Blue Ridge Country January/February 2022 - 46

NPS.GOV
TENNESSEE
ABOVE: Harriman, on Tennessee's Top Secret Trail, is known as " the town that temperance built. "
ABOVE RIGHT: The former K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, housed
some 12,000 employees in the 1940s.
esty of the mountains and valleys and
learn about this location's role in westward
expansion, the Civil War, music and
the arts. Several national and state parks
are included; and there are ample places
to stop for a bite, stay overnight and tour
cultural and entertainment attractions.
Cumberland Gap National Historical
Park (Middlesboro). Start your journey
in the footsteps of Native Americans and
early pioneers as they navigated their way
through the 800-foot, wind- and watercarved
mountain pass. Over 24,000 acres
stretches across the corner of Kentucky,
Tennessee and Virginia. Explore caves;
hike 80 miles of trails; see unique geologic
formations; stand beside waterfalls and
streams; see the state's largest peat bog;
tour the Hensley Settlement for a glimpse
of early life in a mountain community;
stop by the visitor center for a museum
exhibit; learn about the diverse flora and
fauna species that live here; and, snap
photos of the spectacular landscapes.
(nps.gov/cuga)
Barbourville (Knox County). Pick up
a map and brochures at the visitor center.
46 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
The Daniel Boone Memorial Park commemorates
the intersection of Warrior's
Path, Boone's Trace and the Wilderness
Road. Informational kiosks and murals at
the Civil War Interpretive Park talk about
the state's first battle. Popular photo archives,
a library, exhibits and memorabilia
at the Knox Historical Museum document
the history of the area. And, a tour of historic
downtown reveals the diverse history,
culture and enterprise in the town.
(barbourvilletourism.com)
Berea (Madison County). Include a
tour of the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of
Kentucky at the northern point of the
heritage highway. Artisan Village is packed
with galleries, studios and shops demonstrating
the depth and breadth of talent in
the area. Visit the Kentucky Artisan Center
for exhibits, displays and items for sale by
over 800 artists. Stroll on Chestnut Street
to enjoy a sculpture park and antique
shops. Or, do the " best hike in the state " at
The Pinnacles. (visitberea.com)
* Find the specifics about this trip at gokentucky.com/Wilderness-Road-HeritageHighway.
Top
Secret Trail
For the ultimate in self-guided driving
tours, spend some time on this 465-mile
trail boasting 200 stops across east Tennessee.
Plotted for " off the beaten path " experiences,
visitors can immerse themselves
in the history and culture of the area. Appalachian
heritage abounds; fascinating
towns are preserved; museums share the
past; friendly folks welcome visitors; and,
scenic drives go for miles.
The Secret City (Oak Ridge). What
better place to start this trail than the city
whose location didn't exist on a map. Built
seemingly overnight in 1942, some 75,000
workers told nothing about their jobs
to anyone. Most didn't even realize the
scope until atomic bombs ended WWII.
Ten stops on the trail include the American
Museum of Science & Energy, the
New Hope Center at the Y-12 Complex,
a children's museum, a train ride through
the former K-25 plant, Welcome Center, a
commemorative park and an International
Friendship Bell created with Japan- " an
expression of hope for everlasting peace. "
(exploreoarkridge.com)
Rugby (Morgan and Scott counties).
Tour one of the best authentically preserved
historic communities in the nation.
Started as a utopian dream, over
half of the original structures have been
preserved. Known as " Victorian England
in the Tennessee Cumberlands, " visitors
start their exploration with a film at the
Visitor Centre. Then, take a walking tour
to see the oldest public library in the
CITY OF HARRIMAN | HAWK AERIAL IMAGING

http://www.NPS.GOV http://www.barbourvilletourism.com http://www.exploreoarkridge.com http://www.visitberea.com http://www.go-kentucky.com/Wilderness-Road-Heritage-Highway http://www.nps.gov/cuga http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM

Blue Ridge Country January/February 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country January/February 2022