Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Weathered log cabins greet visitors to Hensley Settlement

View from the Pinnacle Overlook

History comes alive

Sand Cave is a massive sandstone rockshelter found in the backcountry

Cleopatra's Pool is located deep in the Gap Cave

Photos: National Park Service

About Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America. Explore 85 miles of trails and 14,000 acres of wilderness. Stand in 3 states at once. Explore a cave, see Hensley Settlement, or camp under the stars. Come find your connection to Cumberland Gap.

Quick Facts

State Kentucky

Designation National Historical Park

State Code KY,TN,VA

Weather Summers at Cumberland Gap 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…

Location & Map

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is located in Kentucky.

Get Directions

Operating Hours

The park is open 24 hours a day to pedestrian and cyclist, weather permitting. Some services and facilities have separate hours, however; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Monday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Thursday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Sunday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Caving Guided Tours Hiking Backcountry Hiking Wildlife Watching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

By Plane The closest major airport is located in Knoxville, Tennessee approximately 85 miles away. Flights can also be made into Lexington, Kentucky approximately 130 miles away. By Car The park entrance is located on Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro Kentucky.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 100 Pinnacle View Rd., Middlesboro, KY, 40965

Phone 6062482817

Email cuga_interpretation@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Arts Photography Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Farming and Agriculture Migrations Native American Heritage Wars and Conflicts Civil War Westward Expansion Animals Birds Fish Caves, Caverns and Karst Forests and Woodlands Geology Mountains River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Scenic Views Trails

Things To Do

Hensley Settlement Tours

Guided Tours of Hensley Settlement

Ride a Park Service 10 passenger van up a gravel road for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once at…

Visitor Centers

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center

The Visitor Center features exhibits, a gift shop, and a short park film. See a Civil War-era cannon, explore the garden and picnic areas, and…

Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day to pedestrian and cyclist, weather permitting. Some services and facilities have separate hours, however; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.

Daniel Boone Visitor Information Station

The Daniel Boone Visitor Information Station is your go-to spot for park information. Pick up brochures, maps, and other helpful resources, and get expert guidance…

Hours: The Daniel Boone Visitor Information Station operates on a flexible schedule. Check ahead to know when assistance and resources are available at this location.

Campgrounds

Wilderness Road Campground

This 150-site campground is located approximately 3 miles from the park visitor center off of Highway 58 in Virginia. 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups…

150 Sites

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