A Weekend in the Loops of
Southern Loops Tunnels I
I was recently fortunate enough to take a long weekend to
explore the tunnels on the Southern Loops and the Clinchfield Loops in western
The west portal of the Swannanoa Tunnel is easily visible from a grade crossing a couple hundred yards away.
The east portal of the Swannanoa Tunnel I am including because unless there is a definite opportunity for a well lighted photo of a locomotive exiting the tunnel, it is not worth the hike it takes to get there…unless like me, you just have to see every tunnel portal possible.
Next up is a sequence of four tunnels along the walking trail that used to be US 70. Burgin Tunnel is the first as seen in this view of the west portal.
The second tunnel is High Ridge Tunnel, seen here from the east. The tunnel is just down from Burgin Tunnel, but to get to the eastern portal, it is necessary to follow the walking trail around the ridge. A little side trail goes up between High Ridge Tunnel and McElroy Tunnel.
Viewing the McElroy Tunnel western portal lines up a great view of the western portal of Lick Log Tunnel-would love to know the story behind that name.
The 121 milepost marks this view of the Lick Log Tunnel (say that three times fast) western portal.
The railroad goes over the gravel fire road just beyond the bend seen in the distance in the above view. Shortly after that the line reaches Jarrett’s Tunnel.
Click here to see the second half of the Southern Loops pictures.
Or click here to see photos of phase two of my trip, the Clinchfield Loops.
Comments to butch@uky.edu.