Virginia is home to a treasure trove of beautiful trails and thankfully, hiking in Virginia is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round. If you’re looking for a trail that delivers plenty of scenery but isn’t labor-intensive, we’ve got just the place for you. Lace up those hiking boots and head to Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield.

Welcome to Natural Tunnel State Park, one of the most cherished natural areas in the state of Virginia. You can't go wrong visiting during any season, yet fall seems to be a particularly magical time to explore the park.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
While there are several trails that connect throughout the park, one that promises an incredible vista is Lover's Leap Trail. This loop measures just .8 miles in length, but chances are you'll want to take a spur trail or two.
Tabitha Hibbetts/flickr
You'll climb to the highest point of the tunnel, which is known as Lover's Leap, by means of a paved trail and series of stairs.
Tammy Burrow/flickr

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From the top, you'll see this natural wonder in all of its glory. Natural tunnel is the result of nearly one million years of erosion.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
The trail gets its name from the legend of a Shawnee warrior and a maiden from the Cherokee tribe who were forbidden to marry and thus climbed to the highest point of the tunnel and leapt to their deaths. This haunting story can be read at the top of the trail.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Even though you won't hike further than two miles within the park, you'll feel completely transformed by your time spent under the fall foliage at Natural Tunnel.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Don't forget to check out the train exhibit while you're there! Or better yet, you might even spot a coal train making its way through the natural tunnel.
Virginia State Parks/flickr

Natural Tunnel State Park is located at 1420 Natural Tunnel Pkwy, Duffield, VA 24244. For more information about this park, be sure to visit the official website here.

For more hiking inspiration, check out These 5 Essential Hikes In Virginia.

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