Tunnel Trail

A wooden boardwalk passing under large overhanging cliff

This is Grandview's shortest trail—a half-mile shaded forest passage through tunnels in sandstone and beneath a massive rock overhang. Don't come for the hike; come to escape the heat. Moist earth, lush vegetation, and cold-to-the-touch rock deliver a sensory reset in 30 minutes. Critical caveat: the tunnels are currently closed for safety, but the shaded forest and overhanging stone remain open.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.5
Route Type: One-way
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 75

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.5
Route Type: One-way
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 75
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes depending on pace; factor in photo stops at the overhang
Trail Surface: Rooty forest floor with moist, compacted earth; slippery when wet
Trail Features: Sandstone tunnels (currently closed)
Rock overhang
Dense forest canopy
Moist earth
Lush vegetation
Trail Highlights: The closed tunnels and massive rock overhang are the intended draws. Even with tunnels off-limits, the shaded forest and cold-to-touch sandstone walls deliver a physical and psychological cool-down on scorching days.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Main Overlook parking area: one endpoint near Main Overlook walkway; second endpoint near baseball diamond and playground
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required; the two endpoints are within the same parking area complex

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required
Fees: Free
Trail Status: Open, except tunnels are currently closed due to safety concerns
Seasonal Closures: None; Grandview Visitor Center is seasonal (typically Memorial Day–Labor Day, 9am–5pm)

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: None on trail; carry everything you'll drink
Accessibility: Rooty, uneven forest floor; damp conditions year-round. Not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility devices. Rock overhang passages narrow.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Slippery rooty surfaces
Damp earth (slip risk)
Rock overhang clearance
Tunnel closure (feature unavailable)
Hazard Details: Tunnels are closed indefinitely due to safety concerns. The trail is rooty and perpetually moist, creating slip hazards especially after rain. The rock overhang requires headroom awareness for hikers over 6 feet tall. Passages can feel cramped.
Crowd Level: Moderate to high during midday and hot-weather weekends—it's the shortest Grandview trail, so families flock here
Peak Crowd Times: Midday (10am–3pm) on hot days; summer weekends
Best Season: Spring through fall; summer maximizes heat-escape value
Best Time To Visit: Arrive by 7am on hot days to claim shade before crowds converge. Spring and fall offer the most stable temperatures. Summer is peak value—humidity makes the cool rock walls irresistible.
Tips Advice: Carry 1-2L water minimum—the shade masks dehydration risk; you'll forget to drink until you're parched
Wear traction shoes; rooty terrain and perpetually damp earth create slip hazards
Pack a microfiber towel; moist conditions are year-round
Start before 9am on weekends to dodge family-outing crowds
Watch headroom under rock overhangs and passage walls—crouch if needed

More details

Park Area: Grandview
Trail Markers: Well-marked; labeled (7) on Grandview Area Trails map
Biking Allowed: No, hiking only
Shade Level: Full shade—dense forest with continuous canopy coverage
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare at this elevation; mild winter conditions typical for WV
Mud Season: Spring and after heavy rains—the perpetually moist trail becomes treacherous within hours of precipitation
Bug Season: Summer mosquitoes likely in dense shaded forest; bring insect repellent for late afternoon hikes
Insider Tips: The two trailhead endpoints (Main Overlook walkway vs. baseball diamond area) create a natural one-way option—park at one end, walk through, exit the other
Bring the Grandview Area Trails map (available at visitor center); it clarifies the two starts
The real payoff isn't the tunnels—it's the mist and cold sandstone walls on a 90°F day
Recent Updates: Tunnels closed due to safety concerns (status as of July 2026); rest of trail remains open
Family Friendly Notes: Short distance and full shade make this attractive for kids. Rooty terrain and rock overhang passages require close supervision. Most families with school-age children handle it well; not ideal for toddlers.
Nearby Facilities: Main Overlook parking area includes playground and baseball diamond. Grandview Visitor Center (seasonal) offers maps, water, and restrooms during summer months.
Review Summary: Hikers praise this trail as a tactical heat-escape tool for blisteringly hot days. The tunnel closure is a significant letdown, but the shaded forest and cool rock still deliver. Families value the short distance; serious hikers use it as a warm-up.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail too easy?

Yes, if you want a cardiovascular workout. No, if you want a shaded refuge and sensory escape. Don't measure by distance—measure by the microclimate. This is tactical heat management, not cardio.

Can I hike this with kids under 8?

Yes. Short distance and shade are kid-friendly. Rooty terrain and low overhangs require close supervision, but most kids handle it fine with good shoes.

Why are the tunnels closed?

Safety concerns. NPS didn't specify details, but the closure is indefinite. Come for the forest and cool rock walls instead.

Will I slip on this wet trail?

Possibly. The earth is perpetually moist, and recent rain makes it treacherous. Wear shoes with aggressive grip. Move deliberately on roots.

Do I need a detailed map?

Not strictly—the trail is well-marked as path (7) on the Grandview Area Trails map. Grab the map at the visitor center to understand the two endpoints and plan your exit.

How long does this actually take?

20-30 minutes if you move steadily. 45 minutes if you pause for photos and linger in the cool spots. Time expands in good shade and cool rock.