My home in Appalachia [View all]

My property borders the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park on the Kentucky side. My family came through the gap right behind Daniel Boone (so it's fair to say my ties to the area are quite strong). Concentration of my family is from Harlan County but I was born & raised in Bell County (Middlesboro). I may live in Florida now but I still have property in Middlesboro and visit quite often.

When I was younger and in the boy Scouts (Yes I was in the Boy Scouts back then (before all the hoopla)), we would hike the mishe mokwa trail which is 21miles long starting in Middlesboro, KY going along the ridge in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park to Ewing, VA (What a great trail!)

Here are some scenes from the trail I got from the internet (sadly back then, picture taking wasn't in me).

Towering 3,500 feet above the valley floor, White Rocks is a massive limestone outcropping that offers breathtaking views into Virginia.


Sand Cave is really a vast 250' wide rock house with large amounts of sand that is like walking on a beach. Walk clockwise and find a short connector to steps that lead you back out.


Hensley Settlement. This is where we would stay overnight camping (it was a two day trip).


Part of the ridge trail.


The Pinnacle. Looking at the picture if you were looking to the left, you see the town of Cumberland Gap and Powell Valley TN. Looking to the right you would see Middlesboro KY. and you can also see Fern Lake.


I have to admit when I get my affairs in order here in Florida, I am off to my old Kentucky home.