Betsy at the North Overlook on Black Mountainnn. January 9, 2008.
Yesterday, since we had gone out for the previous two days, Betsy and I decided we would stay home. It was laundry day for Betsy and I had wood to bring up to the garage and Christmas decorations to put away in the attic.
We did quite well until the early afternoon, but the day was entirely too nice to stay in. So we drove to Black Mountain Recreation Area near the town of Crab Orchard, which is only about seven miles from the house. The recreation area is atop Black Mountain (I guess that makes sense) and features a 1.7 mile loop trail that connects two overlooks. There is also a connection with the Cumberland Trail, which, when completed, will be a north-south hiking trail across Tennessee.
We’ve been to Black Mountain several times. Betsy especially wanted to go back in the winter to see if it was possible to spot Fairfield Glade from the North Overlook when there were no leaves on the trees. The North Overlook provides a view of Crab Orchard Valley which lies between Black Mountain and the Glade. The picture above shows Betsy at the North Overlook, but we still couldn’t see much because of all the tree branches in the way.
We continued on around the loop to the South Overlook, which probably has the best view of the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee Ridge and Valley beyond. The South Overlook is our favorite place on Black Mountain, but we couldn’t stay long yesterday. It was getting late and I definitely did not want to drive down the narrow, one-lane road after dark!
Tags: Black Mountain, Hiking, Tennessee
Senior Moments 
January 10, 2009 at 3:49 am |
What a wonderful place. You paint such a beautiful picture with words you almost don’t need a photo. The more I see the more I wont to visit more places in Tenn. I have only see Murphysburrow, Nashville, Camden, But when we saw Paduka, Kentucky on the way. Oh I loved it there. Arkansas Eureaka springs was The best drive ever. The views from Branson to that point we Awesome..
January 10, 2009 at 6:08 am |
Sounds like a great way to spend a long, Winter’s afternoon. Hope you both have a wonderful weekend.
January 10, 2009 at 7:57 am |
Sounds like a wonderful way to spend your day! I wish we had places close to us like that where we could go hiking.
January 10, 2009 at 8:03 am |
I figured Neal would say he was going to visit that place the next time he is in TN–it is beautiful.
January 10, 2009 at 8:21 am |
I sure envy y’all being so close to such beautiful scenery. Hope you have a great weekend.
January 10, 2009 at 8:50 am |
Good Morning, George,
How nice to have this little excursion, even on a busy day.
Cheers!
January 10, 2009 at 9:20 am |
What a beautiful day…and it seems you two are NEVER at home!!!!
So nice that you enjoy getting out in nature!!!
January 10, 2009 at 8:58 pm |
Suzanne, we do occasionally stay home, especially when there is work to do in the yard. But we do enjoy the ability to get out and about.
January 10, 2009 at 10:04 am |
I would rather go to that place than do laundry too.
January 10, 2009 at 10:59 am |
Good choice to spend some time out in nature.This must be a lovely place at any time of year.
Blessings,Ruth
January 10, 2009 at 8:59 pm |
Yes, Ruth, Black Mountain is beautiful any time of the year. I think autumn is our very favorite time, but we’ve never been disappointed by a trip up there.
January 10, 2009 at 11:42 am |
Looks like a much nicer way to spent the day then undecorating….which we need to do today. It is rainy here, so I guess that makes it a good day to do it. This mountain drive looks like it would have a lot to offer for photos. Enjoy the time out.
January 10, 2009 at 12:10 pm |
George: That was a wonderful place that you and Betsy got to visit and share.
January 10, 2009 at 2:38 pm |
What a lovely reward to spend time in the afternoon outdoors after doing laundry! You two seem to lead a wonderful life together ;–)
Hugs and blessings,
January 10, 2009 at 2:46 pm |
Lovely photo of Betsy! You 2 live a full life w/ all your travels and hikes!
January 10, 2009 at 4:37 pm |
Sounds like a piece of Heaven!! Such a wonderful place… and a delightful photo of Betsy!!
~Michele~
Mountain Retreat
January 10, 2009 at 8:48 pm |
Michele, while we like our mountains here in east Tennessee, your mountains make them look pretty puny.
January 10, 2009 at 7:07 pm |
I so miss Tennessee. We go there every year. Pigeon Forge. Stay in one of the beautiful cabins there. Missed it last year, but we’ll be going back this year. I can’t wait!
January 10, 2009 at 8:19 pm |
Great post and photo!!
I finally got my Christmas decorations taken down….a week late this year. Now the house looks emptyier….
Have a great rest of the weekend.
January 10, 2009 at 8:47 pm |
Sara, our house also looked a lot emptier after the Christmas decorations were down. But we can see out the patio windows much better now. Thanks for stopping by.
January 10, 2009 at 8:21 pm |
That sounds like a sound decision!
January 10, 2009 at 11:24 pm |
Winter is best time for viewing: no pesky leaves and crisp skies over enviable vantage to the edge of the horizon (and beyond).
January 12, 2009 at 12:56 pm |
Betsy looks like she was have a very nice outing. That’s definitely a peaceful, happy smile. 🙂
January 12, 2009 at 2:45 pm |
Sounds like a great place to walk – one of my favorite things to do.
January 12, 2009 at 9:39 pm |
Get out as often and do all the things you want to while you are both healthy and can do it..I feel badly for my very active husband as I just can’t do all the things we used too…
January 13, 2009 at 2:14 pm |
I love that you and Betsy enjoy doing active things together like hiking. You two are always on the go…it’s inspiring to read about! 🙂