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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

At Cumberland Gap, the first great gateway to the west, follow the buffalo, the Native American, the longhunter, the pioneer... all traveled this route through the mountains into the wilderness of Kentucky. Modern day explorers and travelers stand in awe at this great gateway and the many miles of trails and scenic features found in the park.


 

 
Hensley Settlement, Photo by Harold Jerrell

Step Back in Time

Follow the footsteps of early travelers along the Wilderness Road, experience the stories of the pioneer, the Civil War soldier, the traveler. Historic buildings and sites throughout the park provide opportunities to take a close look at the events that shaped a region and a nation.

Tours of the historic Hensley Settlement showcase life in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
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Gap Cave, Photo by Robert J. Cetera

Underground Worlds

Beneath the mountains lie miles and miles of subterranean passages. These caves are dark, wet worlds with unique geologic formations and animals that have adapted to survival in the underground. 

Ranger led tours take visitors into the depths of Gap Cave, a cave seen by pioneers as they traveled the historic Wilderness Road through Cumberland Gap into Kentucky.
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View from Pinnacle Overlook, Photo by Harold Jerrell

Wild Mountain Scenery

Scenic vistas, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests excite the senses and provide the opportunity to experience the Southern Appalachians up close. The forests and streams of the mountains provide habitat for numerous species of plants and animals.

85 miles of trails and numerous scenic areas provide the opportunity to explore the great outdoors!
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Write to

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
PO Box 1848
Middlesboro, KY 40965

Phone

Visitor Information
(606) 248-2817

Fax

(606) 248-7276

Climate

With a fairly mild climate, Cumberland Gap is a great place to visit any time of year! Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures commonly in the mid to upper 90's(F). Winters are generally mild with rain and some periods of snow January through March. Temperatures usually range in the 30's and 40's (F). Weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. If hiking in the backcountry, please remember that temperatures at higher elevations are five to ten degrees cooler.
Communities Surrounding Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Cumberland Gap, TN (5 min. ) Pop. 204
Harrogate, TN (6 min. )
Arthur, TN (9 min. )
Middlesboro, KY (10 min. ) Pop. 10,384
Shawanee, TN (10 min. )
Ewing, VA (15 min. ) Pop. 436
Tazewell, TN (19 min. ) Pop. 2,165
Reliance, TN (21 min. )
New Tazewell, TN (23 min. ) Pop. 2,871
Pineville, KY (23 min. ) Pop. 2,093
 Calvin, KY (27 min. )
Fourmile, KY (27 min. )
Arjay, KY (31 min. )
Kettle Island, KY (33 min. )
Miracle, KY (35 min. )
Ingram, KY (38 min. )
Hulen, KY (47 min. )
Pathfork, KY (47 min. )
Trosper, KY (48 min. )