Special Use Permits
Many types of activities take place in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, from picnicking to camping to hiking and more. Some activities, such as wedding ceremonies, can be done in the park but only under an approved special use permit.
If an activity is not prohibited by law but is not something typically done by visitors, it may require a special use permit. It may be an activity that only benefits an individual, group, or organization rather than the general public. It may require management control to ensure park resources are protected and other visitors aren't disturbed. A requested special use cannot cause unacceptable impacts and has to be appropriate to the purpose of the park. For example, a park set aside to protect a Civil War cemetery would probably not approve a request to allow a carnival.
For a complete list of activities that require permits, see the Superintendent's Compendium.
If you need a permit application for a wedding or vow renewal; first amendment activity; or commercial filming or photography project please email us for the specific permit application and we will email it to you. However, a $100 non-refundable application processing fee is required with your application. This fee cannot be paid online or by phone and must be mailed or paid in person at the park visitor center before the application can be processed. The fee must be paid in the form of a personal check, money order, or cashier's check made payable to the National Park Service, mailed to the address on the application form.
NOTE: To allow enough time for compliance and other processes that might be required, please submit your special use permit application AND $100 application processing fee 45 days prior to the date of the requested activity.
For more information regarding Special Use Permits, or if you have any question as to whether or not one is required for your activity, please call (606) 248-2817, or email - with "Special Use Permits" as the subject.
Memorialization (Scattering Ashes)
Scattering cremated human remains in the park should be respectfully conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the permit letter. Please carefully review and print out the permit letter, and have it with you during the ceremony to ensure all guidelines are followed. This thoughtful approach helps preserve the park's peaceful environment for all visitors.
Terms & Conditions
• The person scattering the cremains must have a printed copy of the permit letter in their possession. This letter serves as the physical authorization needed to permit scattering of ashes.
• If more than 25 people will be in attendance, an additional special use permit is required Please call 606-248-2817 for information and allow at least 45 days to process this additional permit.
• Ashes must not have detectable remains. Cremation must have been completed in accordance with state law.
• Ashes may not be scattered at the Pinnacle Overlook, White Rocks, or inside any cave located in the park including Skylight Cave, Gap Cave, and Sand Cave.
• The chosen site must be no less than 300 feet away from buildings, towers, caves, sinkholes, historic sites including historic structures and cemeteries, streams, wetlands, or other watercourses.
• The chosen site must be no less than 150 feet away from mowed or developed areas such as roads, overlooks, trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
• Ashes must be scattered, not piled in one location or deposited in any type of container. Cremains may not be buried, even without a container. All identifying tags and containers in which ashes are carried must be disposed of outside the park.
• No rocks, plants, or other natural resources may be moved, stacked, cut, marked, damaged, or disturbed in any way.
• No walls, bridges, buildings, signs, historic sites, or other cultural resources or facilities may be marked or damaged in any way.
• No markers or memorials of any kind are permitted. Placement or planting of real or artificial flowers, memorial trees, brass markers, wooden crosses, or other items is prohibited.
• No birds, butterflies, or other objects may be released.
