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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.
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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 »
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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.
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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.
Civil War Comes to Cumberland Gap
Union forces evacuate the Cumberland Gap, leaving nothing useful behind During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces vied for control of the Cumberland Gap which was a strategic stronghold for both sides. Union commanders viewed the gap as a way to cut the Confederacy in two and an opportunity to disrupt communication and supply lines along the southern railroad. Confederate commanders recognized this and saw the gap as a critical defensive position. 
Tin type photo of Seargant AB Norton of the 4th Tennessee Cavalry along with medal and journal Both Union and Confederate troops spent months at a time at Cumberland Gap, watching and waiting for the enemy's next move. Although there were never any major battles at Cumberland gap, there were a number of skirmishes and strategic flanking movements. During the war both sides actually occupied Cumberland Gap twice! Numerous programs and activities showcase the stories of the Civil War at Cumberland Gap! 
More Information... During the Civil War (542 KB) Civil War: 150 Years Slavery: Cause and Catalyst of the Civil War (2.46 MB)
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Did You Know?
Vice President Richard Nixon visited Cumberland Gap on July 3, 1959 to commemorate the formal dedication of the park which took place the following day. While at the park he visited the scenic Pinnacle Overlook and attended festivities in the nearby town of Middlesboro, Kentucky.