The public is invited to watch the annual Perseid meteor shower with Cumberland Gap park rangers at the remote Hensley Settlement this Friday night.
As darkness falls in the southern mountains, the historic Hensley Settlement in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park becomes the stage for a shooting star spectacular. Its remote location high upon Brush Mountain provides an incredible opportunity to view the night sky and the famous Perseid meteor shower.
Visible each year beginning in mid July, the Perseid meteor shower has been observed for almost 200 years. The shower, which consists of dust and debris associated with a comet called Swift-Tuttle, appears as streaks of light in the evening sky. “These streaks can be seen at rates of up to 90 per hour,” explains Park Naturalist Scott Teodorski. “The dark skies found up on Brush Mountain provide the perfect environment to view this spectacular show. It is a sight to behold.”
A fire will be available and sticks will be provided for those who wish to bring marshmallows and hot dogs to roast. Star gazing enthusiasts are encouraged to bring binoculars, blankets or chairs and appropriate clothing.
Visitors interested in participating in this free program should meet at the park visitor center at 6:30 p.m. to caravan to the settlement. Vehicles will be allowed to only travel up to the settlement via the Shillalah Creek Road from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vehicles will be allowed to only travel down the road from the settlement from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
In case of rain, the program will be cancelled. For more information on this or other ranger-guided programs, please call the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817, extension 1075.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Showing posts with label Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Show all posts
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Within the Shadows of Cumberland Gap Heritage Walk
The Wilderness Road that travels through the Cumberland Gap has seen hundreds of years of history and has been witness to tales of heartbreak and joy, loss and discovery. Visitors can discover these stories during the Friday, May 28th event, “Within the Shadows of Cumberland Gap Heritage Walk,” to begin at the Daniel Boone parking area in Virginia at 6:30 p.m.
During the 1.5 mile long walk through the Gap, visitors will meet several “ghosts” from the road’s past. They will hear the tales of a Cherokee warrior and a long-hunter from 1700 and 1780. Mary Cloud Turner, wife of Revolutionary War soldier John Turner, will be there, sharing her experiences as a resident along the Road in the early 1800s. Meet Matilda, a slave from Newlee’s Iron Furnace down in the town of Cumberland Gap, who is looking for an escape route along the Road in the 1850s. Soon after Matilda fades away, encounter Confederate soldiers of the Civil War during their occupation of the Gap in 1861. Jump forward in time again to the 1920s and meet an English gentleman and his roadster, out for a ride on the newly paved Dixie Highway. Finish your tour with a park ranger, not from 2010 but from 1960, as he welcomes all to this brand-new gem of the National Park Service.
The 1.5 mile walk through the Gap along the Wilderness Road is moderate with one uphill section and some loose gravel. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes. A shuttle will be provided to take visitors back to the Daniel Boone parking area after the event, which is expected to last approximately two hours.
For more general information on hiking at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
During the 1.5 mile long walk through the Gap, visitors will meet several “ghosts” from the road’s past. They will hear the tales of a Cherokee warrior and a long-hunter from 1700 and 1780. Mary Cloud Turner, wife of Revolutionary War soldier John Turner, will be there, sharing her experiences as a resident along the Road in the early 1800s. Meet Matilda, a slave from Newlee’s Iron Furnace down in the town of Cumberland Gap, who is looking for an escape route along the Road in the 1850s. Soon after Matilda fades away, encounter Confederate soldiers of the Civil War during their occupation of the Gap in 1861. Jump forward in time again to the 1920s and meet an English gentleman and his roadster, out for a ride on the newly paved Dixie Highway. Finish your tour with a park ranger, not from 2010 but from 1960, as he welcomes all to this brand-new gem of the National Park Service.The 1.5 mile walk through the Gap along the Wilderness Road is moderate with one uphill section and some loose gravel. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes. A shuttle will be provided to take visitors back to the Daniel Boone parking area after the event, which is expected to last approximately two hours.
For more general information on hiking at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Cumberland Gap NHP to offer full moon hike
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will be offering a full moon hike this coming Monday.
On the night of March 29th, park rangers will offer a full moon hike into the historic Cumberland Gap. Park Naturalist Scott Teodorski explains “March brings with it the whispers of spring and the renewing of nature’s wondrous cycle. Should the night be warm, the calling of the mountain chorus frogs and spring peepers will be deafening. And a real treat would be hearing the call of the whipporwill. We’ll plan the hike so we will be approaching the saddle of the historic Gap as the moon rises above the mountains.” Full moon enthusiasts should meet at the Thomas Walker parking area at 8:00 p.m. and wear good walking shoes for the easy 1.2 mile round trip hike.
Cumberland Gap will be offering a couple of programs this weekend, including the Kentucky National Parks Movie Fest on Sunday, March 28th.
Please click here for more information.
On the night of March 29th, park rangers will offer a full moon hike into the historic Cumberland Gap. Park Naturalist Scott Teodorski explains “March brings with it the whispers of spring and the renewing of nature’s wondrous cycle. Should the night be warm, the calling of the mountain chorus frogs and spring peepers will be deafening. And a real treat would be hearing the call of the whipporwill. We’ll plan the hike so we will be approaching the saddle of the historic Gap as the moon rises above the mountains.” Full moon enthusiasts should meet at the Thomas Walker parking area at 8:00 p.m. and wear good walking shoes for the easy 1.2 mile round trip hike.
Cumberland Gap will be offering a couple of programs this weekend, including the Kentucky National Parks Movie Fest on Sunday, March 28th.Please click here for more information.
For information on hiking trails in Cumberland Gap, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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