9th Annual Railroad Day at Natural Tunnel State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park will host its 9th Annual Railroad Day at Natural Tunnel on Saturday, July 17, 2021. For years the railroad has played a vital role in the economics and history of the area. The park and Norfolk Southern Corporation are partnering together to share this natural wonder and promote railroad safety. The day’s events will begin at 10 a.m., when the chairlift opens, until 3:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to go to the tunnel, either by foot or by chairlift. Due to visitor safety issues, the tunnel has been closed to foot-traffic for the past several years; however, for this event only, a waiver has been obtained that will allow visitors to explore the tunnel starting at 10 a.m. This is indeed a rare opportunity. The train schedule has been adjusted so no trains will actually be passing through the tunnel during the event.
Guides will be inside the tunnel to share information and facts. At the Carter Cabin, Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association Historical Interpreters and Norfolk Southern’s Operation Life Saver representatives will be giving out Railroad Safety information. Author Tony Scales will be available with his book about Natural Tunnel. Local vendors will also be on hand, along with model railroaders from Virginia Beach. Food and light refreshments will be available for purchase on site.
Parking fee is $5 per vehicle and the chairlift is $5 per person for a round trip ticket, should you choose to ride the lift. For more information about Railroad Day at Natural Tunnel State Park, please contact the park office at (276) 940-2674 or email at naturaltunnel@dcr.virginia.gov.