Cumberland Gap, Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Nashville, Tennessee

 

Because of the morning fog, we waited several 

hours before going to Cumberland Gap.

The visitor center is a must. There are two

videos that inform you on all the history, 

how Daniel Boone opened the West and the 

sons he lost there. 

It is a four mile long winding road up 

the mountain to the Pinnacle Overlook.

As you can see, the fog didn't lift.

Standing in Virginia and Kentucky. 

This was our view from the Pinnacle.

On our way back down 

we saw another deer. 

Driving through Knoxville we could see 

the Sunsphere Tower that was built 

for the 1982 World's Fair.  It was raining so we

 took out our umbrella and walked around town.

Onto Cades Cove in the 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

You can see why they call these the Smoky Mountains.

It is an eleven mile loop you drive around to see 

many cabins and buildings from the early 1800's.

John P. Cable Grist Mill

This wild turkey had his eye on us.

Henry Whitehead's place.

John Oliver's cabin is the oldest log home.

Along the highway from Knoxville to Nashville 

you can see that the vines cover everything!

It is a real problem in this area of the U.S.

Marathon Automobiles Building in Nashville

now houses many business.

Of course, we had to check out 

Antique Archaeology.

We love watching the show and some of their

"finds" were on display.

Broadway Street is where all the wildlife 

is seen day or night from rooftop to street level.

 It is a favorite place for bachelorette parties

on fire trucks and open topped party busses.

We were definitely out of place since we didn't have 

on our cut off jean shorts and cowboy boots!

 Hearing all the different bands playing in the bars and 

restaurants through their open windows 

as you walk around was cool.

Found some delicious peaches at the Farmers Market 

and had some great BBQ before going to 

Zanies Comedy Club.

We were definitely some of the oldest people

in the crowd which didn't make a difference

because we laughed all night. So fun!

Shenandoah National Park Virginia

 

We entered Shenandoah from the north

and were surprised to see this hang glider

soring with a bird.

There are many pull-offs on Skyline Drive.

Just beautiful!

It was a windy day and

 these butterflies were hanging on.

We camped in Big Meadow 

about half way through the park. 

No cell service or electricity, but they 

provided bear boxes and plenty of deer. 

In the morning we hiked to Dark Hollow Falls. 

It is 1.4 mile down and back up, 

a moderately challenging trail.

Pardon the windshield shot but no time to jump out.

On to West Virginia

to see the Sandstone Falls in

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

It is a great place to rock climb, kayak, hike or camp.

We were too tired from our last hike so we

didn't explore this park.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

 

Lots of wildlife to see. 

It is nice that the shuttle will drop you off right in 

the historic town. 

We always love the videos that 

the National Parks put together to give you 

the overall history.

It is a short walk to see where the Potomac River and

Shenandoah River converge. 

You can also see three states, Virginia,

West Virginia and Maryland. 

This is where George Washington chose to have an armory.

 Many factories and mills were also located 

in this beautiful area.

The Appalachian Trail, C&O Canal towpath,

Potomac Heritage Trail.

Once again, there is so much history

about Harpers Ferry. If you want to know more, 

below is a link to some of the stories and great photos. 

Learn more of the historical stories.

While we were in the area we stopped at the

 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National 

Historic Park

to see the locks on the Shenandoah River

and the beautiful 

  Great Falls.

The water levels were down but still a great 

place for a short hike to get out into nature. 

This looks like a natural hot tub to us!