• fog flows through Cumberland Gap

    Cumberland Gap

    National Historical Park KY,TN,VA

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.

Your Safety

hikers on trail

Hikers on the Boone Trail

NPS Photo

Some things to consider while hiking and exploring the park:

  • Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
  • Be sure to take plenty of food and water.
  • Be aware of weather conditions. The weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Severe thundersorms often bring lightning and winter storms can move in rapidly bringing ice and snow.
  • Due to damage from the Southern Pine Beetle, some species of pine trees have died and can come down during high winds.
  • Some of the natural plants and animals can cause problems if you come in direct contact with them. Poison Ivy can be found throughout the park and lines many of the trails. Remember: "Leaves of three leave it be!"

Bears are active in the park. Please be sure to store food in a secure location when not in use and dispose of garbage appropriately (either take it with you or place into a park bear proof container).
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There are two venomous snakes in the park: The Northern Copperhead and the Timber Rattler. These snakes are not a problem if left alone.

Learning to identify the native plants and animals can be fun and help ensure a safe trip into the great outdoors!

For more information please call (606) 248-2817.

  • 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?

Elijah Gibbons cabin at Hensley Settlement

Hensley Settlement is located on a plateau nearly 1,000 feet higher than the Pinnacle Overlook! Ranger-guided tours visit this historic log cabin settlement mid-May through the end of October.