Cumberland Gap

National Historical Park KY,TN,VA

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There are park alerts in effect.

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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.

Outdoor Activities

Backcountry hikers

NPS PHOTO

Hiking and Backpacking

There are over 85 miles of hiking trails in the park ranging from short, easy 1/4 mile hikes to the 21 mile Ridge Trail.

Backcountry trails lead to remote, wilderness areas. Backcountry camping is allowed in designated sites with a permit. Permits are free of charge and can be obtained at the park visitor center.

Reservations for backcountry camp sites can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling (606)248-2817.

Photo by Chuck Summers

Signtseeing and wildlife watching

The history and natural world come alive throughout the park. A multitude of historic sites can be seen in the park including: Civil War fortifications, the ruins of an old iron furnace, and hand-hewn cabins and split rail fences at Hensley Settlement.

Wildlife is abundant in the park and includes: deer, beaver, fox, bobcat, bear, and over 150 species of birds!

NPS PHOTO

Fantastic geologic formations abound and mountain streams offer a wonderful respite from the heat of the summer.

Photographing spring wildflowers

NPS PHOTO

Photography

The trails and vistas are a paradise for photographers! The mountains come alive in the spring as wildflowers bloom throughout the park. The summer is a great time to photograph some of the abundant wildlife and the wide array of historical structures and sites. The southern mountains burst in to color in the fall as the leaves begin to change in preparation for the winter. Snow transforms the mountains in to a winter wonderland.