While we were walking back to the car I saw a sign for a trail that wound down to a parking area about halfway down the mountain. I told Wayne I'd meet him there and headed into the woods to try to capture some of that fading fall color.
The trail was carpeted with a beautiful assortment of leaves, but I had to watch my footing since they covered up rocks, roots and at times even the direction of the trail itself.
As I neared the end I saw some man made stone structures a little ways off the trail and popped over for a peek.
Cumberland Gap was an important spot during the Civil War years, both armies fighting for control of the area. Only one railroad crossed the Appalachian Mountains and linked the two largest Confederate armies. Troops, ammunition and food was funneled from one side of the Confederacy to the other here. It wasn't usable as an invasion route, but obviously controlling supply routes could be critical.
We also drove through the park's campground and declare it a winner. It's first come, first serve only, but does have electric hookup and we're looking forward to coming back and camping and hiking here.
On our way out we saw a lot of police vehicles in the park and on the highway, as well as signs on the roadside warning that vehicles could be stopped for search. A drug K-9 vehicle was also on the side of the road. Something going on in the area we don't know about??
That "one of the best I've ever seen" photo is truly beautiful...to get above the forest enough to see the trees :)
ReplyDeleteBox Canyon
Looks like a great area to come back to explore more as you said.
ReplyDeleteThat overlook is stunning! For being "past peak" the leaves looked pretty good to me. You got some great shots.
ReplyDeleteThat was worth going to and the walk well worth the time taken to walk down. Look forward to seeing your return photos
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is best that we are ignorant of what is happening. But we do need to be vigilant. Often, I just walk, taking in beautiful nature.
ReplyDeletegreat travels you have and wonderful scenery to enjoy; tfs Pam
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing a mention of Cumberland Gap on some song lately, and now I know what it refers to! (my knowledge of Civil war history is sketchy at best, sadly). It is tricky to get the best of the fall colours, but the view is stunning.
ReplyDeleteWow! Now I see what we missed when we were there 2-1/2 years ago in February. All we saw was fog and ghostly deer. You can see the photos here: http://travelbug-susan.blogspot.com/2011/02/manhattan-project-in-oak-ridge.html
ReplyDeleteSusan
Bookmarking this area - I love Civil War stuff and I want to see that canon and that little stone structure.
ReplyDelete