Tennessee — Cumberland Trail

These photos are from an Alternative Breaks trip I went on to the Cumberland Gap near Chattanooga through KU. We were supposed to be there to clear and build trails, but a couple days before we made the drive from Kansas in January, there was an epic snowstorm that covered everything in several inches of snow. Our guides said it was the worst snowstorm they'd had in a decade.

Because of the snow, we were held up in the cabin for a couple days playing board games and pool, but eventually we did manage to do some work retrieving tools in this remote rocky valley. Luckily, we got to hike around the rest of the time and it was wonderful. I didn't think it was possible, but it made the completely cramped and stuffy 10-or-eternity-hour van ride worth it. The stillness and natural beauty were spectacular, and it was a great visit to the Volunteer State.