Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls

The 1,617 foot long Stumphouse Tunnel is an oddity. Started in 1852 by the Blue Ridge Railroad to connect Charleston to Knoxville and eventually on to Cincinnati, the Civil War—and lack of funds—brought construction to a halt. While there were various efforts to revive the tunnel, none of them came to pass and it stands today as a monument to the efforts of pre-Civil War engineering. Down the path a short distance is Issaqueena Falls, a beautiful waterfall with easy access by a 200-300’ wide, gentle, graveled path to a wooden lookout platform with a rail and seating. The park also includes a picnic shelter.

Issaqueena Falls

An easy 5-minute walk from the parking area on a well-maintained path takes visitors to a viewing platform overlooking the falls. The descent to the base of the falls is steep and challenging.