• fog flows through Cumberland Gap

    Cumberland Gap

    National Historical Park KY,TN,VA

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  • Increase in camping rates at the Wilderness Road campground

    Effective June 1, 2013, camping rates will increase. Tent sites will increase to $14.00 per night and RV sites with electrical hookup will increase to $20.00 per night. Group camp sites will increase to $35.00 per night.

  • Special Program offered in place of Hensley tour on June 16

    The regularly scheduled Hensley tour will not be offered on June 16 but will be replaced by a special Father's Day program. The road to the Hensley Settlement will be open to visitors and living history demonstrations will be offered. More »

  • Cave Tour Alert!

    White Nose Syndrome is a disease that is killing bats in great numbers and has been found in park caves. While visiting Gap Cave please do not wear or bring anything that has been in other caves. Skylight Cave is currently closed.

  • Civil War Event Cancelled

    Invisible Souls: Behind the Veil of the Civil War, a special event showcasing stories of the Civil War October 4, 5, and 6, 2013 has been cancelled. Please call the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817, extension 1075 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the best place to view the Cumberland Gap?
A: The Pinnacle Overlook offers a panoramic view of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia and a view of the Cumberland Gap from above. It is a fantastic place for photographs! The Wilderness Road Trail is accessible from several locations and goes through the historic gap.

 

Q: Do tours still visit the historic "Cudjo's Cave?"
A: Yes! Gap Cave has gone by many names over the years, including Cudjo's Cave. Tours visit the historic cave throughout the year. Reservations for the tours can be made up to one month in advance by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.

 

Q: Are electrical hookups available at campsites in the Wilderness Road Campground?
A: Yes. 41 of the sites in the campground have electrical service. 30 amp and 50 amp service is available. Heated showers and water are available at the comfort stations and a dump station is located near the campground entrance.

Q: Can the campsites at the Wilderness Road campground be reserved?
A: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. On busy, summer holiday weekends sites with electricity may fill. But, for visitors with a generator, sites are always available!

 
Q: Is camping allowed in other areas of the park?
A: Camping is allowed at designated backcountry campsites throughout the park. A backcountry permit is required and can be obtained at the park visitor center for free!
 
Q: Is lodging available in the park?
A: There are no accomodations in the park. Lodging is available in the nearby towns of Middlesboro, KY; Cumberland Gap, TN; and Tazewell, TN.
 

Q: Is there horseback riding in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park?
A: While there are no commercial facilities which offer horseback riding in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, horses are allowed on designated trails and backcountry campsites.

 

Q: Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails?
A: Yes! Cumberland Gap is a pet friendly park. Dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are on a leash.

 

Q: What is the best way to see the Hensley Settlement?
A: The historic Hensley Settlement is located in the eastern part of the park and is accessible by hiking the Ridge Trail or the Shillalah Creek Trail. Shuttles to the Hensley Settlement depart from the visitor center daily from May through October.

 

Q: Are there bike trails at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park?
A: Bicycles can be ridden on approximately 7 miles of park trails. A "Rails to Trails" program and Greenway trail system in adjacent communities provide additional biking opportunities and can be accessed from the park.

  • History comes alive! History comes alive!

    Special events and interpretive programs inspire and enlighten! Read More

  • Get the latest NOAA weather forecast Get the latest NOAA weather forecast

    Link to the NOAA website

  • The park visitor center The park visitor center

    The visitor center houses a museum, book sales, handmade crafts from the region, and an auditorium. Read More

Did You Know?

Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer

Civil War buffs will appreciate the fact that the famous Confederate Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer personally supervised the construction of the earthen fortifications at Cumberland Gap.