Wednesday, Apr 26, 2006
Walking along trails at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in the early morning awakens the senses at the wonder of creation. See the majestic oak, hemlock, and hickory stretching skyward leaving room for patches of rhododendron, wahoo and flame azalea. Smell the pungent aroma of the forest with its rocks and decaying trees enveloped with moss. Hear the call of soaring hawks and identify elusive animal tracks. Come ? experience the awe of nature.
On Saturday May 6, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., journey with a ranger on a seven-mile moderate to strenuous hike to the top of Cumberland Mountain. Stand at White Rocks and look into the valley 2,000 feet below. At Sand Cave, feel the thick layers of multicolored sand underfoot and dip your fingers in the pristine pool of water at the cave?s entrance. Listen to the music of a cascading waterfall. Bring plenty of water and food as this is an all day hike. The hike begins at the Civic Park Trailhead.
Join rangers on Saturday, May 13, at 8:00 p.m. at the Thomas Walker Parking area for a short hike by the light of the full moon. Experience the beams of moonlight casting shadows along the trail transforming Cumberland Gap into a mystifying place. Hear the unfolding stories of early Gap travelers struggling to survive. Listen to the song of a whippoorwill calling to its mate, or perhaps hear the howl of a coyote. Learn fascinating details of nocturnal animals living in the Gap.
On Sunday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m., accompany park volunteers who are wildflower enthusiasts for a leisurely walk along the Greenleaf Nature Tail and witness the myriad wildflowers on display. Find pipsissewa, false solomon's seal or bloodroot. Examine the intricate petals of wild ginger. Learn the intriguing folklore of little brown jug. Discover the secrets of nature?s bouquet and perhaps take a photo or two. Meet at the Wilderness Road Campground amphitheater.
Saturday, May 20, at 10:00 a.m., offers an opportunity to discover creatures in the shady wet world of Sugar Run. Look closely ? hidden beneath logs, in streams and under rocks, critters lurk in the damp mountain forests. Discover a horn beetle that makes sounds with its legs or find the eye of a newt. Explore the woodlands while learning about salamanders, frogs, and other plants and animals that thrive in the mountain stream community. Meet at the trailhead at the Sugar Run picnic area.
On Sunday, May 21, join park volunteers for a hike along the Wilderness Trail. At the forest?s edge, the epitome of nature?s beauty emerges. Splashes of vivid orange, brilliant pink and stunning purple blanket the peaks and lowlands surrounding the Gap. Flame azalea, rhododendron and mountain laurel are but a few of the plants and wildflowers accentuated on this moderate hike. This hike begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Thomas Walker parking area.
There is no charge or reservation required for these ranger guided hikes. For information on this and other ranger programs, contact Cumberland Gap National Historical Park at 606-248-2817, extension 1075.
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