Friday Field Trip
May 1, 2020
The Grands love planning field trip hikes with family. What better way to celebrate gorgeous spring weather than exploring an interesting nearby site!
Of course, a little horsing around gets the blood pumping and the adrenaline flowing before the hike begins.
Because we were getting an early start, we had no trouble finding a parking spot. The Devil's Racetrack is a popular spot with the locals.
The first 0.2 mile is flat and easy. The trail follows beside a large stream. Just above our heads I-75 noise can barely be heard.
A steep rock scramble brings the hiker in view of an interesting feature, a series of man-made waterfalls. Shortly after the interstate was cut, erosion began to wash out the underpinning of the side of the ridge, so engineers determined that the stream needed to be re-routed to prevent further erosion. Therefore, they blasted and dug into the side of the mountain creating a gorge and even a tunnel for the water to sluice away from the interstate. The feature and the engineering feat are fascinating!
Farther upstream where the gorge was wider and flatter, we crossed the stream before beginning our serious ascent to the top.
To get a serious photo, the bribe is often "OK, guys, give me one serious shot and then you can strike a silly pose.
Winding up, up, up, often clumbering over rocks, roots and washout, we came to a large boulder field. Yes, that is one large boulder which called to Charlotte and Jordan, our family climbers.
Flowering locust added much color to the bleak landscape. Fires had destroyed most of the undergrowth but flowering locust thrives in poor, rocky soil. It grew abundantly on the ridge.
The reward for such an arduous climb is a series of spectacular views! In the photo below, you can see the Smokies in the far distance. The valley was green and verdant. Cove Lake State Park is just to the right of the view.
The kids still had tons of energy!
We paused for a snack and water break. The trail continues along the ridge toward Cumberland Gap.
Behind us was a view north, a view of tree-covered mountains.
Emily was curious to see the direction and condition of the Cumberland Trail going northeast.
Before she let the kids scramble out to the edge of the Devil's Racetrack, she checked out the view.
Grand-Dad chatted with some folks who were relaxing on the rocks above.
Far below is a sliver of I-75. This view gives you an idea how high this point is above the valley.
Lily and Jordan joined up with us to see the view.
Griffin wanted in on the action as well.
From the side the rocky formations resemble a jumble of rocks. [Photo from TN State Parks]
The high point offers an incredible 360 degree view.
The trail is steep going up and steeper going down!
Although we were on the Cumberland Trail, overuse has caused erosion especially in the areas scarred by fire and heavy foot traffic. Roots, blow-downs and rocky portions required careful navigation.
Never waste an opportunity to have some fun!
While the energetic boys gamboled, Lily paused to ponder.
Charlotte was very happy to get off the top and back down to the stream.
The series of falls indicate just how steep the trail is which climbs up parallel to the stream.
If you did not know that the falls were a product of engineering, you would think the stream had cut a narrow course through the mountain.
Ever the imaginative and daring one, Griffin had some fun creating a red-neck tableau from an abandoned vehicle.
No, he is not smoking a cigar! Meat stick snacks are handy props!
Picnic time!!! Although a short hike in-out, it was a steep climb with frequent scrambles up and down. The reward awaiting? Sandwiches, snacks, fruit and cold drinks.
In March of 2014 the Grands had visited the Devil's Racetrack with some dear friends, Lynn and Betty.
Look carefully and you will see smoke in the air.
Someone down in the valley near Caryville let a brush fire get out of control. We were in no danger because the firefighters were using a bulldozer to cut a fire break along the side of the mountain.
On our glorious spring day the valley was peaceful.
I wonder where our next Friday Field Day will take us!
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