| alert |
|
| contractID |
VA |
| description |
The Commonwealth of Virginia acquired the tunnel and 100 surrounding acres in 1967 from the Natural Tunnel Chasm and Caverns Corp. to establish Natural Tunnel State Park. Approximately 750 additional acres were later acquired and the park opened in 1971. Natural Tunnel, called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" by William Jennings Bryan, has been attracting sightseers to the mountains of southwestern Virginia for more than 100 years. Today it is the focal point of Natural Tunnel State Park, a park which offers visitors not only spectacular sights but also swimming, cabins, camping (up to 50amp), picnicking, hiking, a chairlift, a visitor center, an amphitheater and interpretive programs, including guided canoe tours and wild cavetrips. The new Cove Ridge Center offers conference center facilities, both overnight and meeting space. The creation of Natural Tunnel began more than a million years ago in the early glacial period when groundwater bearing carbonic acid percolated through crevices and slowly dissolved surrounding limestone and dolomite bedrock. Then, what is now Stock Creek was probably diverted underground to continue carving the tunnel slowly over many centuries. The walls of the tunnel show evidence of prehistoric life, and many fossils can be found in the creek bed and on tunnel walls. Size: 850 acres. The tunnel is 850 feet long and 100 feet high inside. |
| drivingDirection |
Natural Tunnel State Park is in Scott County, approximately 13 miles north of Gate City and 20 miles north of Kingsport, Tenn.. To get there, from I-81, take I26 North to US 23 approximately 20 miles past Gate City. Take State Route 871 and go one mile east to park entrance.Natural Tunnel State Park, 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway. Duffield, VA 24244-9361; Phone: (276) 940-2674 |
| facilitiesDescription |
|
| facility |
NATURAL TUNNEL STATE PARK |
| facilityID |
140178 |
| fullReservationUrl |
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=VA&parkId=140178&cmp=39-32--joewils |
| importantInformation |
There is a per night per pet fee for cats and dogs in all cabins and lodges (pets are not allowed in the yurts). Customers making reservations via the web are responsible for visiting the park office to pay all applicable pet fees. Customers may also call the reservation center at 800-933-7275 to pay the pet fees in advance. Notice for Campers and Cabin Guests: PLAY IT SAFE - LEAVE YOUR FIREWOOD AT HOME!! One of the most important things we can do to protect Virginia's trees and forest diversity is to stop moving firewood. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often first found in campgrounds and parks. Why? Because people have accidently spread invasive species when they brought firewood along with them. In Virginia, there are numerous counties under quarantines issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to an invasive insect pest or disease. These quarantines restrict the movement of firewood or wood by products from certain tree species. For more information on areas under quarantine, go to http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/firewood-quarantine. Virginia State Parks recommends that you do not bring firewood from home but buy it at the park or in the parks locality. Any wood brought to the park should be fully burned before leaving. |
| nearbyAttrctionDescription |
|
| note |
|
| orientationDescription |
|
| recreationDescription |
|