Looking for autumn color at Pinnacle Overlook in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Sometimes we travel near and far in search of adventures and great places to see, but actually there’s grand beauty in East Tennessee that we sometimes take for granted.  Thus it was on a recent weekend that we headed north about 60 miles from Knoxville to Cumberland Gap for a glimpse of what we hoped would be a spectacular fall view.

Although the colors haven’t turned brilliant yet, you can sense the beauty all around at Cumberland Gap from Pinnacle Overlook.

Established as a National Historical Park in 1940, Cumberland Gap stands at the entrance to three states:  Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia.  Although it’s known as the gateway to the west — especially by the explorers who welcomed the site of a passageway through the Appalachians — Cumberland Gap National Historical Park could be called wilderness even today since 14,000 of its 24,000 acres are managed as such.

Even without the fall colors, the ridges and valleys are a sight to behold in the afternoon sunlight.

Our trip was “pre-fallish,” if we were seeking lush, rich autumn colors.  But definitely no disappointment.  Perhaps those who read this post and see the pictures will be able to schedule a trip for later in October when a patchwork of yellows, oranges, and browns will spread out over the ridges and valleys.

Touches of fall color dotted the mountains at Cumberland Gap.

Be sure to take the short, easy walk to Pinnacle Overlook and gaze across the landscape.

A spectacular view of the mountains from Pinnacle Overlook at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Then look down at the little town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, and out towards Middlesboro, Kentucky.

You can look down on the little town of Cumberland Gap where overnight lodging and restaurants are available for travelers to the area.

And enjoy the flora and fauna bordered by aging split rail fences along the walkways.

On the return trip to Knoxville, take Highway 25E toward Bean Station where you’ll be rewarded with this view  — spectacular with or without fall colors.

View from Bean Station overlook on Tennessee’s Highway 25E — just a touch of color for now, but it’s coming!

We returned home, thankful that we’d spent the day in our home state yet wondering why we don’t do it more often.  After all, the natural beauty of East Tennessee is hard to beat!

Come see us,

Bert and Rusha

For more information:

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: http://www.nps.gov/cuga/index.htm

Driving Directions: http://www.nps.gov/cuga/planyourvisit/directions.htm

Boomer Travel tip:  Much of the scenic area known generally as Cumberland Gap can be seen by car.  However, the walk to Pinnacle Overlook is an easy one, so we recommend getting out and walking the 600 feet to the viewing area.  You’ll be glad you did!