Blue Ridge Country January/February 2023 - 37

Follow this with a short drive to Portal 31
in Lynch-the state's first exhibition coal
mine. Tours are available of this camp that
was once the world's largest and became
the epicenter for labor rights activities that
named the area " Bloody Harlan. "
Back on US 119 you'll soon reach
Oven Fork and notice a dramatic change.
This particular 8-mile stretch of road is
the very definition of a steep, winding,
breath-holding, door-handle-clutching
drive. And worth every second! Built
over old log trails, this is the road for seeing
the beauty of eastern Kentucky.
Last stop, Whitesburg. There are several
cabins, a B&B and AirBNB options in
the area.
Length: 44.7 miles (total). scenicbyways.
info/byway/2132.html
Ä NORTH CAROLINA
Newfound Gap Road Scenic Byway.
Come see why this road received a National
Scenic Byway designation in 2021.
As the only paved road traveling through
the center of the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, you'll experience environments
comparable to driving from Georgia
to Maine with plenty of pull-offs to
stop along the way.
Two towns bookend US 441, your
route through the park. The southernmost
is Cherokee, North Carolina. Here you can
learn about history at the Museum of the
Cherokee Indian and take a self-guided
tour of Oconaluftee Indian Village-a replica
of life in the 18th Century with structures,
demonstrations and reenactments.
Attend a moving performance of " Unto
These Hills " at the outdoor theater; and,
try your luck at Harrah's Casino and the
Gold & Ruby Mine attraction.
At Oconaluftee Visitor Center (the official
entrance to the park), walk through
pioneer structures at the Mountain Farm
Museum and visit the water-turbine-powered
Mingus Mill. Schedule an early morning
or late afternoon visit for a chance
to see elk in the meadows. And, pick up
an auto-tour booklet ($1) and watch for
numbered posts along the way to learn
about the surroundings and history.
Climb several thousand feet in elevation
during your drive, surrounded by
cove hardwood changing to the sprucefir
forest at the top. At Newfound Gap,
the lowest point between the mountains,
you'll be 5,046 feet up! Stand across the
state line (with Tennessee) and walk a
bit on the Appalachian Trail. Go up the
stone steps where Franklin Roosevelt
dedicated the park in 1940; and visit
nearby Clingman's Dome-the highest
point in the Smokies.
Back on US 441, stop for photos at several
overlooks. Morton Overlook for the
best sunsets. The Chimney Tops - twin
spires with steep cliffs rise 2,000 feet. And,
Campbell Overlook for long views of the
landscape and informational placards.
Continue on to Sugarlands Visitor Center
for a museum, gift shop, short film and
walking trails.
Just down the road is our other bookend
town-Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Ride
the historic skylift, Space Needle, Ober
tram and the Anakeesta Chondola for a
bird's eye view. Stop in Ripley's Aquarium
and museums for cars, moonshine,
pinball,
salt and pepper shakers and
oddities; ride rollercoasters; play arcade
Your BEST mountain vacation starts right here...
EscapetoBlueRidge.com | 855-885-4894
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 Area's largest selection of
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 Flexible reservation options and
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 Full service Guest Concierge team
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 37
http://www.EscapetoBlueRidge.com
Blue Ridge Country January/February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country January/February 2023
