Spoiler alert: there were no ghosts on this trail. Double spoiler, I don’t believe in ghosts. So, while you likely won’t find any ghosts at the Blue Ridge Tunnel trail, you will find plenty of living people there and the overall darkness of the tunnel brought to mind ghost stories like the lore surrounding the Moonville Tunnel in Ohio, or even tales of the Mothman here in Appalachia.
If you’re looking for solitude, your best bet is to go on a weekday where you’ll be unlikely to encounter many other folks. As it was, the first time I went was on a chilly Friday morning in April, and I saw many a fair folk. On the weekends, when I usually make my way over there, the fair folk multiply! Nevertheless, the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is worth a visit, and makes the perfect fall stroll. Since the last few days have been a bit brisk compared to the glorious hundred-degree weather graciously bestowed upon us earlier this summer, now is the perfect time to make the drive there.
Constructed in the 1850s, the trail is roughly four and a half miles out and back, and relatively easy in difficulty, so it’s good for all ages and activity levels. If you want a bit of a workout, you can start the trail from the Western Entrance which is a pretty steep climb back to the parking lot. The Eastern side is rather flat. Either way, it’s an easy walk and kid-friendly. I encountered a number of folks toting bicycles around too and the tunnel is dog-friendly, so bring your furry friends along.
The tunnel is fairly dark, so you’ll probably want to bring a headlamp or flashlight, or you might get a little spooked. Cell phone service was pretty nil for me, which added to the moody vibe of the tunnel. My headlamp did little to illuminate the space around me.
I’d always put off visiting this trail, because frankly, if I’m going to drive on the dreaded 64 to Afton Mountain, I’m probably going to Humpback Rocks, or something a bit more vigorous. However, this was definitely worth the trip and has become a favorite trail of mine, when I want to get outside but don’t want to do anything too strenuous. In April, many flowers were speckled along the trail which made for a picturesque walk. The trail itself while quite popular is very long, and after a while of walking a sense of solitude came upon me. And maybe just the slightest feeling of being watched was there too, causing me to glance over my shoulder a few times.
Happy hiking!
