Important: Please observe all park rules. Stay on paved paths. There is no need to cross fences or other barriers to complete this earth cache.
This is an earth cache, therefore, there are no containers to find. Earth caches are geological learning experiences.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park:
The first great gateway to the west is located at Cumberland Gap. The Cumberland Gap is a narrow V-shaped pass through the long ridge of the Cumberland Mountains, found within the Appalachian Mountain chain, near the junction of the states of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. This passage was a significant part of the Wilderness Road, allowing travel into Kentucky and Tennessee.
Park Info: The park is located in Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. The park consists of approximately 24,000 acres with 85 miles of trails to explore. The park is open 24 hours to pedestrian and cyclists. The road to Pinnacle Rock may be closed at times depending on weather. Please check the park site accordingly (www.nps.gov/cuga/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm). The road is closed to vehicles 20 feet or longer. When possible, shuttles to the Overlook may be arranged from the visitor center at $5 per person (at the time of this publication). Inquiries can be made at the park visitor center at 606-248-2817.
Overlook: At the lower end of the parking lot, you may access a paved walk out to the overlook.
Geology: The Cumberland Gap area has become a visual wonder attributed to a continental shift, a meteorite impact, and flowing water. According to www.thoughtco.com “It is widely accepted that the Cumberland Gap in Appalachia was formed by flowing water during the continental plate collisions. A recent theory belonging to historical geographer Barry Vann suggests a more complex narrative. Running water did indeed have a role in forming the gap, but science indicates its creation was aided by an impact from outer space.” In fact nearby Middlesboro, KY, (visible from the overlook), is one of only a few cities on the North American continent located in the basin of a meteorite impact structure. (Bell Co Historical Society)
The rocks in and surrounding the park are sedimentary, ranging in age from Cambrian to Pennsylvanian (540 to 295 million years ago). Sedimentary rocks are formed by the compaction of particles of gravel, sand, silt, mud, carbonate minerals, and ancient seashells. Sedimentary rocks include sandstone, conglomerate, shale, siltstone, limestone, coal, and dolomite. (nps)
1. Sandstone: It is comprised of small grains of quartz and feldspar minerals that have been cemented together. Colors vary from tans, brown, to gray.
2. Limestone: It is made from calcite deposited from the shells of sea animals. Most cave systems are located in limestone bedrock.
3. Shale: It is made from clay sediments.
4. Conglomerate: It is made from large sediments like sand and pebbles cemented together by other dissolved minerals.
5. Siltstone: It has a grain size in the silt range, finer than sandstone.
6. Coal: It is a black or brownish black rock usually occurring in strata layers called coal beds or seams.
7. Dolomite: It is composed of the mineral dolomite. It is similar to limestone.
The layers of sedimentary rocks have a mountain-building and erosional quality that have contributed to the unique landscape found in the park. The narrow ridges, steep cliffs, overlooks, steep valleys, and natural gaps are the result of the uplift of the rocks combined with millions of years of weathering and erosion. (nps)
In order to log this earth cache, please submit your answers to the following questions BEFORE logging your find. Failure to do this may result in your log being deleted. Please feel free to log once your answers have been submitted. Important: Please email your answers to us via the geocaching.com profile only. Also each geocacher must submit his/her own answer. No group answers will be allowed.
1. Based on your observation, what type of sedimentary rock do you see at Pinnacle rock? What is its color?
2. Based on your observation, do you see layers of rocks here or boulders?
3. What is your gps elevation here?
4. From the overlook, toward the right you can see the town of Middlesboro. The valley can be described as:
a. V-shaped or
b. Flat and round
c. From the reading, explain your answer.
5. At Stage 2, according to signage, what geological feature seen here was chosen as the new state line by Kentucky and Virginia Boundary Commissioners? ___ ___________ ______ ___
6. At Stage 3, what is the elevation? What is the difference in feet from the overlook?
7. Optional: Please feel free to post your picture at Pinnacle Rock Overlook. Many thanks to Cumberland National Park for permission to place this earth cache.
Permission from the park has been submitted via reviewer note for record.