Natural Tunnel State Park | Cove Ridge Foundation
Last Updated: October 27, 2026
1. About Our Websites
Welcome to Explore Natural Tunnel and the Cove Ridge Foundation.
Our websites, www.explorenaturaltunnel.com and www.coveridge.org, provide information about Natural Tunnel State Park, the Cove Ridge Center, educational opportunities, recreational activities, special events, and community programs in Southwest Virginia.
Natural Tunnel State Park is operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) through Virginia State Parks. The Cove Ridge Foundation is a supporting organization dedicated to advancing environmental education, cultural enrichment, community engagement, and opportunities that connect people with the natural and historical resources of the region.
These websites are informational and promotional resources and should not be considered substitutes for the official policies, regulations, reservation systems, or communications of Virginia State Parks.
We respect the privacy of our visitors and are committed to handling information responsibly.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect information when visitors browse our websites, complete an online form, register for an activity, inquire about an event, or communicate with us.
Information may include:
- Names, email addresses, phone numbers, and other contact information voluntarily submitted through website forms.
- Information submitted in connection with event inquiries, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, or Foundation activities.
- Technical information, including IP addresses, browser types, device information, and website usage data.
- Information collected through cookies or website analytics tools, where enabled.
We use this information to respond to inquiries, provide requested information, support Foundation activities, improve website functionality, and maintain website security.
We do not sell visitors’ personal information.
3. Communications and Contact Forms
Visitors may submit inquiries through our websites regarding park attractions, educational programs, events, Cove Ridge Center activities, volunteer opportunities, and Foundation initiatives.
Information submitted through these forms may be shared with authorized representatives of the Cove Ridge Foundation, Natural Tunnel State Park, or Virginia State Parks when necessary to respond appropriately.
Submitting an inquiry does not automatically constitute a reservation, registration, or confirmation of services.
If you subscribe to email updates or newsletters, your contact information may be used to send communications related to events, activities, educational opportunities, or Foundation news. You may unsubscribe from promotional emails using the instructions provided in those messages.
4. Park Reservations, Events, and Facility Rentals
Information concerning lodging, camping, group facilities, events, meeting spaces, and recreational activities is provided for visitor convenience.
Reservations for Virginia State Parks facilities, including applicable accommodations and rental spaces at Natural Tunnel State Park, are subject to the policies, availability, fees, and procedures established by Virginia State Parks.
Reservations and payments completed through official Virginia State Parks systems are governed by the privacy policies and terms of those systems.
The Cove Ridge Foundation does not independently establish or override Virginia State Parks reservation requirements, cancellation policies, facility regulations, or visitor safety rules.
Visitors should confirm availability, pricing, accessibility, operating hours, and applicable restrictions directly with park personnel or through the official Virginia State Parks website before making travel or event arrangements.
5. Comments and Public Submissions
If public comments or interactive features are enabled, we may collect the information entered into submission forms along with technical data necessary for spam prevention and website security.
Publicly submitted comments, photographs, testimonials, or other materials may be reviewed before publication.
We reserve the right to remove submissions containing inappropriate language, misleading information, spam, advertising, or material unrelated to our educational and community mission.
Visitors should avoid including sensitive personal information in public submissions.
6. Photographs and Uploaded Media
Our websites feature photographs, illustrations, videos, and other materials showcasing Natural Tunnel State Park, the Cove Ridge Center, and the surrounding region.
Visitors who voluntarily submit photographs or other media should ensure they have the appropriate rights and permissions to share that material.
Uploaded images may contain embedded information, including geographic location data. We recommend removing sensitive location information before submitting photographs.
Submission of photographs or media does not automatically grant the Foundation unrestricted ownership or promotional rights. Any intended public or promotional use beyond the purpose of the submission should be authorized by the contributor.
Photography and video activities within Natural Tunnel State Park remain subject to applicable Virginia State Parks regulations and permit requirements.
7. Cookies and Website Analytics
Our websites may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, remember visitor preferences, maintain security, and understand how visitors interact with website content.
Cookies may be used for:
- Essential website functionality and security.
- Remembering visitor preferences.
- Website analytics and performance measurement.
- Supporting embedded content or third-party services.
Visitors may manage or disable cookies through their browser settings. Certain website features may not function properly when cookies are disabled.
Where applicable, visitors will be provided with additional information or consent options for nonessential tracking technologies.
8. Embedded Content and Third-Party Websites
Our websites may contain embedded videos, interactive maps, social media content, event calendars, reservation links, or other resources provided by third parties.
These services may collect technical information, use cookies, or track interactions according to their own privacy policies.
Links to external websites, including Virginia State Parks, tourism organizations, educational partners, and community resources, are provided for convenience.
The Cove Ridge Foundation does not control the privacy practices, accuracy, availability, or security of independently operated third-party websites.
Visitors are encouraged to review the policies of those services before providing personal information.
9. Donations and Foundation Support
The Cove Ridge Foundation may provide opportunities for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support its mission through donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteer participation.
When donations or financial contributions are accepted through an online service, payment information may be processed by an independent payment provider subject to that provider’s privacy and security policies.
The Foundation may retain information necessary to acknowledge contributions, maintain accurate financial records, communicate with donors, and fulfill applicable legal obligations.
Donation-related information will not be sold to outside organizations.
Any tax-deductibility claims or acknowledgments will be governed by the Foundation’s applicable legal and tax status.
10. How Information May Be Shared
Information collected through our websites may be shared when reasonably necessary to:
- Respond to visitor inquiries or requests.
- Coordinate educational programs, special events, or volunteer activities.
- Refer questions to Natural Tunnel State Park or appropriate Virginia State Parks personnel.
- Maintain website hosting, security, email delivery, and technical services.
- Process authorized donations or registrations through approved service providers.
- Comply with applicable laws, legal proceedings, or legitimate governmental requests.
Access to personal information is limited to authorized parties with a legitimate need for that information.
Information submitted directly to Virginia State Parks or other state-operated services is governed by the applicable policies and laws governing those services.
11. Information Retention and Security
We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, administer Foundation activities, respond to inquiries, maintain records, or comply with applicable requirements.
Reasonable administrative and technical measures are used to protect information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed completely secure.
Visitors should avoid submitting financial account numbers, sensitive medical information, Social Security numbers, or other confidential information through general website contact forms.
12. Your Privacy Choices
Visitors may contact the website administrators to request information about personal data they have voluntarily submitted.
Depending on the circumstances and applicable legal requirements, visitors may request that their information be corrected, updated, or deleted.
Certain information may need to be retained for legitimate administrative, financial, security, or legal purposes.
Requests concerning information held independently by Virginia State Parks or other Commonwealth agencies must be directed to the appropriate agency.
13. Website Content and Accuracy
We strive to provide accurate, helpful, and current information about Natural Tunnel State Park, the Cove Ridge Center, and regional attractions.
However, event schedules, operating hours, admission fees, facility availability, trail conditions, recreational offerings, and park policies may change without notice.
Website content is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute an official guarantee of availability, access, or services.
Official announcements and directions issued by Virginia State Parks personnel take precedence over information appearing on these websites.
14. Visitor Safety and Park Regulations
Natural Tunnel State Park is a natural environment featuring trails, steep terrain, rock formations, waterways, wildlife, and other outdoor conditions that require appropriate preparation and caution.
Visitors are responsible for following posted signs, designated trail routes, facility regulations, safety instructions, and applicable laws.
Outdoor recreation involves inherent risks, and visitors should consider weather conditions, personal abilities, equipment, and current park advisories when planning activities.
Nothing in these website terms modifies the legal rights, responsibilities, or obligations established by Virginia law or official Virginia State Parks regulations.
15. Copyright and Use of Website Materials
Unless otherwise indicated, original text, graphics, photographs, website designs, and other creative materials on these websites are protected by applicable copyright laws.
Some materials may be provided by Virginia State Parks, photographers, educational partners, historical organizations, or other contributors and may be subject to separate usage restrictions.
Visitors may view and share links to website information for personal, educational, and noncommercial purposes.
Reproduction or commercial use of protected photographs, graphics, or other materials requires permission from the appropriate rights holder.
16. Accessibility
We are committed to making our websites accessible and usable for visitors with disabilities.
We strive to follow recognized web accessibility practices and continually improve the experience for all users.
Visitors who experience difficulty accessing information or using a website feature are encouraged to contact us so that we may assist or provide information in an alternative format when reasonably available.
Accessibility questions concerning physical park facilities, accommodations, or state-operated services should be directed to Natural Tunnel State Park or Virginia State Parks.
17. Updates to This Policy
This Privacy Policy and Website Terms of Use may be updated periodically to reflect changes in website functionality, services, legal requirements, or organizational practices.
Revisions will be published on this page with an updated effective date.
Continued use of our websites following publication of changes constitutes acknowledgment of the updated terms, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
18. Contact Information
For questions concerning this policy, website content, or the Cove Ridge Foundation, please contact:
Cove Ridge Foundation
Cove Ridge Center at Natural Tunnel State Park
1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway
Duffield, Virginia 24244
Websites:
www.explorenaturaltunnel.com
www.coveridge.org
For official park information, reservations, regulations, and visitor services, visit:
Virginia State Parks — Natural Tunnel State Park
Virginia State Parks Reservations: 1-800-933-7275
Explore Natural Tunnel and the Cove Ridge Foundation celebrate the natural beauty, remarkable history, and educational opportunities of Southwest Virginia while encouraging responsible stewardship of the region’s extraordinary natural resources.