If you're a geologist, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Middlesboro, Kentucky is a meteor crater. Seems this little town was built right smack in the middle of a crater caused by a huge meteor that struck the earth and created a crater four miles in diameter. Topographical maps clearly show the bowl shape valley, which stands out big-time against the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
One unusual claim to fame must lead to another because Middlesboro is home to another real oddity. On 20th Street you'll find the Coal House, home to the Bell County Chamber of Commerce and constructed from 42 tons of bituminous coal. The entire outside of the building was "bricked" with lumps of coal.
The oldest state park in Kentucky, Pine Mountain State Park., is nearby Pineville. Created in 1924, the park features the Herndon J. Evans Lodge, the upper lobby of which was built by the CCC (Civilian Conservations Corps) from native chestnut trees and sandstone. Rooms are available in the main lodge, plus there's a 216-seat dining room with an excellent menu and buffet. The gift shop includes Kentucky crafts and pottery, artwork, needlework and more.
Nine fully modernized one-bedroom log cabins are secluded among the park's 1,519 acres, along with 11 two-bedroom cottages. Other amenities: the Wasioto Winds Golf Course, with exceptionally reasonable green fees; miles and miles of walking/hiking trails; mini-golf; a swimming pool; picnic and playground facilities; and year-round planned recreation and naturalist programs. Get all the park details by visiting the park's website or by phoning (800) 325-1712.
Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is another Middlesboro must-see. Covering over 20,000 acres and sprawling across three states - Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee - it's the second largest historical park in the U.S. Within the park is "The Gap," an 800-foot deep natural opening amid the Cumberland Mountains and the site of the Warriors Path traveled first by Native Americans and later renamed the Wilderness Road after Daniel Boone marked the trail. Between 1775 and 1810 over 300,000 pioneers used this pathway en route to new land and opportunities.
Eighty-five miles of hiking trails criss-cross the park, ranging from 1/4 mile easy walks to the strenuous 21-mile Ridge Trail. Wildlife is abundant and scenic views abound. Entrance to the park is free; Gap Cave tours are $8, adults; $4, seniors with Golden Age passports and children ages 5-12. The Hensley Settlement is part of the park and contains a well-preserved 1903 homestead community with houses, barns, fences, school and cemetery. Admission is $10, adults; $5, seniors; and $3, children 12 and under. For more information, visit the park's website at: http://www.nps.gov/cuga/index.htm.
Middlesboro has several great locally owned eateries, plus antique shops; there's even a combo stop, Avenue Cafe & Antiques where get the best of both worlds. You'll love Cumberland Manor (toll-free 866/648-4299), a 6,000 square foot Victorian B&B offering five well-appointed guest rooms and rates as low as $99 a night, including a 3-course breakfast. For more info on all things Middlesboro, visit Bell County Tourism at: www.MountainGateway.com; or phone them at: (800) 988-1075.
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