First Amendment

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park supports First Amendment rights, allowing individuals and groups to express their views through demonstrations, speeches, vigils, religious services, and other forms of free expression. To ensure these activities do not interfere with park resources or visitor experiences, specific guidelines must be followed.

Who Needs a Permit?

A permit is required if:

• Your group has more than 25 people.
• You need a larger or alternative location due to group size.
• Your activity involves stages, platforms, or structures (hand-held signs are allowed without a permit).
• Your demonstration is an extension of another ongoing event.

Where Can First Amendment Activities Take Place?

The park has four designated First Amendment areas where individuals and groups can gather for demonstrations. Groups of 25 people or fewer may use these areas without a permit, as long as they do not interfere with other permitted activities or exceed the area's capacity. Larger groups, or those requiring additional management, must obtain a non-fee permit. Maps of designated areas can be view below and are also available at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Visitor Center.

Designated First Amendment Areas
(Located at the Cumberland Gap NHP Visitor Center)

 

Ariel view of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park visitor center and parking area. With a zoomed in view of the designated First Amendment areas.

NPS Photo

 

Determination: To accommodate Freedom of Speech Activities, the Superintendent has designated the areas as where such activities may take place. The Superintendent will issue permits upon request after deciding that the requested activity will not have an adverse impact on public health and safety, environmental or scenic values, natural or cultural resources, scientific research, implementation of management responsibilities, proper allocation and use of facilities, or the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities. The Superintendent must remain content neutral when evaluating the issuance of a permit for First Amendment activities.

If your group meets the criteria to demonstrate without a permit, you are welcome to use the designated First Amendment areas on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure space availability or to request a permit, visit the main park visitor center for more information.

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