adventureswithapostcardBackbone Rock- Shady Valley, TN
Just a hop, skip, and a [short] drive from our last destination (the Barter Theatre, highlighted HERE), sits a small recreation area: Backbone Rock. This area is home to several camping and picnic sites, but the main draw is the unique “tunnel” and a nearby waterfall.
History
The origin of Backbone Rock isn’t extensive or fancy- workers created the tunnel in 1901 to let trains pass through. The fascinating part about this, though, is that, when they created it, the tunnel was too narrow and the train’s smokestack couldn’t pass through! So, if you look, there’s a weird little crook on the tunnel, proof that some poor soul had to chisel the rock so damage wouldn’t be done to the smokestack.
Picnic tables and camping sites were a 1930 addition, courtesy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and they still stand today!
Fun Facts
Backbone Rock Recreation Area is a part of the Cherokee National Forest (as seen in this postcard) and is located between Damascus, VA and Shady Valley, TN, around the bend of Beaverdam Creek. Because it is next to a creek, there are several really nice picnic pavilions for guests, but my favorite part are these rocks nestled right next to the water- perfect for curling up and taking a nap, all while enjoying the sound of the water alongside you. Not speaking from personal experience at all, that’d be crazy…
The Backbone Rock “tunnel” is pretty unique because you can hike a short trail to get on top of it. Once on top, you will have great views of the water and a spectacular spot to people watch. There are also several fun places to explore on and around the rock, and, the closer you get to the river, there are more nooks (I like nooks, can you tell?).
Backbone Falls
Just across from the Rock lies a trail to a waterfall- aptly named “Backbone Falls”. It’s not a long hike (it’s only a 0.3 mile loop), but some areas can be steep so prepare accordingly. The trail winds around the woods for a moment until it decides you’re ready to see water and then presents a 45-foot waterfall for your enjoyment. Whether you decide to sit and listen to it, or take pictures in front of it, or stand in it, it will be enjoyable. Especially if you go alone and have to fashion a contraption that allows you to do the self-timer on your phone, all while there are other hikers giggling at you as you get into your Gollum pose for a picture (10/10 highly recommend). But the trail loops back to the beginning so there’s (thankfully) no way you can get lost once you have maxed out your waterfall enjoyment.
Dear…
Inscribed on the back of the postcard is the following:
Postmarked December 30, 1942:
“I want to correct a mistake I made saying the club members all sent nice and useful gifts except Mrs. Desper has not sent anything so far. I sent her a gift. I sent all of them a nice any useful gift. Many thanks for the gift you sent. Did you get my gift?
From,
Cartha
Also, Betty did not sent a gift. I sent Betty a gift.”
*The underlined words were missing and/or difficult for me to read. I translated to the best of my abilities*
Backbone Rock is a small gem in seemingly the middle of the woods. However, it’s close to both Damascus, VA (which is also a great place to explore), and Shady Valley, TN, so you’ll still be in range for food, public restrooms, and cell service! If you ever are looking for a new place to explore, I’d definitely recommend popping over to Backbone Rock and napping near the river!
If you’re interested in visiting this area, make sure to check out the Backbone Rock Recreation Area website: HERE. BE SAFE!
