News Release

250th Anniversary of Daniel Boone’s First Journey through the Famed Mountain Pass

Date: September 10, 2019
Contact: Carol Borneman, 606-246-1070

Celebration to Include Sunset Ceremony at the Pinnacle Overlook

Though it’s been 250 years since frontiersman Daniel Boone first journeyed through the Cumberland Gap, his name still looms large as a pivotal figure in America’s history. In a 7:00 pm sunset ceremony at the Pinnacle Overlook on Saturday, September 14, 2019, award-winning author and storyteller Randell Jones will reflect upon Boone’s legacy in the settling of the nation. Jones is the author of In the Footsteps of Daniel Boone.

Following the ceremony, full moon hikes will be offered through the historic Cumberland Gap. Along the trail, visitors will meet Squire Boone, a younger brother; Judge Richard Henderson, who has hired Boone to widen the Wilderness Road Trail to foster western migration; Rebecca Boone, Boone’s wife; a longhunter, who regales Boone as the true icon of the American frontier; and John James Audubon, who admires Boone and writes to him requesting a joint hunting trip. That trip never materializes as Audubon is in his 20’s while Boone is in his 80’s and almost blind.

Room is still available on the 8:15 pm and 8:45 pm full moon hikes. The 1.5 mile long hike will begin at the Daniel Boone parking area and end at the Thomas Walker parking area where return shuttles will be offered.

While the sunset ceremony is open to all, the full moon hikes require reservations and can be made by calling the park visitor center at 606-246-1075.

These programs are free and made possible with generous funding by park partner America’s National Parks.