Exploring the Darkness — Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail

Author: Ty Smith
Counties: Nelson & Augusta 
Survey Time: 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm
Basic Weather: Clear, Temps in the 80’s
Party Members: Ty Smith & Evan Spears

We walked the trail to the tunnel, a ways into the tunnel, and back. It was an awesome experience. The walk in was standard, dry hardwoods along the slope. The tunnel however was super wet, with tons of crevices for salamanders to hide in. There are a couple waterfalls. The county line goes over the cave, so if one walks far enough in, they cross into Augusta Co.

Northern Two-lined Salamander  (Eurycea bislineata) {1}
{Nelson Co.} One individual hiding in a hole with a protruding wooden peg near the opening of the tunnel. 

Long-tailed Salamander (Eurycea longicauda) {7}
{Nelson & Augusta Co.} Several along the walls in the open, and in crevices. One juvenile missing it’s tail was seen on the Augusta side as well as an adult. The others were in Nelson, but we didn’t stray far into Augusta.

Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) {1}
{Nelson Co.} Single juvenile scurried up the slope, onto a Tuliptree near the parking lot.