This 1,618′ tunnel lies a tangent in The Loops that features a total of four tunnels (Lower Bridal, Speedy, Lower Pine, and Byrd Ridge). Coming from Elkhorn City (about 193 miles away now), the track has just competed the first big loop and is going northeast into this, the southwestern portal. This was taken in winter, but, in summer, it’s beautiful up here.
Blogging the Railroad Tunnels 
Lower Bridal Path tunnel is named after the ridge that runs over it; Bridal Path ridge. Also, it is the only tunnel on the blue ridge loops that has no concrete lining whatsoever……either on the portals or inside. A retired CC&O section man told me years ago that lower Bridal tunnel was intended to be lined, but due to it’s remoteness, the CRR never got around to it.
Great information, Mike! When I took that picture, we’d come in at the southwest portal of Byrd Ridge tunnel, walked very quickly through Lower Pine and Speedy and were able to get the picture. We didn’t venture into the tunnel. I don’t, if I don’t have to. But, as you said, it’s hard to get to. I’ve now documented all except 1st Rocky (access problem) and Honeycutt. Last Sunday, we walked through the cut that was 3rd Rocky. There’s a main line and a waiting track through there now. Take it from me, the walk from 2nd Rocky to 4th Rocky is a long one, 50 minutes one way.
I have used your photos to figure out locations for some of my photos, made long ago, and without any notes. Lower Bridal Path tunnel is beyond the tangent that includes Bird Ridge (“Byrd” sometimes), Lower Pine and Speedy. There is a bit of a curve at north end Speedy, then tangent track through Lower Bridal. Bill Gordon
Thank you for the correction! I’m glad my photos can be of help.