Nelson County partnering with Waynesboro group to make Blue Ridge Tunnel more accessible

Since opening in September 2020, the historic Blue Ridge Tunnel connecting Nelson County with Augusta County has become one of the region’s hottest tourist attractions. Over 6,000 people visited the site in August, according to a written report in the Board of Supervisors’ packet for September 10. 

However, the site can be inaccessible to people with mobility challenges. The director of Nelson’s parks and recreation department said a plan is being developed to make improvements. 

“We are partnering with a new nonprofit based out of Waynesboro,” said director Jerry West. “It is a program called Blue Ridge Packs and Tracks.”

West said the group offers tours in off-road electric wheelchairs called “track chairs” which allows access to those who might not otherwise be able to travel through the 4,273 foot long tunnel as well as other challenging pathways.

“More rugged trails that a more normal wheelchair would not be able to access,” West said. “This allows those people the opportunity to get on those trails and see more of nature and have that opportunity.”  

The chairs have dual controls with the person sitting in it being overseen by a volunteer who will help with the maneuvering. West said the goal is to have the first chair in place by October 1 when the Blue Ridge Tunnel has its annual Accessibility Day. West said registrations for that program were sold out within 26 minutes of going live.  

West said the track chair program is intended to become a regular feature.

“This is the first of its kind in Virginia so hopefully this takes off and will be a good representation of the initiative here in Nelson County,” West said.   

The annual closure of the tunnel for maintenance took place in mid-August. 

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