I stopped there at the turnout next to the earthworks and walked the trail/path for an hour or so.
Looking down from the ridge seems pretty incredible that they cut that road with ax and spade. Given what the “modern” road is like, it must have been quite the adventure to travel with loaded wagon, either direction. Easy to lose that perspective.
Being up there on the ridge in the winter time, waiting for a fight took some real grit.
As long as the world doesn’t melt down this fall, I’m going to go back and spend some time wandering around wondering at it all.
Glad you stopped, lots of people drive on by without even a look.
The battle of McDowell happened just west.
Another point of interest nearby is Reddish Knob, a fantastic 360 degree view right on the VA/WV line.
Also Natural Chimneys Regional Park.