DAY RIDE TO CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL PARK

On Wednesday, September 14th, we took a Day Ride. Our destination was the Pinnacle at the Cumberland Gap National Park.

Pam kicks off the day in this short video:

We left our home in North Knoxville at 10:15am. It was already warm with temps forecast to be in the mid 90’s.

We rode north on Clinton Highway and stopped to fuel up and have a quick snack. We then continued into Clinton, then on to Rocky Top, Caryville and into Lafollette.

In Lafollette we took 25W- a beautiful road that runs up the mountains into Jellico.

And we're headed this way on 25W toward Jellico. — And we’re headed this way on 25W toward Jellico.

In Jellico we stayed on 25 north right into Kentucky and on into Williamsburg. In Williamsburg we took 92 east into Pineville, Kentucky.

We rode into downtown Pineville- famous for the Chained Rock- seen in the far distance above the FloCo restaurant. — We rode into downtown Pineville- below the Chained Rock.

We ate at the FloCo restaurant. — We ate at the FloCoe restaurant.

Inside the FloCoe. The people here are super nice.

And the food is super fresh and yummy. — And the food is super fresh, homemade, and yummy.

From Pineville, we rode south on 25E into Middlesboro, and then onto the Cumberland Gap National Park.

Entrance to the Cumberland Gap National Park.

First we stopped at the visitor center before riding up to the Pinnacle.

Inside the visitor center. The staff is friendly and helpful.

There is a gift shop and museum inside the Visitor Center. — There is a gift shop and museum inside the visitor center.

After spending some time inside the visitor center, we began the four mile ascent to the Pinnacle.

The ride up to the Pinnacle is quite extreme- straight up the mountain with some fairly tight switch backs, which ends at a large, nice level parking lot.

After parking our bikes, we began the short hike to the Pinnacle.

Stone depiction at the Pinnacle parking lot. — Stone art at the Pinnacle parking lot.

The beginning of the walk from the parking lot.

The Pinnacle Overlook is pretty awesome with some spectacular views over Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. It’s located just above the 25E Tunnel.

You'll stand and stare a long time! — You’ll stand and stare a long time!

Another nice visitor took our photo. Thanks!

After spending some time on the Overlook, we started back down toward the parking lot, stopping to look at the point where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia intersect.