Enjoy a variety of ranger-led programs, including educational talks, hands-on activities, and evening campfire gatherings. Many programs are supported by dedicated volunteers who help bring the park’s stories, wildlife, and landscapes to life.
Step into the heart of Cumberland Gap NHP and experience the great outdoors like never before through our engaging Ranger Programs! Whether you're fascinated by bats and cave ecosystems, Civil War history, or the wonders of the night sky, our rangers and volunteers offer interactive programs that bring the park to life. 
NPS Photo 
NPS Photo 
NPS Photo 
NPS Photo Programs Offered The Iron Furnace stands as a silent sentinel of history, its weathered stones imbued with the whispers of time. Constructed in 1819, it has witnessed the relentless march of human endeavor, migration, and settlement that have shaped the land, industry igniting economic ambition, and the dark shadows of enslavement and war, leaving indelible marks on its walls. From April to November, rangers offer programs every Friday at 2 PM.
Visitors are invited to uncover its untold stories, learning of the triumphs and tribulations that have unfolded around this ancient structure. Each visit offers a glimpse into the lives of those who toiled, thrived, and struggled, ensuring that the furnace's legacy remains alive in the hearts of those who come to appreciate its historical significance. Cumberland Gap offers engaging bat education programs that immerse visitors in the vital role of bats in our ecosystem. Through interactive, hands-on activities, participants learn about various bat species, their behaviors, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. These programs emphasize the importance of bats in pest control and pollination, fostering a deeper appreciation for these misunderstood creatures and inspiring stewardship for their habitats.
Under the starry sky of the Wilderness Road Campground, campfire programs bring history to life. Rangers share tales of pioneers, Native Americans, the struggles of frontier life, and the region's diverse wildlife. With crackling flames, visitors gather to hear stories, sing folk songs, and connect with the natural world. The warmth of the fire and camaraderie foster a sense of community, making it a memorable experience that bridges the past and present of the Cumberland Gap.
Can you guide yourself through a dark forest using your senses, just like some of our favorite nocturnal creatures?
Join the nocturnal creatures for a guided one-mile loop night hike through the forest to experience your senses next level while learning about how nocturnal animals sense their way through the dark forest. These hikes begin at the Wilderness Road Campground Amphitheater seasonally. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and a sense of adventure! Join a ranger-led program to discover the mechanics and history of Civil War Artillery. A ranger will demonstrate how to operate a cannon in combat and highlight the complexities of the art of war. With a wide range of reproduction and inert ammunition, visitors can grasp the immense magnitude of artillery's dominance on a battlefield. Visitors will learn the purpose of artillery, its lethalness, and the role artillerymen played in the conflict. The program takes place just outside the visitor center doors, either on the front patio or the back patio, which houses two different types of cannons.
Are you interested in learning about how soldiers fought in the American Revolution and the Civil War? On weekends during the busy season, park staff give historic weapons talks on 18th and 19th-century muskets and rifles. During these programs, visitors learn how soldiers used weapons in the past, their lives away from the battlefield, and see these small arms weapons demonstrated safely. Beyond just historical weapons, Cumberland Gap NHP also offers other living history demonstrations throughout the year, including blacksmithing, coopering, and textile demonstrations. Through these programs, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how people lived in the 18th and 19th centuries.
When Are Programs Held?
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Last updated: May 27, 2025