Explore Backbone Rock and Falls

Shady Valley, TN
4.8
4 Reviews
Explore Backbone Rock and Falls
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Features

Waterfall
River
Forest
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Swimming Hole
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About this place

Added by Elyse Clark

This is a roadside stop near Damascus, Virginia with a neat rock tunnel constructed in 1901 known as the "shortest tunnel in the world" and a 45 foot waterfall.

First, from the parking lot, there is a trail which climbs up to walk on top of the rock. The top of the rock is narrow, but has hand rails to hold on to.  

Once finished walking on top of the rock, cross the road (be extremely careful) and walk away from the tunnel. Here is a good angle to take a photo of the tunnel which was created in 1901.  

Still walking away from the tunnel, there will be a well-marked trail that breaks off to your left. This is a very short loop trail leading to the 45' Backbone Falls.  The loop trail will lead back to the road, and you will simply have to carefully cross the road again to return to your car. 

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Laci Brickey
1/25/2026
Amazing Views
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Jared Beeler
9/8/2020
Very cool area
This is a gorgeous area and is amazing in the fall. Hiking to the top of the tunnel is very neat and worth it.
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Merritt McKinney
6/1/2017
Unique structure with plenty to keep you occupied!
These pictures does not do the tunnel justice. The walk on top of the tunnel features several guardrails and wooden bridges. The waterfall is ...
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Lauren Rhea
1/16/2017
Rainy Day
I went on this hike on an extremely dreary day which causes the stone pathway to be a bit slippery but it was still ...
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