From 2000: This corner recently finished up vacation by traveling to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park for a bit of hiking. The park, located hard on the corner of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky, is wonderful getaway only six hours from Indianapolis. We won’t discuss the weather, except to say that many animals were seen pairing up in the vicinity of a large wooden boat.
The park is named for the historic Cumberland Gap that played such a prominent part in the westward expansion of our country, and essentially encompasses the length and width of Cumberland Mountain and the famous gap.
This area is wonderful for those seeking the relaxation of breathtaking views. While the summit is only 3500 feet, the mountain overshadows everything within view and offers clear weather sightlines into the Smoky Mountains, over 60 miles south. Once the weather cleared on our last day, the crystal 18-degree morning allowed views of Mt. Rodgers in North Carolina, over 100 miles away. Best of all, the rangers claim the area stays relatively uncrowded, even when the nearby Smoky Mountains National Park is packed to the gills during summer.
Visitors should keep in mind that, aside from one overlook, everything else in the park is reached via trails, including the gap itself. Hikers will need to be in decent physical shape to enjoy the walk, but none of the climbs are horrible.
STRANGE TALE- There was one frightening incident during the trip. One member of the party, who we will decline to name except as “My Brother”, obviously suffered from some type of temporary mental breakdown brought on by the stress of being trapped by foul weather in a two-man tent with Yours Truly.
While attempting to entice him from his warm mummy bag, only one eye could be seen from the battened-down sleeping bag. When I resorted to ordering him from the bag, a single arched eyebrow greeted me, framing a somewhat maniacal looking eyeball. He then decreed “You will refer to me as Cardinal Richileau”. When I replied “What?”, he said, “Address me as Your Imminence, infidel swine”. He then went back to sleep.
This actually happened. I swear.
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Infidel Swine!
Posted by Brent on 4/01/10 • Categorized as Out in the Open columns
The park is named for the historic Cumberland Gap that played such a prominent part in the westward expansion of our country, and essentially encompasses the length and width of Cumberland Mountain and the famous gap.
This area is wonderful for those seeking the relaxation of breathtaking views. While the summit is only 3500 feet, the mountain overshadows everything within view and offers clear weather sightlines into the Smoky Mountains, over 60 miles south. Once the weather cleared on our last day, the crystal 18-degree morning allowed views of Mt. Rodgers in North Carolina, over 100 miles away. Best of all, the rangers claim the area stays relatively uncrowded, even when the nearby Smoky Mountains National Park is packed to the gills during summer.
Visitors should keep in mind that, aside from one overlook, everything else in the park is reached via trails, including the gap itself. Hikers will need to be in decent physical shape to enjoy the walk, but none of the climbs are horrible.
STRANGE TALE- There was one frightening incident during the trip. One member of the party, who we will decline to name except as “My Brother”, obviously suffered from some type of temporary mental breakdown brought on by the stress of being trapped by foul weather in a two-man tent with Yours Truly.
While attempting to entice him from his warm mummy bag, only one eye could be seen from the battened-down sleeping bag. When I resorted to ordering him from the bag, a single arched eyebrow greeted me, framing a somewhat maniacal looking eyeball. He then decreed “You will refer to me as Cardinal Richileau”. When I replied “What?”, he said, “Address me as Your Imminence, infidel swine”. He then went back to sleep.
This actually happened. I swear.
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