March 2026. Before Fin and Silver Bullet’s visit, I checked out shorter portions of the OMVNHT. A half-mile walk through a local park in Roan Mountain (photos 1 and 2), the rock ledge by Roan Mountain under which 1780 militia stored ammunition (photo 3), and a short trail in Bluff City which leads to a “swinging bridge” currently closed for repair (photo 4).
After my hiker friends’ visit, I drove up to Cumberland Gap and walked around the historic town. This town lies on the tristate border with Kentucky and Virginia, and its location was the gateway through the mountains for Cherokee and Shawnee and, later, early American settlers. The Olde Mill Inn B&B dates back to the 1700s and is the oldest surviving building. It’s still in operation today.
Yesterday (March 13) took me Greeneville, TN where I saw Andrew Jackson’s burial place, his old tailor shop now located within the Park Site’s Visitor Center, his wedding jacket (he was a small guy!), the Bible he swore upon when becoming President after Lincoln’s assassination and the black ribbon he wore to Lincoln’s funeral, and his homestead.
Am now off to hike in other parts of Tennessee. I’m a fan of this state. So much to offer in terms of nature, hiking, and history! And with no snow (compared to what my New England friends must endure)!