DUFFIELD – Visitors to Natural Tunnel State Park will not have to be like Wile E. Coyote and worry about surprise trains emerging from painted tunnel faces Saturday.
The park hosts its annual Railroad Day July 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thanks to Norfolk Southern Railroad’s cooperation with the park, the public can walk along the active rail line through the park with no fear of a light in front of tons of diesel electric engines and railcars.
When Willam Jennings Bryan was not debating Clarence Darrow over evolution, the 19th and early 20th century political figure called the 850-foot tunnel the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Folks can judge if Bryan was right while they walk along the length of the tunnel and learn about the local history surrounding it.
The park trail will be open for hikers to the tunnel, or one can ride the park chairlift. Carter Cabin – along the way to the tunnel – will feature park staffers ready to tell about the cabin as well as the area’s natural history and links to explorer Daniel Boone.
Visitors can also inspect another piece of local railroad history before descending to the tunnel. “Number 66,” a steam locomotive that once plied the former Rim Rock Railroad tourist attraction near Norton six decades ago, sits near the parking area by the chairlift.
Food and light refreshments will be available onsite during Railroad Day. Parking will be at the park’s picnic area, and shuttles will run to the chairlift.
Parking is $7 per vehicle, and chairlift tickets are $5 per person round-trip and $4 one-way. Children 3 and younger ride free.
Information
- Online: Natural Tunnel State Park — Events