Most People Don’t Know The Story Behind This Hidden Tunnel In Kentucky

Known as "The Gateway to Red River Gorge," Nada Tunnel is a historic 900-foot tunnel that is without a doubt the most fascinating way to enter the gorge. If you’re driving along KY-77 in Powell County, you’ll encounter this hidden tunnel, which looks like a hole carved into the face of a mountain, with the greenery of the surrounding trees ready to swallow your car. Turn on your headlights, make sure oncoming cars aren’t moving through the tunnel, and get ready to drive through this remarkable piece of Kentucky. Bone up on your Nada Tunnel history, and the spooky stories that have been told about this dark, hidden tunnel in Kentucky.

Construction of the tunnel began in 1910. Dynamite, drills, and various other tools were used to blast through the face of the limestone rock.

The tunnel was completed in 1911. Its initial purpose was to allow locomotives to transport timber from logging operations in the Gorge to a sawmill in Clay City, about 15 miles away.

These next few Nada Tunnel photos show a darker side to this historic tunnel.

During its construction, one man was killed when he put a stick of frozen dynamite next to a fire to thaw it, and it exploded. Due to the tunnel’s rugged nature and unique appearance, there are a few different creepy stories and legends associated with Nada Tunnel. Many say it’s haunted by the ghost of the man who was killed in the dynamite blast. Others say a rock climber fell to his death while attempting to scale the cliffs above the tunnel entrance.

Both of these stories are attributed to the legend that sometimes at night, an eerie green orb can be seen floating at the entrance of Nada Tunnel. Is Nada Tunnel haunted?

Some say that unidentifiable moaning sounds can be heard in the tunnel, seemingly coming from inside the rock walls. However, if you are on foot or on a bike, it is not advisable to enter the tunnel, even if you do want to try to hear these ghostly noises. The tunnel has no interior lighting, and it’s very narrow, so don’t get hit by a car and become the next ghost of Nada Tunnel.

If you’re looking for the Red River Gorge tunnel and planning on entering the Gorge through Nada Tunnel, be advised that the tunnel can only let one car through at a time. Be sure to stop at the entrance and check for the headlights of oncoming cars, and turn your lights on as well. The tunnel is 12 feet wide and 13 feet high, so if you’re driving a larger vehicle, be careful.

The entirety of Red River Gorge is a captivating look back into Kentucky’s history, with little shreds of evidence of life from previous centuries everywhere.

Nada Tunnel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, transports you back to the early 20th century and reminds you of the manpower and hard labor that went into its construction. We love these Nada Tunnel pictures.

To get to Nada Tunnel, take exit 33 off the Bert T. Comb Mountain Parkway. From there, take KY-11 N for 1.5 miles. Turn right on KY-77 N and continue for about two miles until you eventually reach the tunnel. Once you make it through the Nada Tunnel in Kentucky, there are tons of trailheads and beautiful scenery on the other side. Welcome to Red River Gorge! Grab some maps from AllTrails+ and enjoy your outdoor adventures.

Have you ever learned this Nada Tunnel history? What did you think? Let us know in the comments section!

Looking for more fun tunnels to visit? Make sure to read all about the Cumberland Gap Tunnel.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/cumberland-gap-tunnel-ky/

Another natural wonder in Kentucky that could tell a story or two is the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. There is one phenomenon that you don't want to miss - the spectacular moonbow that only occurs under certain conditions under the full moon:

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