Vettes of Atlanta Magazine Adventure Awaits You Down A Road Less Traveled “I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has...
Vettes of Atlanta Magazine
Adventure Awaits You Down A Road Less Traveled
Image courtesy of Jeremy Whitehead“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
The “two roads diverged” line comes from a poem titled “The Road Not Taken” by the American poet Robert Frost (1874-1963).
Metaphorically speaking, someone who takes ‘the road less traveled’ is acting independently, freeing themselves from the conformity of others, generally making their own choices, and perhaps leaving a new trail for others.
You could apply that definition to Jeremy Whitehead and his yearning to seek out places and paths long forgotten. Whether in a four-wheel drive Jeep or his sleek seventh-generation Corvette, he is constantly seeking the wonderment of discovery.
We were fortunate to chronicle one of his outings in an article titled “A Great Sherpa Makes All The Difference.” Naturally, our interest was piqued when we caught wind of a more adventurous trip he was planning.
We’ve been on our fair share of Corvette cruises that visited tourist hot spots along their circuitous route. And, sure, Jeremy from Classic Glass Corvette Club of Marietta does that kind of cruise as well.
But for those so inclined, there are hidden gems just off the beaten path, and he knows where they are.
Jeremy Whitehead – Intrepid Explorer & Sherpa Classic Glass Corvette Club
Abandoned TAG Railroad Tunnel Jeremy & Rick
TAG Railroad Tunnel
Rod Worley – Editor – The long-forgotten train tunnel was something to see. What can you tell us about it?
Jeremy Whitehead – Explorer & Sherpa – Built in 1891, The Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia (TAG) rail tunnel is a 1600-foot long built to accommodate trains hauling iron ore mined from nearby Pigeon Mountain to the furnaces in Chickamauga.
The tunnel was abandoned in 1982 when the merger of the Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern occurred. The tunnel is accessible by hiking along the old railroad bed back into the woods towards the mountain.
There’s a gravel road that is just to the NE side of Hwy 193. Hopefully, the gate will be unlocked.
Go up the hill and look to the right for evidence of the old rail bed. Be prepared for fallen trees that you’ll either have to go under or over, as well as spider webs and standing water inside the tunnel.
Rubber mud boots and a good flashlight, as well as a backup, are recommended if you’re planning on venturing inside.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VikoFezj9GEDfyQm8
Rick – 1996 convertible Classic Glass Corvette Club
US 27 Highway Abandoned BridgeAbandoned Bridge
Rod Worley – Editor – We were surprised to see this abandoned road and bridge tucked into the overgrowth. Can you tell us more about it?
Jeremy Whitehead – Explorer & Sherpa – Between Rome and Summerville, old US27 used to take a different route than it does today.
When they made it into a four-lane highway, they abandoned a section of the old road and, with it – a Luten double arch bridge, which is now a platform for trees to grow on.
Daniel Luten of Indianapolis was a bridge builder and famed engineer who obtained over 30 patents and was responsible for the design of thousands of bridges across the US.
This particular bridge has withstood the test of time, and despite being abandoned for over 60 years, it still stands firm, and its arches remain sound. Trees, moss, and leaves now adorn its deck.
The easiest way of accessing the bridge is to head North on US27 and watch for a bridge about ½ mile North of Little Sand Mountain Rd. Just before you reach the bridge, there’s a pull-off on the right.
That is the old roadbed that will lead you to the bridge. It’s an easy, short walk back to the old bridge. A minor footnote is that there are the remains of two much older bridges just beyond the big one.
All that remains now is the abutments and foundations. Just a guess, but I think that at least one of them is pre-Civil War era.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1kEM6ZMNEkM5zwyYA
“The Old Abandoned Bridge In The Woods” article Jeremy wrote for Atlas Obscura: https://tinyurl.com/4crdrusv
John – 2009 Z06 coupe Classic Glass Corvette Club
Sticky Fingers restaurantSticky Fingers
A day of adventuring would only be complete with a good meal to top it off. That’s where Sticky Fingers Rib House comes in.
Jeremy led us to this downtown Chattanooga rib house for great comfort food that truly hit the spot. As one might imagine, Sticky Fingers is unabashed in their obsession with barbecue.
While it may not be the fanciest food nor the tidiest, Sticky Finger’s barbecue brings a smile to your face as sauce runs down your chin.
Address: 420 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402. (423) 265-7427
Open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Adventure Afoot
Most Corvette cruises these days are of the non-physical variety. Yes, you have fun seeing places of interest, but they are as physically demanding as sitting in your Barcalounger back home.
Jeremy’s cruise was different. It felt good to do some mountain driving, take a break, and stretch your legs with a short jaunt.
The bonus was seeing structures from a bygone era and having Jeremy bring them to life with his rich, informed narration.
And it just goes to show that adventure awaits you down a road less traveled.
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