This is the Hagan tunnel southern portal about 10 miles west of Pennington Gap at 36.706559, -83.288597 in Lee County VA. The tunnel, over 6,000′ long, runs from Hagan through Cumberland Mountain to Chevrolet KY, originally as part of L&N’s Cumberland Division. The tunnel was constructed in the late 1920s. There is also a single reference to another tunnel here at Hagan breaching the mountain higher up in a private or community effort back around the turn of the 20th century. It was used by wagons for commerce between the states (we couldn’t find it).
This place is also interesting in that there are the two wyes (I was corrected on this…it’s a switchback) near this portal. The CSX train comes over the top of the tunnel entrance going in a westerly direction, moves off to the first switchback, then backs down to the other one, which allows it to head into the tunnel going more or less northward. All very complicated and a headache, I’ve read, for CSX, but since this is a lightly used, low speed line, they feel the cost of clearing all this up would not be profitable. It takes about an hour for the train we observed to make the complete transition. This was (I’m guessing) a 90-car unit. At that length, it was completely in the tunnel before it came out the other side (math – coal car: about 50′ or so and the two engines about 75′ each…making the train about .8 mile in length).
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Blogging the Railroad Tunnels 
Why is there only a short stretch of line below the tunnel? All that work to build that tunnel and it doesn’t even have a decent way to get into it from the south.
Has to do with the wye, I suppose.
First of all, it’s not a wye it’s the only mainline switchback still in use in the United States, I live 12 miles from the switchback and tunnel it still sees approximately 8 trains per week of coal and scrubber stone.
It is also the only class 1 railroad, main line switchback in the United States
Thank you for your comment!
Have you rode on the train. Or is this pure speculation???
My grandfather help build this tunnel. His name was p.e. pace. He worked on the ky side. The Powell valley new done to story’s on him. The other tunnel you spoke of is on top of the mountain. Stone mountain we call it. Cumberland mountain. Its a old trade trail. There’s another trail over top of the tunnel called the Hagen trail it was a trade route also.
Thank you for the information!
I was taised at Hagan in the House that Martha Beaty (dispatcher for the trains. ) It was A prominated town was upon a time there was a Hotel built by the name of .Crouse. there ad was a passinger train along with the coal from the from the mines. They were mover they ran down towards Langleys to Brown’s Switch. Where the tracks were swithced they went aroud the ridge. Crossed over the underpass run the cars to the right then if they needed water there was the water tank. Then the eh ngin took the cars through the tunnel into Ky. The Engines were the old Steamers. It took one enhin to pull around 100. Loaded cars. Our Neighbors saw the tunnel built. They told us about as we were growing up.
My Grandfather was raised in the 30’s in Rose Hill and he always talked about the train. I am building an N guage model of the route and wondered if you had any more information on the rail? Where did it connect? What was it called? Did it happen to go to Harlan (family ties there as well). There is not much information. I was there once in person and saw a little of it, but I am researching to know more.
Thank you! I’ve corrected the post and appreciate your input.
Is the other tunnel you mentioned a man-made one that is called “the hole in the wall” ?? It is further up the mountain, but in the same general area. Wagons could pass through it going from KY to VA or from Va to Ky. This blog may get you on the right trail —
http://www.kywilderness.com/forum/index.php?topic=456.0
Yes, I think so. The sources on this upper tunnel were rather vague.
I hate to show people’s dumbness up but I’m going to… Neither one of the tunnels the not the one that goes to Hagen or the one on the top of the mountain that goes to Hagen not either one is the hole in the rock…. Ya can barely fit from 1 side to the other walking….
Tunnel actually goes from Hagen Virginia to Smith Kentucky
Thank you for your information!
I have lived in Hagan since 1985, Have walked up to the tunnel several times. Not sure where you got your info at about the number of trains that go through it. It’s definately more than 1 a week. Try one a day. Also it doesn’t take the train an Hour to get lined up to go through the tunnel. Unless you count the amount of time using the rose hill switchback also. when first moved here it was several trains all during the day and night every day that used it. there was even once that a passenger train made its way through here. I am glad that you wrote about it. Just please in the future get your facts straight. Also please ask your readers if any do plan on visiting the tunnel to be respectful of the area and those that live in Hagan, an not to park in the road when walking up to it. Had several people over the years parking along the road making it hard to get in and out of Hagan. If you have any other information about Hagan I would love to hear about it. Especially the Hagan Depot. I have yet to find any pictures of it. I know exactly where the Hagan post office was, the building is still standing, and also know where the Hagan school building is. In My years of living here I have discovered some interesting things. some that well intrigues and confuses me.
Thank you for your information! I’ll try to be more accurate in the future!
They trains did it Loaded down with coal from the Mines. Not only for the trains that but the Freighters that carried Refrighter car full of frozen food to you
Also the cattle cars loaded with cattle , pigs Even chicken headed to the slauther houses. They had a big job. These enginers were no slackers. Also the Station Master at the depot that used a telegraupher to talker to the trains. WE Saw these trains carrying ther loads. Not only did we see them We felt the ground tremble under foot before we heard the Whistle wide open screaming. This is first hand in remembering the trains also the tunnel at Hagan, VA. We lived above the Hagan Depot.
There was a period when I thought that the traffic had slackened. I’m glad to hear that it hasn’t!
I live in Shawanee. I would love to walk up to the wagon hole. Could you point me in the right direction and tell me where to park. If you want to walk up there with me that would work too.
It’s been a while since we were at Hagan. I suppose the best suggestion I could provide would be to consult Google maps or Google Earth to find the best places to park. Thank you for the comment.
The hole in the wall is actually on what is now known as Hubbard Springs Road route 621. Take about 6 to 8 minute drive maybe less depending on how fast you drive on route 621 just to get where you can see it from the road. especially during the winter. People ride 4wheelers up there all the time. Im not sure which side it is, but on one side of it the trail has come to be known as hells trail because of so many atv accidents. I live in Hagan, just a short walk to the Hagan tunnel for me. Beautiful area, I encourage anyone to come see it. All we ask is for people to respect those of us that live here and our gorgeous scenery.
Thank you very much for this information!