The view from the Pinnacle overlooking Middlesboro, Kentucky and Harrogate, Tennessee is always changing. The clouds can reach across the mountains like a gloved hand, or be gone entirely, leaving a fabulous blue sky as the backdrop.
Looking down from the Pinnacle are many hidden treasures and it’s amazing what’s there to be seen, but so many visitors miss. Thousands of people drive through the newly built tunnel connecting Kentucky and Tennessee yearly. Some go to the Pinnacle and think that’s all that’s to be seen.
There is an old railroad tunnel that passes from Cumberland Gap into Harrogate. The temperature inside is wonderfully cool in the summer if you happen to take time to walk through it. Children love the loud echos as they run and jump inside an old railroad tunnel remodeled for hikers to stroll through. Adults find the walk trail calming and refreshing in the heat of the day. Original bricks line the walls while lights overhead shine the way to the other side. No need to bring your flashlight unless you plan to walk after dark back to your vehicle!
From Cumberland Gap you can find the walking trail up to the first covered bridge and then to the second one (you may have noticed it as you drove under it into Cumberland Gap). Follow them on the paved path to the tunnel. Once you go through the tunnel you can walk into Harrogate and cross another bridge overpass to Lincoln Memorial University, including the Lincoln Museum.
If you aren’t one for walking the distance, bicycles are available for rent in the Cumberland Gap to ride the trails if you’d like.
The trees and flowers are in bloom and traveling season is upon us. Enjoy spring in the Cumberland Mountains with us!
Cumberland Mountain Magazine 