Be advised that the NPS has issued alerts for this park.

No potable water at Pinnacle

No potable water is available at the Pinnacle.

Remaining Impacts from Hurricane Helene

Some impacts remain from Hurricane Helene. Go to our Alerts & Conditions page for current information on impacts to trails and facilities.

Bartlett Park Restrooms Closed

The restrooms at Bartlett Park are closed until further notice due to damage from a large fallen tree.

Title Cumberland Gap
Park Code cuga
Description 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 ...
Location
Contact
606-248-2817, 606-248-7276
cuga_interpretation@nps.gov
Activities
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Caving
  • Guided Tours
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
Entrance fees
Campgrounds Count: 1

Wilderness Road Campground

  • All campsites must be reserved and paid for through Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. You can also download the Recreation.gov mobile app and use your smart device to book and pay for your site.
Places Count: 5

Cumberland Gap

The Saddle of the Gap, for thousands of years bison, Native Americans, African Americans, and Europeans Americans have traveled through the gap.

  • Before you is the pass through the mountains. Depending on the time of the year, you might find a sparsely leafed trees in the winter, to a lush green environment in the spring and summer to fall colors during the autumn. Right at the Saddle of the gap is a sign that reads: Salt Seeking Buffalo, Moccasin clad warriors, Dreaming pioneer, Battling Civil War Soldiers, Each was here in the historic Cumberland Gap and now so are you. This is the historic Cumberland Gap.

Cumberland Gap Pinnacle Overlook

Pinnacle Overlook where you can see the Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Mountain and three states of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee

  • Before you lies the Cumberland Mountain. Below the mountain is the pass in the mountain connecting, Middlesboro and the town of Cumberland Gap. The view of the mountain varies depending on the season. During the winter, the trees will have fewer leaves. In spring and summer, the mountain is covered in green. Fall brings the changes in colors and is the most popular time to visit the Pinnacle.

Gap Cave

  • Before you is the entrance to Gap Cave. Its limestone rock entrance is covered with a gate, preventing you from going any farther than the entrance. Past the cave is the pitch darkness where many bats, salamanders, cave crickets, and other life lives.

Hensley Settlement

Hensley Settlement is a preserved community, depicting early 20th Century Appalachian life

Iron Furnace

Built in 1819, this structure produced 3 tons of iron at its peak. It operated here until the 1880s.

  • In this location is a medium sized stone structure shaped like a pyramid surrounded by grass, trees, wooden fences, and a creek.
Visitor Centers Count: 1

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center

  • Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center
  • The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center is located on U.S. Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro, Kentucky.
Things to do Count: 2

  • Hensley Settlement Tours
  • Guided Tours of Hensley Settlement

  • Gap Cave Tour
  • Guided Tours of Gap Cave
Tours Count: 0
Articles