The Blue Ridge Tunnel is one of the most unique and memorable short walks in Virginia — and almost nobody outside the area knows it exists. Built between 1850 and 1858 under the direction of the great engineer Claudius Crozet (the man the town is named after), it was hand-carved through solid granite by Irish and enslaved laborers over eight years at a cost of tremendous human effort. At 4,237 feet long, it was the longest tunnel in North America when it was completed. Walking through it today is genuinely thrilling: the tunnel is arrow-straight, so you enter one end and see a perfect circle of daylight at the other end — a half-mile away — growing slowly larger as you walk. The stone walls are rough-hewn. The air is cool and still. Water drips. It is completely, perfectly dark in the middle, which is why you bring headlamps — and why children are absolutely delighted by it.
The trail to the tunnel entrance is flat and easy — 0.4 miles from the parking area — and the tunnel walk itself is 1.1 miles end to end. Return the same way or loop back via the upper trail. Total time: about 90 minutes. Free, open year-round, and one of the best things within 15 minutes of the farm.
🔦 Essential Tips. Every person needs a headlamp or phone torch — it is completely dark in the middle, and the effect is spectacular. The Farm has a flashlight you can take with you, but you will probably want your cell phones charged up for its flashlight, too. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting slightly damp. Children aged 4 and up handle this walk easily and tend to love it intensely. The tunnel stays a cool 54°F year-round, making it a perfect summer activity.