Tunnel Trail is a short lollipop hike in New River Gorge National Park that combines Appalachian forest scenery, railroad history, and peaceful views.
While many visitors to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve head straight for popular destinations like the Endless Wall Trail, Long Point Trail, Grandview Trail, or the New River Gorge Bridge, Tunnel Trail offers a quieter experience that is well worth adding to your itinerary. Located near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in the Fayetteville area of West Virginia, this short hiking trail winds through a beautiful Appalachian forest before leading visitors to the historic railroad tunnel that gives the trail its name.
As we explored New River Gorge National Park during our trip through West Virginia, Tunnel Trail stood out as a pleasant break from some of the park’s busier overlooks and hiking trails. Its convenient location, easy-to-moderate difficulty, and unique railroad history make it a great option for visitors looking for a short hike that still showcases the character of the New River Gorge National River region.
Tunnel Trail Basics
Under 1 Hour
Under 1 Mile
Lollipop Trail
100 Feet
Duration: Under 1 Hour
Most visitors can complete Tunnel Trail in about 30 to 45 minutes, making it one of the shorter hikes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The exact amount of time depends on how often you stop to enjoy the scenery, take photos, or explore the historic tunnel area. Because the trail is relatively short and easy, it fits well into a day spent visiting other popular attractions throughout the park. We found it to be a great option when we wanted to stretch our legs without committing to one of the longer hikes in the area.
Distance: 0.8 Miles Roundtrip
Tunnel Trail covers approximately 0.8 miles round trip, making it accessible for most visitors. The short distance allows hikers to experience the beauty of the Appalachian forest while still leaving plenty of time to visit nearby destinations. Despite its short length, the trail offers enough variety to feel like a complete hiking experience rather than simply a quick walk in the woods.
Type: Lollipop Trail
Tunnel Trail follows a lollipop trail layout, which combines elements of both an out-and-back trail and a loop trail. Hikers begin by following a short connector segment from the parking area before reaching the loop portion of the hike. After completing the loop, you return to the trailhead along the same connector path. This trail design keeps the hike interesting because much of the route is through different scenery, while still making navigation straightforward and easy to follow.
Elevation Change: 100 Feet
The trail gains roughly 100 feet in elevation over the course of the hike. While there are a few gentle uphill and downhill sections, the elevation gain is spread out enough that most hikers will find it manageable. The modest changes in elevation help create a more engaging hike without making it overly strenuous. Even visitors who do not regularly hike should be able to complete the trail comfortably with proper footwear and a steady pace.
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Tunnel Trail can be enjoyed throughout much of the year, but spring, summer, and fall are generally considered the best seasons to visit. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh green foliage, while summer offers lush forest scenery and plenty of shade. Fall is especially spectacular, as the surrounding hillsides become covered in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit New River Gorge National Park, and Tunnel Trail provides a beautiful place to enjoy the seasonal colors away from some of the larger crowds.
Time of Day: Any
The best time to hike Tunnel Trail is typically in the morning or late afternoon. Morning hikes often provide cooler temperatures, quieter trails, and better opportunities for wildlife sightings. Late afternoon can be equally enjoyable as sunlight filters through the trees and creates beautiful lighting throughout the forest. Midday hikes are certainly possible, especially since much of the trail is shaded, but mornings and evenings generally provide the most comfortable hiking conditions.
Amount of Shade: Mostly Shaded
One of the biggest advantages of Tunnel Trail is the amount of shade found along the route. The trail travels through a mature Appalachian hardwood forest, and the tree canopy provides protection from direct sunlight for most of the hike. This makes Tunnel Trail particularly appealing during the warmer months when temperatures throughout West Virginia can become quite hot and humid. The shade also contributes to the peaceful atmosphere that makes this trail feel secluded despite its location near some of the park’s most popular attractions.
Difficulty: Easy
Tunnel Trail is generally considered an easy hike suitable for most visitors. The combination of a short distance, moderate elevation gain, and a well-defined trail makes it approachable for families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor experience. While there are some roots, rocks, and uneven sections typical of natural trails in New River Gorge National Park, the overall difficulty remains low. Visitors who are comfortable walking on natural surfaces should have little trouble completing the hike while enjoying everything the trail has to offer.
What Makes Tunnel Trail a Great Hike?
Tunnel Trail is one of those hikes that packs a lot of variety into a relatively short distance. Unlike a traditional out-and-back trail, it follows a lollipop trail layout. Hikers begin on a short connector trail before reaching a loop section that circles through the woods. After completing the loop, you return to the parking area along the same connector segment.
The trail combines natural beauty with local history, creating a unique experience within New River Gorge National Park. The forest scenery is beautiful throughout the hike, and the historic railroad tunnel provides an interesting destination that feels different from many of the overlook-focused hikes found elsewhere in the park.
Its short length also makes it easy to combine with other attractions. Visitors can easily hike Tunnel Trail before heading to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, driving Fayette Station Road, experiencing the Bridge Walk, or exploring nearby favorites like Turkey Spur Overlook, Long Point Trail, and the Endless Wall Trail.
Scenery on the Tunnel Trail
Start of the Trail
The hike begins beneath a canopy of mature hardwood trees that provide plenty of shade throughout much of the route. The opening connector segment feels peaceful and secluded, offering an immediate escape into the Appalachian wilderness despite being close to some of the park’s most visited areas.
Ryan pointed out this large rock shaped like a heart and told us to go behind it for a photo
Most of the elevation change happens here, at this staircase. If you go to the right, going counter-clockwise around the loop part of the trail, you will take the stairs down and an inclined path back up later on the trail.
On the Trail
As the trail reaches the loop section, hikers travel through dense forest filled with ferns, moss-covered rocks, and towering trees. Seasonal wildflowers can often be found along the trail during spring and early summer, while vibrant foliage transforms the landscape during autumn.
The route provides a classic New River Gorge hiking experience, showcasing the rich forests that blanket much of the region. Birds and other wildlife are frequently spotted along the trail, adding to the sense of immersion in nature.
End of the Trail
The highlight of the hike is reaching the historic railroad tunnel. This impressive feature serves as a reminder of the region’s industrial past and offers a fascinating contrast to the natural scenery surrounding it. The tunnel is a unique destination that sets this trail apart from many of the park’s overlook hikes.
After enjoying the tunnel, hikers continue around the remainder of the loop before returning along the connector trail to the parking area.
Notable Places on the Hike
While the railroad tunnel is the primary attraction, the trail also offers beautiful forest scenery and opportunities to appreciate the rugged landscape that makes New River Gorge National Park one of the most scenic destinations in the eastern United States.
This wooden bridge is just a small part of the trail near the base of the rocks
The old tunnels are permanently closed for safety, but you can still see where the entrance was and take a look inside
Tunnel Trail Trailhead Information
Park Name: New River Gorge National Park
Tunnel Trail is located within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia. Managed by the National Park Service, the park protects over 70,000 acres of rugged Appalachian landscape and follows the course of the New River through one of the oldest river gorges in North America.
Finding the Trailhead
The trailhead is located near the Canyon Rim area of the park and is easily accessible from Fayette Station Road. Visitors staying in the Fayetteville area will find the trail only a short drive away. Directional signs help guide hikers from the parking area to the start of the trail.
Markers Along the Trail
The trail is generally easy to follow thanks to trail signs and a clearly defined path. The most important marker is located where the connector trail meets the loop section. Signs help hikers continue around the loop before returning to the same junction and retracing the connector segment back to the parking area.
Nearest Restrooms
The nearest restrooms are located at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. This is also a great place to stop before your hike to speak with park rangers, pick up maps, browse the gift shop, and learn more about the history and geology of the gorge.
Parking Area
The trail begins from a small parking lot near the trailhead. While parking is generally easier to find here than at some of the park's more popular destinations, the parking area can still fill during peak fall foliage weekends and busy summer days.
Tips for Tunnel Trail
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction.
- Bring water, especially during warmer months.
- Arrive early if visiting during fall foliage season.
- Follow trail signs carefully at the loop junction.
- Check with park rangers for current trail conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the historic tunnel and forest scenery.
- Combine this hike with nearby attractions to maximize your time in the park.
- Visit in the fall for some of the most beautiful foliage in West Virginia.
Accessibility Information for Tunnel Trail
Dirt, Rocks
Paved
Trail Type: Dirt, Rocks
Tunnel Trail is not accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, or other wheeled mobility devices. The trail surface consists of natural dirt, exposed roots, rocks, and uneven terrain. Some portions may become muddy following rain.
Parking: Paved
Parking in the Grandview area is paved with multiple handicap-accessible parking spots available.