There is a strange. man-made rock formation that Kentucky's Highway 77 leads to as you enter the Red River Gorge area. It's Nada Tunnel, a tunnel placed on the United States National Register of Historical Places. The 900 foot tunnel (measuring 13'x12'x900') was just the right size for the local railroad to haul logs from the area, when it was used for logging.
It took ten months to blast and remove the rock and then lay the tracks to complete the tunnel. Construction began in December 1910 and was finished in September 1911. A 25-ton and a 35-ton Climax locomotive were used to haul logs through the tunnel starting in 1912. The first load of logs became jammed in the tunnel and had to be dynamited free. It was enlarged to accomodate the large logs common to the area.
The railroad carried the logs 15 miles to a mill at Clay City. At one time it was the largest sawmill in the eastern United States.
The tracks are gone and the tunnel now contains the asphalt of Kentucky 77 and rocks which line the road on the side. I wonder how much damage has been done to cars over the years.
The railroad was important to this area, and in neighboring Natural Bridge park, the railroad purchased the land natural bridge sits on and sold train tickets to get to the park. For most Americans, trains were the only way to see one of Kentucky's most-loved natural attractions.
Here's video and pictures of the tunnel. By the way, I forgot to honk my horn.
Leaving the Red River Gorge area
Entering the Red River Gorge area. Sorry about the orientation, it's a bad habit from the way cell phones are designed.
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| Watch out for annoying tourists taking multiple group shots when coming upon and exiting Nada Tunnel. Alright, how about one with you and Bill now that got the shot with Sally and Bill.. |
