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CLOSURE NOTICE
The Eastern and Western portions of the Blue Ridge Tunnel trail will be CLOSED for maintenance beginning April 3rd. This closure is anticipated to be for 3 days through April 5th but could potentially be as long as 5 days through April 7th.
This closure period is subject to change based on weather conditions. Any changes to dates will be posted here on this outlet. If you have any questions, please contact Nelson County Parks & Recreation at 434-263-7130 or email.
Directions
Please use the directions on this page instead of GPS or Google Maps.
The tunnel is open for public access from sunrise to sunset. Parking is available at both trailheads. There is easier access on the east for those seeking a less strenuous experience (and is recommended for accessible/handicap access).
The roadway and the land leading to the trailhead/park is privately owned and visitors should obey all parking signage.
Virginia’s natural areas have small parking areas, some as few as 8-10 spaces. When the lot is full, the attraction is full.
- If the lot is full when you arrive, please come back another time.
- Park only in designated spots, not on roadsides.
- Have a backup plan for your day in case parking is not available.
West Trailhead*
483 Three Notched Mountain Hwy, Waynesboro VA 22980
From I-64: Take Afton Exit 99. Take a left onto 250 West towards Waynesboro. The trail entrance will be on your left.
20 parking spaces available and buses may park here. Trail is NOT ADA accessible.
*Significant elevation change, max grade 19%. The steep grade of the Western Trailhead may limit access to people with limited mobility.
East Trailhead
215 Afton Depot Lane, Afton VA 22920
From I-64: Take Afton Exit 99. Take a right onto 250 East. After 1.5miles, take a sharp right onto VA-6 East. Go .5 mile and turn right onto Afton Depot Lane.
56 parking spaces. No bus parking. Trail fully ADA accessible.
Trail Map
West Trailhead
West Tunnel Portal (entrance) to Western Trailhead: Length 4,279 feet (0.81 miles); net change in elevation +175 feet; grades range from -17% to +19% for lengths of 150+feet with grades over 5% for a majority of the trail; average grade is 6.5% max grade 19%.
One section includes a concrete mat stream crossing that may have water flowing over it during or shortly after rainstorms.
Trail width is 10 ft. Cross Slope 1-2% for the entire trail. Surface material: crushed stone.
East Trailhead
Distance from East Trailhead to East Tunnel Portal (entrance): 3,346 ft. (0.63 miles) net change in elevation +37 feet, max. grade 5.3% for 150 feet, most of the rest of the trail is < 1.6% ; avg. 1.5%
Length of Tunnel: 4,273 feet; change in elevation +55 feet; average grade 1.3%