There’s something unsettling about tunnels. Whether they’re under or aboveground, built for vehicular or pedestrian traffic, natural or manmade, tunnels are mysterious and dark places that can cause the imagination to run amok. So in a state that’s known for its underground caves and aboveground geological features, you’re sure to find all sorts of creepy tunnels in the Bluegrass! Here are seven spooky tunnels in Kentucky to explore by car, bike, or foot; summon your courage and set forth on a fun fall adventure!
- Boone Tunnel
Gabriel Starr/Google Local Located in Jessamine County, Boone Tunnel is an abandoned tunnel in Kentucky that was once used by myriad modes of transportation to cross the Kentucky River. The history of this area is fascinating and the tunnel – which hails from the early 20th century – still stands. Boone Tunnel is no longer open to vehicle traffic and you wouldn’t want to drive through it anyway, because it pretty much leads to nothing these days. But that just makes it all the more intriguing to explore! Boone Tunnel, 9859 Harrodsburg Rd, Wilmore, KY 40390, USA
- Cumberland Gap Tunnel
Stratosphere/Wikimedia Commons Down in the area where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia converge is Cumberland Gap, a region known for its scenic roads. While most enjoy driving above ground, you may be surprised to learn of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel in Kentucky. This stretch of highway is one of only two mountain tunnels in the country that crosses a state line, and if you have yet to experience it, you should! Cumberland Gap Tunnel, Kentucky, USA
- Wagon Tunnel
Andy Anderson/Google Local Lots of local legend and lore surround this creepy tunnel in Harlan, Kentucky. You’ll find this unique tunnel along a 100-year-old wagon road; the tunnel is said to have been punched through the sandstone caprock with a hand-held star drill, hammers, and black powder many years ago! 40831, Chevrolet, KY 40831, USA
- Gun Creek Tunnel
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook This hidden gem is a fun tunnel for hikers and bikers alike. You’ll find the 662-foot-long Gun Creek Tunnel along the Dawkins Line Trail near Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. A new addition to the park, this trail designed for hikers, cyclists, and even horseback riders, and follows the old Dawkins Line railroad bed. Visit the Kentucky State Parks website to learn more about this cool railway tunnel! Dawkins Line Rail Trail, Kentucky, USA
- Louisville Mega Cavern
Louisville Mega Cavern/Facebook Comprised of 17 miles of tunnels and corridors below Kentucky’s largest metropolis, Louisville Mega Cavern is rife with opportunities for exploration. A former limestone mine in the Bluegrass State; today, Louisville Mega Cavern offers adventures that are truly bucket-list worthy, including a 90-minute walking tour that allows for an immersive experience of this extraordinary underground tunnel system. Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213, USA
- Mammoth Cave
Margaret River/Flickr Easily the most famous underground tunnels in the world, Mammoth Cave a massive underworld with more than 400 miles of known passageways – and more being discovered each year. Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
- Nada Tunnel - Red River Gorge, KY
ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus We saved the best for last: Kentucky’s iconic and intriguing Nada Tunnel, a 900-foot tunnel known as the Gateway to Red River Gorge. Driving through this one-lane tunnel is an exciting and harrowing experience, made even more thrilling by the stories surrounding it, because…
…according to locals, the tunnel is reportedly haunted by a railroad worker killed during its construction in 1910.
ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus Will you encounter these spirits during your journey through Nada Tunnel? There’s only one way to find out… Nada Tunnel Road, Nada Tunnel Rd, Kentucky 40380, USA
For more spooky fun in the Bluegrass State, pay a visit to Kentucky’s very own ghost town… if you dare!
Gabriel Starr/Google Local
Located in Jessamine County, Boone Tunnel is an abandoned tunnel in Kentucky that was once used by myriad modes of transportation to cross the Kentucky River. The history of this area is fascinating and the tunnel – which hails from the early 20th century – still stands. Boone Tunnel is no longer open to vehicle traffic and you wouldn’t want to drive through it anyway, because it pretty much leads to nothing these days. But that just makes it all the more intriguing to explore!
Boone Tunnel, 9859 Harrodsburg Rd, Wilmore, KY 40390, USA
Stratosphere/Wikimedia Commons
Down in the area where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia converge is Cumberland Gap, a region known for its scenic roads. While most enjoy driving above ground, you may be surprised to learn of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel in Kentucky. This stretch of highway is one of only two mountain tunnels in the country that crosses a state line, and if you have yet to experience it, you should!
Cumberland Gap Tunnel, Kentucky, USA
Andy Anderson/Google Local
Lots of local legend and lore surround this creepy tunnel in Harlan, Kentucky. You’ll find this unique tunnel along a 100-year-old wagon road; the tunnel is said to have been punched through the sandstone caprock with a hand-held star drill, hammers, and black powder many years ago!
40831, Chevrolet, KY 40831, USA
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
This hidden gem is a fun tunnel for hikers and bikers alike. You’ll find the 662-foot-long Gun Creek Tunnel along the Dawkins Line Trail near Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. A new addition to the park, this trail designed for hikers, cyclists, and even horseback riders, and follows the old Dawkins Line railroad bed. Visit the Kentucky State Parks website to learn more about this cool railway tunnel!
Dawkins Line Rail Trail, Kentucky, USA
Louisville Mega Cavern/Facebook
Comprised of 17 miles of tunnels and corridors below Kentucky’s largest metropolis, Louisville Mega Cavern is rife with opportunities for exploration. A former limestone mine in the Bluegrass State; today, Louisville Mega Cavern offers adventures that are truly bucket-list worthy, including a 90-minute walking tour that allows for an immersive experience of this extraordinary underground tunnel system.
Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213, USA
Margaret River/Flickr
Easily the most famous underground tunnels in the world, Mammoth Cave a massive underworld with more than 400 miles of known passageways – and more being discovered each year.
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus
We saved the best for last: Kentucky’s iconic and intriguing Nada Tunnel, a 900-foot tunnel known as the Gateway to Red River Gorge. Driving through this one-lane tunnel is an exciting and harrowing experience, made even more thrilling by the stories surrounding it, because…
Will you encounter these spirits during your journey through Nada Tunnel? There’s only one way to find out…
Nada Tunnel Road, Nada Tunnel Rd, Kentucky 40380, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
