May 18, 9 AM ~ Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail Hike

The Blue Ridge Tunnel entrance is 73.8 miles from the Hickory Haven Park & Ride, 2031 Ashland Road (Rt 623), Rockville, VA 23146, a short 67 minute ride on I-64. This historic tunnel for a single track rail, the brainchild of French engineer Claudius Crozet, was completed in 1858. It was built by the toil and sweat of enslaved workers leased from nearby plantations, and rival, warring gangs of Irish immigrants. Those from County Cork (southern Eire) worked the east entrance, while those from Counties Clare, Mayo & Sligo (northwest coast of Eire) worked the west entrance. Amazingly, they eventually met in the middle, only 1" off from Crozet's plan.

The Blue Ridge Tunnel opened to traffic on April 13, 1858. At the time, it was the longest railroad tunnel in North America. Though Claudius Crozet was not among the dignitaries who rode the first train through the passage, his professional expertise and visionary leadership were essential to the Blue Ridge Railroad and other lines built across Virginia in the 1840s and 1850s.

We will hike the 4.6 miles from the small East Portal parking area to the tunnel entrance, then trek through the very dark tunnel to the West Portal parking lot and back. This is rated as a hike of easy difficulty and has only an elevation gain of 37 feet. You will definitely need a flashlight or head lamp. The tunnel is unlit and it is very DARK! And COLD!

This hike will begin at the posted time, not five or ten minutes later. If you are unfamiliar with the meet up location, add a few minutes to your travel schedule so you can find us before we leave. You can use the interactive map posted here to get directions.

• Good to Know
• What to bring: Water bottle, clothing appropriate for the season, a flashlight with a strong beam, waterproof gear to protect from overhead drops, bonnet or cap, practical footwear, insect repellent, positive attitude, aspirin, a snack, dry clothes, & band aids. Leave the sun block at home!
• We will car pool from the Hickory Haven Park & Ride (formerly known as Rockville Park & Ride at I-64 Exit 173. If you can drive please indicate so in the comments. We will determine travel groups at the Park & Ride. Drivers can expect riders to share in gas expenses.
• You may opt to meet us at the tunnel. If that is your plan, let the organizer know. The tunnel address is 215 Afton Depot Ln, Afton, VA 22920.
• Anticipated Hike Day Weather Conditions at the Trail Head
• This a Dog-Friendly event. Dogs must remain on leash in the tunnel.

Afterward, we will gather on one of the patio porches at Veritas Winery & Vineyard, just 2.4 miles away at 151 Veritas Lane, Afton, VA. and raise a toast to those hardy souls who built the tunnel that was in use until 1944.

(Call or text 804-297-7634 if you need to contact the event organizer.)