Nada Tunnel

If you don’t like tight spaces, then the Nada Tunnel isn’t for you. Known as “The Gateway to Red River Gorge”, the tunnel is about a quarter of a mile long, is only wide enough for one vehicle to go through at a time, and has no interior lights. And if that wasn’t creepy enough, the tunnel is also supposedly haunted.

The tunnel was built for the Dana Lumber Company so logs could be moved out of the Red River Valley. Construction of the tunnel started in 1910 and was completed in 1911. Originally, the tunnel was twelve feet tall and twelve feet wide but was made taller when a locomotive full of wood got stuck and had to be blasted free, the tunnel’s height was increased to thirteen feet.

According to legends surrounding the ghosts, a man was killed when he put a stick of dynamite too close to a fire and it exploded. Allegedly, the man still haunts the tunnel and can be seen as a green light at the entrance. Other people have reported moans coming from the walls while inside.

When I drove through the tunnel recently, there is a very odd feeling while you are inside. A lot of it has to do with how close you are to the sides. It is very claustrophobic and cold. It could be 90 degrees outside, but as soon as you go into the tunnel, a chill goes over you.

If you are looking for a very cool and creepy experience, take a detour on KY-77 in Powell County and drive through the Nada Tunnel.

Authors Note: It is NOT a good idea to go into the tunnel on foot. There are spots at both entrances where you can pull off to the side of the road to get a picture, but it’s not a good idea to go into the tunnel on foot.