Where is Natural Tunnel State Park,Duffield, Virginia?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Natural Tunnel State Park is located in Virginia, USA. It lies between Bristol and Abingdon and is situated in the Appalachian Mountains. It is famous for its natural rock tunnel through a mountain, used by trains and visitors.

Natural Tunnel State Park Location Map,Duffield, Virginia

Top Attractions Inside Natural Tunnel State Park

  • Natural Tunnel – Massive sandstone tunnel carved by natural forces, the park’s centerpiece.
  • Trolley Tours – Scenic train rides through the tunnel offering unique viewpoints and historical insights.
  • Hiking Trails – Trails exploring the surrounding forest, gorge, and overlooks of the tunnel.
  • Observation Decks – Panoramic viewpoints of the tunnel, gorge, and Appalachian landscape.
  • Camping Areas – Campsites and picnic facilities for day use and overnight stays.
  • Picnic & Recreation Areas – Designated spots for family gatherings and enjoying natural scenery.
  • Wildlife & Birdwatching – Opportunities to observe deer, birds, and other native Appalachian fauna.

Natural Tunnel State Park Facts

Official NameNatural Tunnel State Park
LocationDuffield, Scott County, Virginia, USA — Appalachian Mountains
Latitude & Longitude36.8371° N, 82.9454° W
Total AreaApproximately 350 acres (≈1.4 km²)
Established / Opened1940 (as Virginia State Park)
Managed ByVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
RegionAppalachian Mountains, Southwest Virginia
AddressNatural Tunnel State Park, 101 Natural Tunnel Road, Duffield, VA 24244, USA
Zip Code24244
Area Code276
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptNatural limestone tunnel, hiking, rail history, scenic gorge, outdoor recreation, wildlife observation
Main Sections / AreasNatural Tunnel arch, hiking trails, observation decks, campgrounds, picnic areas, Amphitheater
Famous AttractionsNatural Tunnel rock formation, historic rail tunnel train rides, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, camping & picnicking areas
Annual VisitorsApprox. 150,000–200,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid admission – park entrance fee, additional fees for train rides and some activities
Ticket Price RangePark entrance: ~$5 per adult; Natural Tunnel Train Ride: ~$5–$10 per person
Ticket OptionsDay-use entry, train ride tickets, guided tours, camping & picnic reservations
Best Time to VisitSpring–Fall for hiking and scenic views; autumn for fall foliage; winter for quiet exploration
Nearby AirportTri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) – ~35 miles (56 km)
TransportationCar access via US-23 / US-58; parking on-site; hiking trails; train rides available seasonally
Official Websitehttps://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-tunnel

Distances from Natural Tunnel State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Natural Tunnel – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Saint Paul, VA – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Virginia-Kentucky State Line – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Clinch River – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Sandlick Creek – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Big Walker Lookout – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Grayson Highlands State Park – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Mount Rogers National Recreation Area – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Bristol, VA/TN – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Abingdon, VA – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Virginia Creeper Trail – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Whitetop Mountain – 55 km (34.2 mi)
  • South Holston Lake – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Mount Rogers Trailhead – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Damascus, VA – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Holston Mountain – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Walker Mountain – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • McCall Creek – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Watauga Lake – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Entrance – 80 km (49.7 mi)