Hole In The Rock Wagon Tunnel, Hubbard Springs, Virginia

The spine of Cumberland Mountain at the saddle between Trading Creek and Martin’s Fork is a narrow rock wall. Traditionally, in the beginning, settlers from Kentucky would bring their merchandise in wagons to the top of Cumberland Mountain, and hand carry it across the natural rock wall to a wagon waiting a few feet on the other side, and then proceed to Hubbard’s Station. Later, they shot out a tunnel through the rock wall, in order that their wagons could make the uninterrupted passage to Hubbard Springs.

This tunnel is marked on the topographic map as “Wagon Road Tunnel”, but is known locally as “Hole in the Rock”.

Special “Thanks” to Jean McQueen, Tommy James, Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons who put me in touch with Gene Lewis who took me up the mountain. Without the help of these people, this video never would have happened.

GPS Location: 36º43’53.1″N 83º13’12.8″W