Year-Round
It's cool inside, even on hot days. Layers are recommended for comfort.
👟 Stroller & Bike Friendly
The crushed-stone trail is smooth and accessible for various mobility needs.
🚗 Parking Availability
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots can fill up.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Bright Flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark tunnel. Phone lights are often insufficient.
🌡️ Dress for 50°F Year-Round
It's cool inside, even on hot days. Layers are recommended for comfort.
👟 Stroller & Bike Friendly
The crushed-stone trail is smooth and accessible for various mobility needs.
🚗 Parking Availability
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots can fill up.
💧 Look for Mini Waterfalls
Keep an eye out for small cascades and dripping water inside the tunnel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Blue Ridge Tunnel's unique historical significance and the refreshing, constant cool temperature inside, making it a perfect escape on hot days. The accessible trail is a major plus for families and cyclists, though some note the need for powerful flashlights and preparation for cooler weather.
"Very delightful trial, the experiences here were unmatched compared to many other trails. Gorgeous well kept trail,plenty of parking, pet friendly, and free. I would recommend this trail to anyone, not a difficult trail at all. If you’re looking for a bit more difficult park at the east end and walk to the west end the is some steep inclines. But if you’re just wanting to see the scenery, park at the east end and turn around after the tunnel ends."
Brandon Jacobs
"Loved the tunnel. We spent about 2 hours in the tunnel/trail. Was fun for us all.(Even our teenagers lived it)"
Candy “Dulce” Lopez
"The Crozet Railroad Tunnel is an amazing piece of engineering, especially for the time period. We really enjoyed examining the outside and even more walking through the tunnel. Just be sure to bring a large and powerful light, it’s really dark inside and a cellphone light is useless. A great historical marvel to see."
Louis and Elaine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Blue Ridge Tunnel can be accessed from two trailheads: the East Trailhead in Afton (215 Afton Depot Lane) and the West Trailhead in Crozet (near Old Trail). Both offer a crushed-stone trail leading to the tunnel. 
Yes, it's possible to bike from Charlottesville to the Blue Ridge Tunnel. Google Maps suggests routes using side roads, estimating around 3 hours. Riding early on a Sunday might mean lighter traffic.
The trail is a 4.2-mile out-and-back route made of crushed stone, making it suitable for walking, biking, and strollers.
The Blue Ridge Tunnel is less than 1.5 hours away from Richmond, VA, making it a feasible day trip.
The East Trailhead is located at 215 Afton Depot Lane in Afton, VA. The West Trailhead is near Old Trail in Crozet, VA.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Blue Ridge Tunnel and its associated trails is free. There are no admission fees.
The Blue Ridge Tunnel and its trails are generally open year-round during daylight hours. There are no specific closing times posted, but it's best to visit during safe daylight conditions.
There is no entrance fee to access the Blue Ridge Tunnel or its trails. It's a free public attraction.
While the tunnel is accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the extreme darkness and lack of lighting. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the experience.
Yes, the crushed-stone trail leading to and through the tunnel is generally considered accessible for wheelchairs and strollers due to its smooth surface.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Blue Ridge Tunnel maintains a consistent temperature of approximately 50°F (10°C) year-round, offering a cool respite in summer and a chilly experience in winter. +1
The historic Blue Ridge Tunnel is 4,237 feet long, making it a significant and immersive experience to walk through.
Definitely bring a powerful flashlight, as it's very dark inside. Comfortable walking shoes, water, and layers of clothing are also recommended.
The hike from the East end parking lot to the tunnel entrance is about 3/4 of a mile and is not difficult. Walking through the tunnel and continuing on the trail is relatively flat and easy, though some sections might have slight inclines.
Yes, the Blue Ridge Tunnel trail is pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along for the adventure.
📸 📸 Photography
Bring a tripod and a wide-angle lens for capturing the length of the tunnel. Use a powerful flashlight to illuminate the foreground and create dramatic lighting effects. Experiment with long exposures to capture the darkness and any water features.
Yes, it is extremely dark inside the tunnel, which is part of its unique appeal. This requires artificial light sources for photography.
While possible, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Some visitors have reported seeing frogs or crawdads.
A strong, portable light source like a powerful flashlight or a portable LED panel is essential for illuminating the tunnel and your subjects.
The entire length of the tunnel offers unique photographic opportunities. The entrance and exit points also provide interesting perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring powerful flashlights for everyone to explore the darkness safely and make it an even more thrilling experience. The consistent 50°F temperature inside is a welcome break from summer heat. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Consider starting from the East Trailhead for a slightly longer approach to the tunnel. The year-round cool temperature makes it a great option for hiking in any season, though be prepared for chillier conditions in winter. 🚲 Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
+2The tunnel's construction was a challenging endeavor, involving significant labor and innovative techniques for its time. It played a crucial role in the region's transportation infrastructure, though its operational life as a railroad tunnel was relatively short. Today, it stands as a testament to historical ingenuity and has been transformed into a popular recreational trail, allowing visitors to walk or bike through this historic passage.
Exploring the tunnel offers a tangible connection to the past. The sheer scale and the remnants of its railroad past are palpable as you traverse its dark, cool interior. It's a unique opportunity to experience a piece of American history in a truly immersive way, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The Tunnel Experience: What to Expect
The trail surface inside the tunnel is a fine crushed stone, which is generally smooth and easy to traverse. This makes it accessible for a variety of visitors, including those with strollers or bicycles.
Some visitors have noted the presence of small waterfalls or dripping water, adding to the atmospheric experience. The journey through the tunnel is approximately 0.8 miles long, and the entire out-and-back trail from the East Trailhead is about 4.2 miles. +1While the tunnel itself is the main attraction, the surrounding Greenway trail offers a pleasant walk or ride through nature. The lack of shade on the approach to the tunnel means it can be quite warm before you reach the cool interior, so planning your visit during cooler parts of the day or seasons is advisable.
Social
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