On the other side of the gap the mountain continues, noticeably lower in elevation, achieving a height of 1,480 feet (450 m) at its northern tip before falling precipitously into the Cumberland Narrows.

The original route for the National Road ascended over Haystack Mountain, through the gap which I-68 now traverses, following an American Indian pathways known as Nemacolin's Path.

This path was chosen by General Braddock during the French and Indian War, and was later used as part of the National Road.

This road was used by thousands of travelers who struggled to safely climb the mountain with their possessions stowed in creaky wagons.

Travelers faced even greater dangers descending Haystack Mountain, due to its steeper grade, near present-day Sunset Drive.