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The Cumberland Gap Visitor Center is open all year; Memorial Day through Labor Day 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Christmas Day. Park grounds and picnic areas are open daily. The road leading to the Pinnacle Overlook may be closed periodically due to inclement weather, including ice, snow, and lightning. Over 900,000 people visit a year.

Visitors to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park should set aside an hour or two to browse through the park’s visitor center, located on U.S. Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro, Kentucky. View the new award winning 23-minute long high definition film “Daniel Boone and the Westward Movement.” Cumberland Crafts, the newest shop of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, is located at the visitor center. The Guild showcases crafts from the nine states representing Appalachia and celebrates these crafts by hosting artisans. Especially on weekends, visitors might be able to chat with a weaver, a potter or a cooper. Or perhaps visitors might be able to see glass rods magically transformed into dazzling, glistening beads. Also visit Eastern National’s bookstore, the park’s non-profit cooperating association, which offers a variety of publications on the park’s rich mosaic of cultural, natural and historical resources. The park’s visitor center complex is accessible, allowing for wheelchair use. Designated parking allows easy access to the building.

Carved by wind and water, Cumberland Gap forms a major break in the Appalachian Mountain chain. For thousands of years large game animals moved through the Gap in their migratory journeys. Native Americans followed their trail, creating the “Warrior’s Path”.

The Warriors’ Path played a tragic role in the lives of the Indians and early white settlers of Kentucky. The region through which it passed was uninhabited and therefore a prized hunting ground for Indian tribes until the whites gained control. The bitterest rivals for this coveted territory were the Shawnees to the north and the Cherokees to the south. This was the state of affairs when the first white man entered the region.

For a century and a half the American colonists had been held in check by towering mountains, the warring French, and hostile Indians. Meantime, the pressure of a land-hungry population, especially in the middle colonies, caused these settlers to probe for the least hazardous routes westward.

In the late 17th century this route into the rich hunting lands of “Kaintucke” was known to only a handful of Europeans. Although scanty reports had trickled in from traders and explorers such as Gabriel Arthur, who had roamed with Indian tribes from the Ohio to Florida, credit for discovering the pass which was to govern the course of the westward movement until the revolution, fell to Dr. Thomas Walker of Albemarle County, Virginia. Employed by the Loyal Land Company to search for a suitable site for settlement beyond the mountains, Walker started westward on March 6, 1750. After ascending a branch of the Roanoke River, he and his party of five crossed the Holston, the Clinch, and the Powell rivers, arriving at Cumberland Gap on April 13. He described the natural features here as follows:

“On the North side of the Gap is a large Spring, which falls very fast, and just above the Spring is a small Entrance to a large Cave, which the Spring runs through, and there is a constant Stream of Cool air issuing out. The Spring is sufficient to turn a Mill. Just at the foot of the Hill is a Laurel Thicket, and the Spring Water runs through it. On the South side is a plain Indian Road, on the top of the Ridge are Laurel Trees marked with crosses, others Blazed and several Figures on them. As I went down on the Other Side, I soon came to some Laurel in the head of a Branch. A Beech stands on the left hand, on which I cut my name. This Gap may be seen at a considerable distance, . . . The Mountain on the North Side of the Gap is very Steep and Rocky, but on the South it is not So. We called it Steep Ridge 2.” He named the gap in honor of William, Duke of Cumberland, and brother of King George II.

In 1775, a little known longhunter named Daniel Boone was commissioned to blaze a road through the Gap. Boone’s Trace evolved into the Wilderness Road, establishing his place in history as a frontiersman and pathfinder. During the dark and dangerous days of the Revolution, the settlements in Kentucky, headed by men like Boone and James Harrod, maintained a toehold in the wilderness, securing claim to the western lands for the young nation.

The importance of the Gap in the post-Revolutionary period is of major significance. The discovery and use of Cumberland Gap released a floodtide of settlers into the lands of the interior. A mere ten years after the end of the Revolution, Kentucky became the 15th state boasting a population of 220,000. Though other routes were utilized, Cumberland Gap was “the way West” until 1810.

The park was authorized in part to commemorate the significance of the Gap in the early history of our country. This critically important transportation link was made possible by a combination of uplift of Cumberland Mountain and the erosive action of Yellow Creek, cutting a notch in the mountain at the same time it was rising. The mountain began to rise faster than the creek could erode, causing the creek to change course. Thus, the Gap that the early Americans found was dry. The Gap was so important to Indians and early settlers because Cumberland Mountain presented a nearly continuous, essentially impregnable barrier for hundreds of miles from the northeast. The sheer bluffs of the east side of Cumberland Mountain are important to Park natural resources for the special habitats they provide and for the relative isolation of the interior of the mountain that they have secured. All but one of the creeks passing through the Park originates within the Park. In an area that has seen much development of surface mining and its unfortunate influence on water bodies, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park’s waters are generally very healthy and any adverse impacts are associated with air quality factors.

In the 20th Century, Cumberland Gap (and its associated roadways) continued to be a major economic artery for the Appalachian region. Modernization of the roadways began in 1908 with the completion of the “Object Lesson Road”; a Federal demonstration project by the Bureau of Public Roads. This road opened the Gap to commercial traffic. In the 1920s the old Wilderness Road became Highways 25E and 58, allowing mechanized traffic through the Gap.

Cumberland Gap is a prominent V-shaped indentation in the Cumberland Mountains. It is situated on the Kentucky-Virginia boundary approximately one-quarter mile north of the point where Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee meet. The base of the pass lies in a plane 300 feet above the valley floor and 900 feet below the pinnacle on its north side. On the south side, the mountain is only 600 feet above the saddle of the Cap. Viewed from a distance, this picturesque natural feature probably appears much the same as it did when seen by the first pioneers. However, a closer look will reveal that the north side of the pass has been sliced by a modern highway to a depth of approximately twenty feet.

There are 24 known entries to limestone caves, the best known of which is Gap Cave. Other significant natural features include the Pinnacle, Sand Cave, Devils Garden, and White Rocks. East of the gap lies 15,470 acres of roadless area extending 15 miles along Cumberland and Brush Mountains. The Kentucky-Virginia State line is the sheer ridge of the Cumberland Mountain. Both Cumberland and Brush Mountains are exceedingly steep and rugged, forming high cliffs in many areas. Along the south face of Cumberland Mountain, in Virginia, are 24 caves varying from 20 feet to over six miles in length offering both unique beauty and adventure in a national park vacation. These caves occur in the Greenbrier Limestone formation. Some of the caves contain dome pits up to 125 feet deep as well as small, tight, crawl-ways large enough for a small person or child to enter. The endangered Indiana bat, along with other bats, rats, beetles and several invertebrates have been found in many of the park’s caves. The Sand Cave, a natural scenic area in Kentucky, is a half-domed chamber, 250 feet across in front (open). The floor slopes from back to front and is 1.25 acres of fine, colorful sand. At the east end of the park are 500-foot cliffs known as White Rocks. These cliffs rise above the surrounding wooded slopes and offer the visitor a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, providing ample material for tremendous outdoor pictures.

Martin’s Fork, Shillalah, Devil’s Garden, Sugar Run, and Davis Branch are streams found in Kentucky. Lewis Hollow and Station Creek are streams found in Virginia. All these streams begin inside the park. Other streams are located in the park but do not originate inside the park.

Stretching for 20 miles along Cumberland Mountain and ranging from 1 to 4 miles in width, the park contains 20,500 acres of which 14,000 acres is proposed wilderness. The majority of the forest is second and third growth Eastern hardwood and conifer mix, the result of timbering and farming over a 175 year period. Eastern red cedar, Shortleaf pine, Eastern white pine, Eastern hemlock, Prairie willow, Striped maple, River birch, American Hazelnut, American chestnut, White oak, Southern red oak, Chinkapin oak, American sycamore, Black walnut, Shagbark hickory, Shellbark hickory, Winged elm, American elm and Maidenhair tree are some of the trees found. Japanese honeysuckle, Greenbrier, Princess tree, Trumpet creeper, Eastern redbud,Tulip tree, Mountain magnolia, Northern catalpa, and Common persimmon are some of the flowering species. There are several shrubs found within the park such as Mountain sweet pepperbush, Eastern teaberry, Black huckleberry, Cumberland rhododendron, Mountain laurel, Early azalea, Highbush blueberry, Strawberry bush and Deerberry.

There are also a large number of ferns found within the park boundaries. Shining and Rock clubmoss, Mountain spleenwort, Walking-fern spleenwort, Eastern hayscented Fern, Goldie’s woodfern, Sensitive fern, Appalachian cliff fern, American climbing fern, Rattlesnake fern, Cinnamon fern, Royal fern, Purple cliffbrake, Broad beechfern, and New York fern are just a few of those found in the park.

Leaving the Visitor Center, park visitors can drive a winding four-mile-long road up the mountain to the Pinnacle Overlook (elevation 2,440 feet) for a spectacular view into the three states of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. The road is closed to vehicles 20 feet or longer in length. When park staff is available, shuttles to the Overlook can be arranged; cost is $5.00 per person. There are several tours available with fee charges. Hensley Settlement Tours: The 3 1/2 hour tour includes a one-mile walk through the settlement, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a light snack and a drink. May 1 – Nov. 14: 9:00 am and 1:30 pm. Gap Cave Tours: Join park rangers on an exciting two-hour adventure exploring this majestic underground cathedral. The one-mile tour includes four levels of the cave via 183 steps. For the safety of all, no children under the age of five are permitted on the cave tour.

The history and natural world come alive throughout the park. A multitude of historic sites can be seen in the park including: Civil War fortifications, the ruins of an old iron furnace, and hand-hewn cabins and split rail fences at Hensley Settlement.

Almost 70 miles of hiking trails meander through eastern deciduous forest in this 20,000 acre national park. Distances range from a 1/4-mile loop trail to the 21-mile-long Ridge Trail. Backcountry trails lead to remote, wilderness areas. Backcountry camping is allowed in designated sites with a permit. Permits are free of charge and can be obtained at the park visitor center. Trails lead to Hensley Settlement, a restored mountain community located atop isolated Brush Mountain. Folks can visit chestnut-hewn cabins and learn about the self-sufficient lifestyle of the Hensley and Gibbon families, who kept alive characteristics of early pioneer life. Restored by the National Park Service, the Settlement is accessible by hiking, horseback riding, or shuttle (seasonal; shuttle reservations are recommended). Dogs are allowed on all park trails provided they are on a leash.

Numerous trails and jeep roads lead to remote areas within the Park. Although maintained chiefly as fire trails, hikers often use them as convenient avenues to the innermost secrets of the mountains. South of the Gap, trails lead to Civil War fortifications, the Tri-State Peak, the Tennessee-Kentucky corner, Little Pinnacle, and into a mammoth rhododendron grove. From the Pinnacle the Ridge Trail follows the crest of the mountains all the way to White Rocks at the northeast corner of the Park. Spurs leading from this trail connect with Sugar Run Overlook; the campground, an amphitheater, and a picnic area; Chadwell Gap Overlook and Rocky Face; Hensley Flats, which was once an isolated settlement but only a ghost village today; a virgin tract of timber on Martin’s Fork; and Sand Cave, a spectacular example of erosion.

At last the trail arrives at White Rocks, an outstanding natural feature within the Park. From atop these giant, vertical cliffs, the view encompasses beautiful, broad Powell Valley, with its well-groomed farms lying more than 2,000 feet below. Fittingly, the Park’s backbone trail terminates here, for it was the towering White Rocks that first attracted the attention of the pioneers who hacked out the Wilderness Road.

Numerous trails and jeep roads lead to remote areas within the Park. Although maintained chiefly as fire trails, hikers often use them as convenient avenues to the innermost secrets of the mountains. South of the Gap, trails lead to Civil War fortifications, the Tri-State Peak, the Tennessee-Kentucky corner, Little Pinnacle, and into a mammoth rhododendron grove. From the Pinnacle the Ridge Trail follows the crest of the mountains all the way to White Rocks at the northeast corner of the Park. Spurs leading from this trail connect with Sugar Run Overlook; the campground, an amphitheater, and a picnic area; Chadwell Gap Overlook and Rocky Face; Hensley Flats, which was once an isolated settlement but only a ghost village today; a virgin tract of timber on Martin’s Fork; and Sand Cave, a spectacular example of erosion.

At last the trail arrives at White Rocks, an outstanding natural feature within the Park. From atop these giant, vertical cliffs, the view encompasses beautiful, broad Powell Valley, with its well-groomed farms lying more than 2,000 feet below. Fittingly, the Park’s backbone trail terminates here, for it was the towering White Rocks that first attracted the attention of the pioneers who hacked out the Wilderness Road.

The trails and vistas are a paradise for photographers! The mountains come alive in the spring as wildflowers bloom throughout the park. The summer is a great time to photograph some of the abundant wildlife and the wide array of historical structures and sites. The southern mountains burst in to color in the fall as the leaves begin to change in preparation for the winter. Snow transforms the mountains in to a winter wonderland.

The sheer bluffs of the east side of Cumberland Mountain are important to Park natural resources for the special habitats they provide and for the relative isolation of the interior of the mountain that they have secured. All but one of the creeks passing through the Park originate within the Park. In an area that has seen much development of surface mining and its unfortunate influence on water bodies, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park’s waters are generally very healthy and any adverse impacts are associated with air quality factors.

Residential and commercial development was ongoing in the vicinity long before the Park was established. With this human activity came the inevitable introduction, purposeful and accidental, of exotic vegetation. Today we have numerous species of non-native plants in the more developed portions of the park. Efforts are ongoing to control and reduce these populations.

Non-native animals are a concern, also, particularly forest pests such as the gypsy moth and hemlock wooly adelgid. These animals are not yet in the Park but are hovering close by. A native species has made its presence known within the Park in a dramatic way, however. The southern pine beetle has killed pines, mostly Virginia pine, over several hundred acres within the Park. We anticipate a measurable shift in forest community structure as a result.

The 24 limestone caves found in the Virginia portion of the Park contribute a special set of environmental features. The caves are home to numerous animal species including the threatened Indiana bat.

Exotic species occur throughout the previously and presently developed areas of the park. Kudzu, privet, and Japanese honeysuckle are surpassing native species in disturbed sites. Several other exotic grasses, shrubs, and trees are found in the park.

Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures commonly in the mid to upper 90s. Winters are generally mild with rain and some periods of snow January through March. Temperatures usually range in the 30s and 40s. The weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Severe thunderstorms often bring lightning and winter storms can move in rapidly bringing ice and snow. If hiking in the backcountry, please remember that temperatures on the mountain are at least 10 degrees cooler. Wear comfortable sportswear appropriate to the season. Good walking shoes will definitely make for a more pleasant visit.

Current Park Weather

Some things to consider while hiking and exploring the park: Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Be sure to take plenty of food and water. Be aware of weather conditions. The weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Severe thunderstorms often bring lightning and winter storms can move in rapidly bringing ice and snow. Due to damage from the Southern Pine Beetle, some species of pine trees have died and can come down during high winds. Some of the natural plants and animals can cause problems if you come in direct contact with them. Poison Ivy can be found throughout the park and lines many of the trails. Remember: “Leaves of three leave it be!”

For backpacking and wilderness camping remember these tips on this backpacking checklist. Bring a topographical map, compass, flashlight with extra batteries, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, food, water and/or watering filter system, collapsible water container, first aid kit, good hiking boots, GPS unit, multipurpose tool or knife, campstove, matches, fuel, multilayer clothing suitable for climate, a backpack large enough for your length of trip, and a signaling device for emergencies. It is best to boil all water for 1 minute if you’re not using a filtering system.

Your safety in the backcountry is important. Please see the following safety information to assist you in being prepared for your trip. Visit the park visitor center for more specific information including maps, trail conditions, water availability, etc. Please be aware of bears! Bears are active in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. All food must be properly stored in a vehicle when not in use and garbage must be properly stored or disposed of in park bear proof containers or elevated to a height of at least 10 feet. Please report any bear activity to a park ranger or by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.

Please purchase or gather firewood locally to avoid bringing in the exotic Emerald Ash Borer or the Asian Long Horned Beetle. These exotic insects can be easily spread by bringing in infested firewood from outside the area.

Pets are welcome but must be on a leash or in a carrier at all times while in the park. Horses are allowed on designated trails and at the Hensley Camp, White Rocks, and Martin’s Fork backcountry campsites.

For the safety of all, no children under the age of five are permitted on the cave tours. Appropriate hiking footwear is required. No sandals or open toed shoes are allowed. Tour has limited capacity. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to one month in advance by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.

Alcohol is allowed at individual camp sites but not permitted in public areas or buildings within the park. Open containers are not allowed in a vehicle that is in operation. It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. All applicable laws pertaining to alcohol are strictly enforced.

Extending from 1100 to 3500 feet above sea level and across various habitat types, the park supports a rather diverse animal assemblage. Animals that a visitor could expect to see include cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel, opossum, striped skunk, bobcat, white-tailed deer, raccoon, gray fox, black bear, various bats, song birds, wild turkey, hawks and vultures, snakes, turtles, and, perhaps, an elk. The autumn hawk migration is usually spectacular bird watching and can be observed from numerous vantage points along the Ridge Trail and especially from the Pinnacle overlook.

Other mammals that exist in the park are Coyote, Red Fox, Eastern Spotted Skunk, Northern River Otter, Long-tailed Weasel, American Mink, Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat, Silver-haired Bat, Eastern Small-footed Myotis, Evening Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle, Northern Short-tailed Shrew, Pygmy Shrew, Hairy-tailed Mole, American Beaver, Woodland Jumping Mouse, Southern Red-backed Vole, Muskrat, Southern Flying Squirrel, and Eastern Fox Squirrel.

Amphibians found in the park are Mole salamanders, Spotted and Marbled salamanders, Red-spotted newt, Seal salamander, Northern two-lined salamander, Kentucky spring salamander, Blue Ridge red salamander, Northern green frog, Bull frog, Wood frog, American toad, Gray treefrog, Mountain chorus frog, and Northern spring peeper, among many others.

A variety of fish can be found in the park also: Least Brook Lamprey, Brook Trout, Central Stoneroller, Whitetail Shiner, Common Carp, Silverjaw Minnow, Southern Redbelly Dace, White Sucker, Northern Hog Sucker, Brook Silverside, Rock Bass, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Darter, Stripetail Darter, Yellow Perch, and Banded Sculpin.

Reptiles known to be in the park are: Snapping turtles, Stinkpot, Eastern box turtle, Eastern fence lizard, Five-lined skink, Eastern worm snake, Northern black racer, Northern ringneck snake, Black rat snake, Eastern black kingsnake, Northern water snake, Eastern smooth snake, Northern copperhead and Timber rattlesnake among others.

Many birds can be found within the park such as Great Blue and Green Heron, Black Vulture, Snow Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Osprey, Bald and Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Sandhill Crane, Killdeer, American Woodcock, Ring-billed Gull, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Common Nighthawk, Chuck-wills-widow, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Philadelphia Warbler, Blue Jay, Horned Lark, Purple Martin, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, Golden-winged Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Prairie Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Mourning Warbler, Summer Tananger, Scarlet Tananger, Eastern Towhee, Grasshopper Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Meadowlark, and Orchard Oriole.

The most dangerous animal in the Park is probably the tick because of the diseases it can transmit. Proper deference should be shown to poisonous snakes and bears as well. All animals are wild and should remain that way. Do not feed or harass the animals. There are two venomous snakes in the park: The Northern Copperhead and the Timber Rattler. These snakes are not a problem if left alone. See Wildlife Precautions page for further tips on animal encounters.

Entrance to the park is free. There are fees for the tours. Gap Cave Tours: Adults – $8.00; Seniors with Golden Age Passports – $4.00; Children five to twelve – $4.00. Hensley Settlement Tours: Adults – $10.00; Seniors with Golden Age Passport – $5.00; Children twelve and under $5.00

Backcountry campsites are located at Gibson Gap, Chadwell Camp, Martins Fork, Hensley Camp and Whites Rocks and are available all year round. Folks using the backcountry must use these designated sites. Backcountry permits are required. While there is no fee, the permits must be picked up in person at the park visitor center. You can make reservations for the backcountry campsites up to three months in advance.

Wilderness Road Campground is open all year round. The 160 woodland sites welcome tent, trailer, and RV campers. 1 sites with 41 amp and 50 amp hookups are available in loops B and C making ample RV campsites. Hot showers and potable water are located in the comfort stations. Campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers may stay up to 14 days. Camping fees: $12.00 per night per site. (Eight person maximum per site and four tents maximum per site.) $17.00 per night per site with electricity. All sites one-half price for Golden Age/Access Passport holders. Group camping is located in loops G and O. Groups must obtain reservations in advance. 30 people or fewer – $30.00 per night per site. More than 30 people – $30.00 per night per site plus $1.00 for each additional person in the group. The Wilderness Road Campground is located off of Highway 58 in Virginia, two miles east of the Highway 25E and Highway 58 intersection. (606)248-2817. Accessible drive-in campsites are available at Wilderness Road Campground. Surfaces within these sites have been hardened, the height of fire grates has been increased, and picnic tables have been modified. A short, paved trail guides visitors to the campground’s amphitheatre, where park rangers present programs on the cultural and natural history of the park.

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is 90 miles away. Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is 80 miles away. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 120 miles away. Mammoth Cave National Park is 225 miles away. Pine Mountain State Park is 15 miles. Wilderness Road State Park is 10 miles away.

The closest major airport is located in Knoxville, Tennessee about a two hour drive from Cumberland Gap. Flights can also be made into the Lexington, Kentucky airport. Follow Interstate 75 in Kentucky. Cumberland Gap is located 128 miles south Lexington on 25E.

Visitors traveling on Interstate 75 in Kentucky should exit on 25E at Corbin. Cumberland Gap is located 50 miles south of Corbin on 25E.

Visitors traveling on Interstate 81 in Tennessee should exit on 25E at Morristown, Tennessee. The park is located 50 miles northwest on 25E.

The park can also be accessed from Virginia by traveling west on Highway 58 to its intersection with 25E in Tennessee.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Cumberland Gap:

By Car:

Morristown, TN – 47.48 miles

Lexington, KY – 132.18 miles

Nashville, TN – 251.92 miles

Louisville, KY – 206.66 miles

Knoxville, TN – 74.56 miles

Chattanooga, TN – 183.50 miles

By Plane:

Lexington, KY Airport- 130 miles

Knoxville, TN – Airport- 85 miles

There is no bus or train service available from these airports.

There is no public transportation in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, US 25E South, P.O. Box 1848, Middlesboro, KY 40965-1848

Headquarters (606)248-2817

Visitor Information (606)248-2817

By Fax 606-248-7276

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