Blue Ridge Country July/August 2022 - 36

Â JONES GAP STATE PARK
 Over 3,000 acres/part of the 13,000-acre
Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
CHUCK SUTHERLAND
North Carolina: Gorges State Park
Where there is water, there is life... and
the proof is at this North Carolina state
park. Here five streams and two rivers
carry water from Blue Ridge Escarpment
to the ocean. From a gradual descent to
plunging falls and rushing gorges, the water
carves paths and brings life all along
its course.
Dropping 2,000 feet in elevation in
only four miles, the cascades supply a
continuous mist that has created, along
with 80 inches of annual rainfall, a temperate
rainforest biome. Within this ecosystem
multiple tropical plant species
thrive where they " shouldn't " be growing-this
far north. They cling to spray
cliffs and attach themselves to rocks underwater.
Rare and robust populations
of animal species also call this rainforest
home-including the secretive green
salamander, three species of fish found
nowhere else in the state, and the largest
mountain population of Swainson's
warblers.
The terrain is rugged, challenging,
breathtaking and explorable in a number
of ways. All the streams and rivers in this
relatively new state park (1999) are designated
Wild Trout Waters and fishing is
popular.
Insider Tip: While trail walking, note
the 15- to 20-foot-high jumbles of " de36
BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
 60 miles of trails
 18 walk-in trailside (no frills) campsites/18
backcountry campsites
 600 wildflower species/60 mammal species
bris. " In 1916, a dam broke upstream, destroying
communities and abrading the
gorges with a torrent of water. These piles
are the remnants of that historic event.
While rugged backcountry is the defining
characteristic here, an easily accessible
visitor center can be enjoyed by
all-including a large picnic area. There
are museum-quality exhibits, maps, retail
items and knowledgeable staff on
hand.
Tennessee: Norris Dam State Park
The rivers of east Tennessee hold a unique
place in history, dramatically affecting
the lives and landscapes of residents.
Discussions on how to navigate them
and control flooding date back to 1824.
Nearly 100 years later, the Tennessee Valley
Authority (TVA) created by President
Franklin Roosevelt in 1933 addressed
these challenges and brought electricity
to rural Appalachia.
At this state park, the confluence of
the Powell and Clinch Rivers provides the
waters for TVA's first hydroelectric dam.
Opened in 1936, it measures 265 feet tall
and 1,869 feet long. Behind it now resides
one of the most pristine dam reservoirs in
the state. The 33,840-acre Norris Lake is
known for its emerald green beauty. This
body of mingling river waters boasts 96%
purity with 25-foot visibility.
With over 56 species of fish in the lake,
bring gear for bass, cats, crappie, walleye
and trout. Or stop by the full-service marina
for tackle and a houseboat or pontoon
boat rental.
http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country July/August 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country July/August 2022
