Making The World Better For Hiking At Natural Tunnel

Unlike last Super Bowl Weekend, which I spent the Saturday hiking, today was about public service as I attended the Clinch Coalition Board of Directors Retreat at Natural Tunnel State Park. 

We arrived.

It was an informative day, as Well I have decided to become more active, in regards to environmental issues, since Emperor Donald the Orange took office. Besides series organization business We had a nice lunch and even talked with a professor from UVA-Wise about tapping Maple Trees. Oh, you may ask why was I at Board of Directors Retreat? Well my Dad, who also went, is an Honorary Member and I have been to meetings and at other outings like hikes, the High Knob Naturalist Rally, and TCC Holiday Dinner. Well, during new business Steve Brooks, who is Associate Director, nominated me to be on the Board of Directors to my surprise. Anyway, I am now a TCC Board Member. Oh, did I mention I also did some hiking! 

Cove Ridge Ridge Center...

...built in 1999.

View from the rear overlook.

TCC President Diana Withen leads the meeting with Program Director Annie Cotten.

Some of the history of the TCC

They even have a bear at the Cove Ridge Center.

After the meeting was adjourned we did a group hike starting at the Cove Ridge Center on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. We hiked up to the Cove Ridge and its Gazebo with sweeping views of mountain peaks and valleys, including High Knob. After returning, it was time for the main event as headed over to the namesake of the park...Natural Tunnel. 

The group starts out...

...on our hike.

One of the many information displays.

The Gazebo on top of Cove Ridge...

...on the way we had this view!

Hiking to...

...the Gazabo...

...& this vista...

...which included High Knob.

We parked at the Visitor Center and since it was winter the chair lift down was closed. So, my Dad stayed at the top while I hiked down the steep Tunnel Trail. Let me say when you get the first look at Natural Tunnel it is awe-inspiring. It just gets more so the closer you get, it is a testament to the power of Mother Nature, this Tunnel is a must see! But, remember it is not a good idea (& illegal) to enter the Nature Tunnel as it is a working railroad. 

Time for the main event.

Starting down...

...the Natural Tunnel Trail.

In summer the Skylift is open not today.

First look for the upper overlook...

It is 500 yards...

...crossing the tracks...

...to the Natural Tunnel.

Stock Creek runs beside the tracks of this natural wonder!

Remember this is a working railroad.

The smaller tunnel...

...from the other side (notice the trail goes over the top).

The bridge leads to...

...the Carter Cabin...

...its story.

Headed back up & the next destination is visable.

On the way back I noticed a rock outcrop high above and that was my last destination Lover's Leap. There are at least 27 places in the United States like this (12 more worldwide), most of the stories involve two Native-American lovers from different tribes. At Natural Tunnel the story involves a Cherokee maiden and a Shawnee brave who couldn't be together and leaped into the gorge at this spot. The Lover's Leap Trail has two view spots that are half outcrop and half overlook (this is the one I saw from the gorge floor). The first has a great view of Natural Tunnel from above. Then the trail continues along the rim of the gorge switching backing up to the main outcrop/overlook of Lover's Leap. The view was amazing from here.

Headed up the Lover's Leap Trail...

...to the first outcrop/overlook....

...view of Natural Tunnel from it...

Also spotted a Crow's Nest.

Next stop...Lover's leap.

Going right...

...up this switchback...

...to Lover's Leap...

...it had this view...

...of the tunnel...

...& the other overlook.

Headed back.

Anyway, I headed back but I had one more stop once back at the parking area I had to visit the old train. It was an excellent day at a great park with a true Wonder of the World.

Last stop...