Backbone Rock Recreation Area lies just 4 miles south of Damascus Virginia. As you head south, cross into Tennessee, you will begin to see the beginning of the recreation area which consists of campsites, picnic areas and trails. There is a trail that connects to the Appalachian Trail but the trail that gets the most activity, is the one that climbs these stairs to the top of Backbone Rock.
Backbone Rock is a tall but narrow slice of rock that in 1901 was in the way of transporting timber out of the region. A tunnel, referred to as the "world's shortest tunnel" was cut thru the rock, allowing railroad access. After the railroad was abandoned, a state highway was built through the tunnel. Here we are 100 feet above the road below.
This photo shows the rock to only about 10 feet wide. Both sides drop off precipitously. A trail goes up and over the road. On the east die of the road is the main picnic areas. There is one large log pinic shelter from another era. The picnic sites have stone fireplaces which predate the more commonly seen steel pedestal grills we see elsewhere.
Too bad the road curves as it goes through the tunnel. It seems dangerous, since folks want to stop and take photos and walk through it.
This is the lower part of a 45 foot waterfall nearby. An old stone staircase leads to it.
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