"Near the mountain wetlands town of Shady Valley, you’ll find a landmark that is known around the world for its length, or perhaps lack thereof. Located in the most northeastern corner of Tennessee, the rising ridges, scenic beauty, and mountain streams conspire to create quite the hidden gem of an outdoor getaway," the Northeast Tennessee Tourism says.

"The World’s Shortest Tunnel, Backbone Rock, is both narrow and tall at 80 feet in height and only 20 feet long. Surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, Beaverdam Creek carves its way through the mountains alongside the tunnel.

"Back in the logging days, rail builders blasted through Backbone Rock, creating the tunnel for easy passage. After being acquired by the Cherokee National Forest, Backbone Rock was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The recreation area includes picnic tables, a campground, dancing trout stream, and fun trails to hike, all with a historic theme. A short but interesting loop hike is recommended for all ages and levels."

"The Beaver Dam Railroad was a short-line railroad that operated in the U.S. states of Virginia and Tennessee in the early 20th century between the towns of Damascus, Virginia and Crandull, Tennessee. The line was abandoned in sections beginning in 1918 with portions still remaining in operation into the 1920s. Today, much of the old route is followed by Tennessee State Route 133.

"The Backbone Rock tunnel was a short tunnel on the Beaver Dam Railroad's Tennessee section, blasted through in 1901 from a rock cliff that stood in the way of the railroad's progression. At only twenty-two feet in length, the tunnel was known locally as the "shortest tunnel in the world." After the tunnel was bored and the tracks laid, it was found that the tunnel was not tall enough to clear the steam locomotive's smokestack.

"To fix this problem, a section of the cliff was hand-chiseled out to increase the tunnel's clearance in order to allow trains to pass through. After the Tennessee section of the Beaver Dam Railroad was abandoned in 1918, the tunnel was widened for the use of Tennessee State Route 133, which still passes through today.[4] The U.S. Forest Service currently maintains a recreational center and campground near the old tunnel, which is located in the Cherokee National Forest."  (Wikipedia)

"Backbone Rock Recreation Area is located along Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County. Backbone Rock gets its name from a spur ridge on Holston Mountain that abrubtly ends at a bend in Beaverdam Creek," the US Forest Service says.

"A tunnel was drilled through the rock in 1901 to allow railroad access between Shady Valley and Damascus, VA. Motorists pass through what is known as "The Shortest Tunnel in the World" as they travel along TN 133. In the 1930s The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the recreation area for day use, constructing two picnic shelters and hiking trails that incorporated native stonework. The campground was added in the 1960s and rehabilitated in the mid 1990s.

"Backbone Rock Campground has closed for the 2023 season. The Backbone Rock Large Pavilion is open for reservations until October 31, 2023. The vault toilets at the day use area is open. Gates are open at 7am and closed at 10pm. Guests are asked to leave the area before the gates are closed for the evening. The hiking trails are open year round, from sunrise to sunset. The vault toilets at the Backbone Rock day-use areas are open."         

"Around 1908, the Beaver Dam Railway Company blasted and drilled the tunnel to provide railroad access from Damascus into Shady Valley's rich manganese and iron ores and timber. Within the next twenty years, the area's privately-owned timber had been cut over twice and ravaged by a devastating fire. Minerals were virtually mined out using available techniques," the Historical Marker Database says.

"With an eye toward conservation of natural resources, in 1911 Congress enabled the federal government to acquire tracts of land for a newly-emerging eastern national forest system. Backbone Rock and 20,000 acres surrounding it were purchased to form part of Tennessee's national forest lands.

"Beaver Dam's railroad tracks were taken up in 1924 and the route was opened for automobiles. The tunnel was widened in 1930 for two lane traffic. The USDA Forest Service has managed the public lands at Backbone Rock since the nineteen-teens. Enjoy picnicking, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, and camping here at the "Shortest Tunnel in the World".

"Backbone Rock is famous for being the shortest tunnel in the world but there’s so much more if you’re willing to explore. We want to show you all the awesome things at Backbone Rock for a full and memorable day," the Blue Ridge Awaits says.

"Backbone Rock is a huge rock formation in northern Johnson County, Tennessee just a stone’s throw from Damascus, Va and a mere half-hour from Abingdon, Va. It’s most famously known for being the shortest tunnel in the world, only burrowing through 20 feet of rock.

"The trail that leads to the top of Backbone Rock leaves from the large parking lot. You’ll begin by trekking up stone steps into dense forest. As you reach the top of the steps the trail splits. If you go left you can follow Backbone Rock Trail for several miles to the Appalachian Trail. Going to the right takes you over the bridge and loops back to the parking lot."

"Here's the 'World's Shortest Tunnel' through Backbone Rock on Hwy 133 between Shady Valley, TN and Damascus, VA. It was constructed in 1901 for hauling timber from Tennessee to a nearby saw mill outside of Damascus," the Appalachian Treks says.

"Unable to go around the 75' high, 20' wide wall of rock, they decided to blast their way through. Check out these early photos of the tunnel.

"Today there is a short trail which takes you up to the top of Backbone Rock, and another trail that takes you to a nearby waterfall, Backbone Falls. This area is popular with motorcycle enthusiasts as part of "The Snake" (map here) -- and also with repellers."

"Shady Valley, Tennessee has the shortest highway tunnel in the WORLD. Yeah. You heard that right. In the entire world, and you can visit it. Think about it – you share a home with an anomaly. So weird. So cool," the Only In Your State says.

"Backbone Rock, where this lovely little tunnel resides, may be 75 feet high but only clocks in at a couple feet wide. Why build a tunnel at all, you ask? In 1901, the Tennessee Lumber Company wanted to capitalize on shortened trade routes, so they blasted a hole in the wall of rock.

"Creating, of course, what we now know as Backbone Rock Tunnel. If you look closely, there is even a quirky notch at the top of the arch there, supposedly created so that smokestacks could clear the pass."

"Great place to hike to top of rock and over the tunnel to the other side. Fun short hike with great views. Across the street is the waterfall for another short hike to top of falls."

"Awesome Experience Beautiful scenery, and Hiking to the Top of Backbone Rock was steep but a gorgeous view. Definitely a trail people would enjoy."

"Neat formation that you can take a small hike to reach the top. The climb up and down can be a tad tricky but it is easy. Beautiful scenery but I would not make a special trip."

"It doesn't take long to pull off on the parking area and get out to walk around, see the beautiful scenery, or even walk the steps to the top. (Which I had NO intention of doing!) I satisfied myself with the scenery!"

"This beautiful rock formation and short trails around the area and the waterfall located here are beautiful! It is definitely worth a quick day trip to visit the area and maybe picnic. Walking to the top of backbone rock is worth the view and the experience."

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