Geologic Formations

Hiker in Sand Cave

NPS Photo

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park protects an extensive array of geologic features formed over the course of hundreds of millions of years in the wake of numerous Appalachian orogenies (mountain-forming periods). The park’s notable concentration of caves and karst formations, cliffs, pinnacles, and other geologic features provide a valuable window into the dynamic nature of the landscape and the impact of geology on human migration and culture.

 

Gap Cave

NPS Photo

Caves

Along the south face of Cumberland Mountain, in Virginia, are over 30 caves varying from 20 feet to over sixteen miles in length. These caves occur in the Greenbrier Limestone formation. Some of the caves contain vertical shafts up to 125 feet deep as well as small, tight, crawl-ways large enough for a small person or child to enter. The caves are rich in wildlife including numerous species of bats, salamanders, aquatic invertebrates, cave crickets, and small rodents. Most of the caves in the park are closed to the publlic, however, ranger guided tours of spectacular Gap Cave are offered from April to the end of September.

Sand Cave, a natural scenic area in Kentucky, is a half-domed chamber, 250 feet across in front (open). The floor slopes from back to front and is 1.25 acres of fine, colorful sand.

At the east end of the park are 500-foot cliffs known as White Rocks. These cliffs rise above the surrounding wooded slopes and offer the visitor a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.

 

Pinnacle Overlook

Photo by Chuck Summers

Other Prominent Geologic Features

Prominent geologic features include the Pinnacle Overlook and White Rocks. Steep slopes and pervasive, resistant sandstone ledges have created waterfalls and streams on both sides of the park’s ridge. The complex, underlying geologic framework of bedrock along the Martins Fork drainage has contributed to the formation of Kentucky’s largest peat bog.