Some of the most majestic sites in Harlan can be found on this trail. Here are some of the pictures from our trip:
In high school, I spent a lot of time around this area whenever my friends and I would get off of work. For example, the story of beardog (a great story shared between my friend Chris and I) resulted from Little Shepherds Trail. On this trail, there is a bunch of different lookouts along the trail and one day, Chris, Myself, and one of other other friends had been fourwheeling when we came across this ferocious beast of a black bear inhibiting us from proceeding. Of course, upon seeing this black beast all three of us sped away. However, upon further reflection of the situation when we reached a safe haven... we decided it might have been a big black dog. Well.. about three or four months later I saw this black beast again in the same area... only to find out it was a black goat. Apparently, Chris, David, and I let our imaginations run wild that day... but it makes a good inside joke between us now. I even wrote Chris' senior personal narrative on this moment haha... (You read that right... I wrote my friends senior personal narrative haha).
Another awesome place on Little Shepherds Trail is the pond. This area is so nice.
It's on top of the mountain at the peak of Little Shepherds Trail and you can usually find a plethora of country folk fishing or riding their fourwheelers around this pond. In fact, when we visited today there was about 4 or 5 other people around. There's even a little pier in the pond for your fishing needs!
On of the more historic sites on this trail is the tower. My dad told me the story of this site today.
Apparently before our wonderful technology of GPS and satellites... rangers around Harlan would utilize this lookout to spot forest fires and report them. My mom apparently also climbed allover this tower when she was a kid... unfortunately.. the bottom steps are removed from the tower now.
Another amazing story that results from this area is the story of Rebel Rock (which I refer to as Pride Rock in my head... you'll see why when I post the pic).
There are actually two stories the surround Rebel Rock... however... the one that I'm going to talk about is the more dramatic one. I've always been told that during the Civil War, Harlan was very divided and tensions were high. One rebel was trying to flee Union Soldiers for the love of his life when he fell to his death off of Rebel Rock, forever glorifying his act. In fact, it is stated that only one ranger knows the location of the rebels gravestone as well.
It was such a great a day, being able to visit Little Shepherds Trail on ATVs and drink in the pure bliss of the mountain air and dirt roads. I can't wait to go back again.
Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon
My Unionist ancestors killed the Rebel(s) at Rebel Rock during the Civil War. They (my ancestors) lived at the base of the mountain. I've got an elaborate story from my grandfather's cousin on what went down. Could you email me at andrewsmithtn@gmail.com? I want to try to get into contact with that ranger!
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