Guided Tours

Hensley Settlement Tours

Join park rangers and step into the past at the historic Hensley Settlement on top of Brush Mountain. Stroll down fence-lined lanes, look into the springhouse, and sit in the one-room schoolhouse. The Hensley Settlement was established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley and was occupied until 1951. The historic buildings remain and can be visited on this 4 1/2 to 5 hour tour.

Tours are offered from mid May until late October.

All Hensley Settlement Tours start at 10 a.m.

• June 1 - August 13 - every Thursday - Sunday.
• August 14 - September 24 except for September 4 and 16 -every Thursday-Monday.
• September 25 - October 31 - every day.

How to participate in a Hensley Settlement Tour:

• REQUIRED! Make a reservation, by noon the day before desired tour date
• Arrive at the visitor center at least 15 minutes prior to the tour, to check in and pay for your tickets

Important things to know for a safe and enjoyable Hensley Settlement Tour:

• Tour departs from visitor center via shuttle, then once at the settlement the tour requires walking one mile
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Pack a cold lunch you can hold on your lap for lunch with a ranger at Hensley Settlement
• If no reservations have been booked by noon the day before the tour, it will be canceled
• Reservations can be made up to 1 month in advance by calling the visitor center at 606-248-2817
• Reservations are accepted by phone or in person only between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily
• Tours are limited to 10 people
• Tours are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances
• Those who are sick, have Covid 19 symptoms, or have been exposed to someone with Covid 19 symptoms should not participate in the tour

Ticket prices:

• Adults - $10.00
• Interagency Senior Pass - $5.00
• Interagency Access Pass - $5.00
• Children ages twelve and under - $5.00

 

Gap Cave

NPS Photo/ Josh Moore

Gap Cave Tours (formerly known as Cudjo's Cave)

Alert! A disorder known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing hundreds of thousands of bats throughout the eastern United States and has been found in park caves. Evidence suggests that the fungus that causes the disorder may possibly be spread by humans who venture into different caves. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing that have not been in other caves or footwear and clothing that have been properly decontaminated. more...

Link to White Nose Syndrome information site

Bats In Crisis videos

Join park rangers on an exciting two-hour adventure exploring this majestic underground cathedral! Discover glistening stalagmites and flowstone cascades. You might even catch a glimpse of a bat or salamander.

Guided tours are offered from April 21 to September 4.

Cave Tours are finished for the 2023 season.

All Gap Cave Tours start at 10 a.m.

• May 29 - August 13 - every day
• August 14 - September 4 - every Thursday-Monday.

How to participate in a Gap Cave Tour:

• REQUIRED! Make a reservation, by noon the day before desired tour date
• Come to the Visitor Center in Middlesboro Kentucky and pay for your tour before 9:30 a.m. the day of your scheduled tour.

Important things to know for a safe and enjoyable Gap Cave Tour:

• Tours consist of 1.5 miles of moderately strenuous exploration of 3 cave levels via 183 stairs
• Wear closed toe, closed heel, comfortable shoes
• Visitors with health or mobility concerns should carefully consider their limitations
• Tours are open to ages 5 and up only
• If no reservations have been booked by noon the day before the tour, it will be canceled
• Reservations are accepted by phone or in person only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily
• Reservations can be made up to 1 month in advance by calling the visitor center at 606-248-2817
• Tours are limited to 20 people
• Tours are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances
• Those who are sick, have Covid 19 symptoms, or have been exposed to someone with Covid 19 symptoms should not participate in the tour

Ticket prices:

• Adults - $8.00
• Interagency Senior Pass - $4.00
• Interagency Access Pass - $4.00
• Children ages five through twelve - $4.00