Cove Ridge Center
Home Contact Us Links

2008 Programs
Natural Tunnel
Cove Ridge Foundation
Cove Ridge Center
News

Welcome to the Cove Ridge Center at Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield, Virginia.  The Cove Ridge Center is a unique collaboration between Virginia State Parks and the Cove Ridge Foundation.  

We opened our doors in 1999 with the goal of becoming the premier regional multi-purpose facility, hosting cultural arts and educational programs, providing a gathering place for groups with various outdoor interests and as a location of interest to tourism groups.  Since opening, we have also become a popular location for family and class reunions, business training sessions and retreats. 

The Cove Ridge Center has meeting rooms, lodges, a gazebo and amphitheater available for rental. Please take a look around in the virtual tour of our facilities.  In addition, we provide special overnight packages and catering for your event.  Cove Ridge is currently taking reservations for holiday parties, so call the center at (276) 940-2696 to reserve your spot today!

The park also offers many opportunities for your visit, from the tunnel that gives the park its name, to a swimming pool, hiking trails, a campground and programs offered by interpreters as well as some special events.  Our 2008 schedule of programs can be found here.

Some upcoming events at Natural Tunnel and the Cove Ridge Center include:

  • The 6th Annual Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival will be held on Sunday, August 31.  This year's performers include The Dixie Bee-Liners, Tennessee Skyline, Papa Joe Smiddy and Reedy Creek, Fire in the Kitchen as well as performers from the Pickin' in the Park series.  Reserved tickets are $15, General Admission are $10 in advance/$15 at the door.  Tickets are on sale now!  Ticket locations can be found here.

  • Did you come to the haunted hayrides at the park last October? Would you like to be the one doing the scaring this year?  Natural Tunnel State Park is looking for Spirits of the Cove Haunted Hayride Volunteers to assist with the 2008 hayrides. There will be a meeting at 6pm on Thursday August 21, 2008 at the Cove Ridge Center.   Volunteer opportunities include set design/construction, assistance with our scenes and others. For more information call (276) 940-1643.

  • Please join the American Cancer Society of Scott County’s Relay For Life 2008 for Luminaria in the Park Saturday August 23rd at 9pm. Registration begins at 7pm located at Natural Tunnel State Park Picnic Area. Come to light a luminary in honor of a cancer survivor or in memory of someone lost to the disease. This will be a true ceremony of HOPE!

  • Come on down and support local musicians Town Branch Bluegrass Band at “Pickin’ in the ParkSunday August 24th starting at 2pm located at the Amphitheater with in Natural Tunnel State Park. This program is supported by the Cultural Arts Council and the Cove Ridge Foundation. Think you have what it takes to perform? Try your hand at the open mic and jam session after the program. Admission is free, parking fee is $3 and concessions will be available.

  • Weekend programs throughout August and September include Canoe the Clinch, Wild Cave Tours, Stock Creek Passage and Hayrides.  Please see the program schedule for dates and times.

Please see our news section for more information on other upcoming programs! 

Many of the Cove Ridge Center's special events are hosted by the Cove Ridge Foundation and its councils, including Pickin' in the Park and the Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival.

If you are interested in volunteering at Natural Tunnel State Park, visit the official Volunteerism at Virginia State Parks webpage or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Megan Krager, by email or by phone at (276) 940-1643.

We invite you to look around and see what we have to offer!

Send mail to webmaster@coveridge.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2008 Cove Ridge Center Foundation
Last modified: 08/19/08