This Popular Virginia Trail Becomes Absolutely Stunning During The Autumn Months

Virginia is widely considered one of the best states in the U.S. to view fall foliage. In fact, Forbes places a pair of spots in Virginia on their list of top destinations to see autumn leaves and notes that such views are common throughout the majority of the state. With close to two dozen national parks, parkways, and scenic trails scattered across the state, it is easy to forget Virginia also has quite an impressive series of state parks.

To that end, those looking for a unique and scenic area to see autumn colors need look no further than a place ranked as one of the Top 10 Virginia State Parks by Trip Advisor. Natural Tunnel State Park, situated in the western corner of the state, some six hours west of Richmond, is a park and trail built around a natural tunnel which cuts through a limestone ridge in the Appalachian Mountains. While the tunnel is an amazing sight year-round, this popular Virginia trail becomes absolutely stunning during the autumn months.

The central feature of Natural Tunnel State Park, of course, is the tunnel itself. Stretching 850 feet and rising 10 stories high, this natural tunnel is a lot to take in. Visitors have the option of hiking or taking a chair lift through the tunnel. Including the Tunnel Trail, there are more than half a dozen trails in the park that wind past notable landmarks and features such as Carter Cabin, the tunnel floor, Stock Creek, and Lover's Leap Overlook, as well as several observation points.

Natural Tunnel State Park is an incredible fall camping destination, featuring cabins, lodges, yurts, and a variety of campsites. Even throughout the year, the park offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, and nature-watching. There are also various guided adventures in different seasons of the year, including cave tours, wildflower walks, and bird-watching hikes, as well as canoe and kayak trips. Additionally, the park's astronomy program holds viewings twice monthly spring through fall. 

While Natural Tunnel State Park offers outdoor activities throughout the year, fall is a particularly good time to visit. Why? Well, next to knowing what to wear on a fall hike, the most important thing for many is seeing leaves turn a dazzling array of red, yellow, and orange. Additionally, the milder fall temperatures make hiking up and down the elevation within the park much more tolerable.

Fall is also a great time for viewing wildlife, as well. The park is home to an array of creatures, most of which are quite active during autumn. In fact, a quick glance at the bird observation reports for Natural Tunnel State Park on eBird shows that the majority of the park's 128 known species are commonly sighted during the fall months. Keep in mind, however, there are also creatures to beware of when adventuring in the Appalachian Mountains, and the trails within this park are no different. So, be sure to keep an eye out for potentially harmful wild animals such as black bears when hiking in Natural Tunnel State Park.

Another reason to visit during the fall is it is the last chance to take advantage of a pair of the park's most popular programs and tours. The astronomy program's stellar viewings run through October, as do the wild cave tours.