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Outdoors and Sports Powell River Railbed Trail

Bee Rock Tunnel-Powell River Trail
  • Address
    722 West Main Street
    Appalachia, VA 24216
  • Phone
    276-565-3900
  • City
    Appalachia
    Locality
    Wise
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  • Social
  • Visit Site

The Powell River Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail in Appalachia, Virginia. The trail sits on the former Louisville & Nashville Railroad bed, which was used to haul coal from Appalachia to the neighboring Big Stone Gap. More than a century later, this corridor is used by enthusiastic residents and visitors alike for walking, running, biking and walking dogs. Fishermen use the trail to access the Powell River. Trail users on the ten-foot wide trail may catch glimpses of wild turkey, deer and bear in the surrounding forest.

The trail features two tunnels: at 47 feet, the Bee Rock Tunnel was once claimed to be the shortest railroad tunnel in the world (a claim later disproved). The Callahan Tunnel is longer, darker and unlike the former, not reinforced. Interpretive signage placed along the trail narrates the history of the trail.  It is hoped that the trail will be extended across US-23 BUS. and into Big Stone Gap to link to that town's greenway system then the City of Norton.  

Region

Southwest Virginia - Heart of Appalachia

Last Updated: 01/11/2021

Related Listings

  • Appalachian Backroads - Wise County
    Appalachian Backroads - Wise County
    3028 4th Avenue Market Square
    Saint Paul, VA 24283
  • Chief Benge Trail
    Chief Benge Trail
    Eagle Knob Rd.
    Wise, VA 24293
  • Colgard Outdoor Sports
    Colgard Outdoor Sports
    600 Park Avenue NE
    Norton, VA 24273
  • Country Cabin II Appalachian Traditions Village
    Country Cabin II Appalachian Traditions Village
    6034 Kent Junction Road
    Wise, VA 24273
  • Flag Rock Area Trails
    Flag Rock Area Trails
    Flag Rock Road
    Norton, VA 24273
  • Guest River Gorge Trail
    Guest River Gorge Trail
    Clinch Ranger District
    Jefferson National Forest
    Wise, VA 24293
  • Heart of Appalachia Visitor's Center
    Heart of Appalachia Visitor's Center
    3028 4th Avenue Market Square
    Saint Paul, VA 24283
  • High Knob Lake Trail
    High Knob Lake Trail
    FR238
    Clinch Ranger District, Jefferson National Forest
    Norton, VA 24273
  • Lake Keokee Loop Trail
    Lake Keokee Loop Trail
    9416 Darden Drive
    Sten Olson
    Wise, VA 24293
  • Red Fox Trail
    Red Fox Trail
    Potters Town Rd.
    Pound, VA 24279
  • Saint Paul Loop Trail
    Saint Paul Loop Trail
    E. Riverside Drive
    Saint Paul, VA 24273

What's Nearby

  • The Appalachia Cultural Arts Center
    The Appalachia Cultural Arts Center
    Main Street
    Appalachia, VA 24216
    0.46 MI
  • Appalachia Loop Trail
    Appalachia Loop Trail
    Cold Springs Drive
    Appalachia, VA 24216
    0.61 MI
  • Louis E. Henegar Miners Memorial Park
    Louis E. Henegar Miners Memorial Park
    Callahan Avenue
    Appalachia, VA 24216
    1.09 MI
  • Pizza Hut- Big Stone Gap
    Pizza Hut- Big Stone Gap
    920 E 5th St. N.
    Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
    2.18 MI
  • Gap Lumber Company
    Gap Lumber Company
    1521 3rd Ave E
    Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
    2.21 MI

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