Adventure Awaits Wherever You Are

Many of you know that I am on a quest to visit all the NH state park sites this year. I started in early March and plan to finish by the New Year. It has been a fun adventure to learn more about NH's Natural and Cultural History in this way. As of this writing, I have visited 53 of the 72 parks that are open and are not rail trails. There are 3 that are closed for renovations this year and 18 rail trails that are included that make the total park sites 93. I'm excited to experience some of the fall and winter activities that happen at the parks too including a Hawk Watch in Southern NH. Only 19 parks to visit, but why stop there?

While I was on vacation in the Southern Appalachians, I had an unexpected day to myself and decided to visit Cumberland Falls State Park Resort (most of the state parks are considered resorts in Kentucky) and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The Falls are pretty spectacular not only because of the amount of water rushing over them, but because it faces in just the right direction for the mist to produce rainbows during the day and moonbows during and around the full moon.

Apparently this is a rare natural phenomenon and Cumberland Falls is the only place a moonbow can be seen in the Western Hemisphere! The sign explained that a moon bow is an arch of white light at the base of the falls that continues down stream. In days past, the Moonbow Inn hosted people that wanted to experience such a special natural spectacle. 

The Pinnacle Overlook at Cumberland Gap NHS was just as interesting. From the observation platform, I could see into three states and even with some summer haze, I could see the Smokies - 70 miles away! I hiked along the actual Cumberland Gap trail that many people from the past had traveled including Daniel Boone. There were old fort foundations in the highpoints above the gap that were used during the Civil War. I also hiked to tri-state peak where the borders of KY, TN, and VA meet up. I only had a couple of hours in the park, so I stopped at the visitor center and asked the ranger what I should spend my time doing. I was not disappointed with his suggestions! 

Adventure awaits wherever you are, so make it your goal to Get Outside And Learn!