One of the hidden attractions in the Smokies is the secret hiker's tunnel under Clingman's Dome Road. The original purpose of the tunnel is lost to time, but it's speculated that it used to be part of the Appalachian Trail and allowed hikers to travel under the road without the danger of getting hit by traffic. The trail is no longer there but the tunnel still is.
The tunnel is surprisingly not too hard to find, but it's clearly not a well known stop. There is a pull off (the first one on Clingman Dome Road) that is about 100 yards from the tunnel. Just walk up the side of the road (there's a blue stake there) and the tunnel is visible.
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The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a surprisingly good attraction in downtown Gatlinburg in spite of its old age (it was built in the 70s). An elevator ride takes you to an observation platform that gives a great view of the area and fall colors in particular. An added benefit of the Space Needle is that it's cheaper and less crowded than any of the other "bird's eye" attractions such as Anakeesta or the Sky Park. It has less frills, but offers a great view and the ticket is good for another night time ride to the top if you're still around downtown.
Every October Oaklands Mansion opens its doors at night and lets folks wander the halls of the decorated mansion with flashlights on a self guided tour. This year was no exception, though the festivities were heavily scaled back with none of the regular story tellers on the lawn or other fancier attractions. Oaklands Mansion is not known as a "haunted mansion" per se, though there have been some reports. The mansion curators do a good job of making sure the voices of the enslaved that were housed in the mansion have a voice. There is equal signage from the perspective of the house slaves as there is from the family that owned the mansion.
Being a major battlefield where countless people died, Stones River Battlefield of course has a few tales of hauntings. The first is about an unfortunate soldier who was beheaded by a cannonball and supposedly rides, sans head, about his place of death. It's notable that in death he stayed on his horse for a good distance (enough that witnesses commented on it), so perhaps it's understandable that such a gruesome death would inspire some haunting talk.
Another story involves a Civil War reenactor who ran into another person seemingly in costume while on his way to the ranger station one night. Confronting the stranger, the Civil War enthusiast witnessed the figure raise his hands in surrender, then fall down only to disappear.
The final haunting recounts the eerie sounds of the Slaughter Pens. Screams, shooting, and talking are allegedly heard in an area where some of the most violent fighting happened.
Narrows of the Harpeth is a sprawling state park west of Nashville. The Narrows are part of the larger Harpeth State Park and the most photographed areas of the park. The Narrows have several short hiking trails to a bluff overlook and a historical carved tunnel. The bluffs give a good view of the Harpeth River.
The tunnel was originally carved to run an iron forge by Montgomery Bell. The area is heavily used so expect crowds and the fact you'll probably have to park in the overflow field.
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AuthorA librarian who likes to travel and experience life. CategoriesArchives
June 2022
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