Take A Hike!

Wilderness Road Map

Hiking opportunities abound at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park!

Discover hiking experiences for everyone, whether you're seeking a leisurely 1/4 mile stroll or a multi-day backcountry adventure. With over 80 miles of well-marked trails, ranging from easy walks with little elevation gain to strenuous hikes with steep terrain and significant elevation changes, you'll find the perfect route to suit your ability.

Throughout the year, ranger-led hikes offer a unique opportunity to explore the park with a knowledgeable guide, while learning about its vibrant history and incredible natural resources. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, the park’s diverse trail system has something to offer.

 

Day Hikes

There is no shortage of day hikes available. Below you will see a list of options. The Day Hikes guide is also available at the park visitor center. See also the trail map featuring the entire park trail system.

Visitor Center:

• Fitness Trail - 2 mile loop trail, easy to moderate.
• Thomas Walker Trail to Thomas Walker parking area - 0.9 mile, easy to moderate. (First 0.3 mile is paved and follows beside Pinnacle road.)

Thomas Walker Parking Area:

• Thomas Walker Trail to visitor center- 0.9 mile, easy to moderate.
• Object Lesson Road Trail - 0.4 mile, easy, to Wilderness Road Trail - 0.2 mile, easy , where you intersect with the Tri-State Trail. Along this trail to Tri-State Marker - 0.6 mile, moderate. Return by way of Tri- State Trail and Wilderness Road Trail - 0.9 mile, moderate.
• Wilderness Road Trail to Saddle of Gap - 1.1 mile, moderate.
• Object Lesson Road Trail - 0.4 mile, easy, to Wilderness Road Trail - 0.2 mile, easy, to Saddle of Gap where you intersect with Harlan Road Trail - 0.3 mile left on Harlan Road Trail to Ft. McCook, right on Pinnacle Trail to Pinnacle - 0.8 mile, strenuous. Ft.

McCook Parking Area:

• Up 46 steps to Ft. McCook earthworks and cannon.
• Harlan Road Trail to Saddle of the Gap - 0.3 mile, moderately strenuous. Pinnacle Trail to Pinnacle overlook - 0.8 mile, strenuous.
• Harlan Road Trail to highway KY 988 - 1.6 mile, strenuous.

Pinnacle Overlook:

• Overlook Trail from either end of parking area - 200 yards, easy.
• Ft.Lyons-short walk to earthen works and cannon; easy to moderate.
• Ridge Trail runs the length of park to White Rocks; approximately 19 miles, moderate.

Iron Furnace Parking Area:

• Tennessee Road - 0.3 mile to Wilderness Road Trail. Left to Saddle of the Gap- 0.3 mile, where you intersect with Tri-State Trail. Along this Trail to Tri-State marker - 0.6 mile, moderate.
• Tennessee Road, 0.3 mile to Wilderness Road Trail right to Daniel Boone Parking Area - 0.6 mile, easy to moderate.

Daniel Boone Parking Area:

• Wilderness Road Trail to Saddle of the Gap - 0.9 mile, easy to moderate, to Tri-State Trail, right to Tri-State marker - 0.6 mile, moderate.
• Wilderness Road Trail - 0.6 mile to Tennessee Road Trail, left to Iron Furnace - 0.3 mile, moderate.
• Boone Trail to Wilderness campground road - 1.6 mile, easy to moderate.

Sugar Run Picnic Area:

• Sugar Run Trail to Ridge Trail - 2.6 miles , strenuous.

Wilderness Road Campground:

• Greenleaf Nature Trail - 0.7 mile loop, easy to moderate.
• Greenleaf Nature Trail to Honey Tree Spur Trail - 1.1 mile, easy to strenuous. Gibson Gap Trail to Ridge Trail - 5 mile, strenuous.
• Lewis Hollow Trail to Skylight Cave – 1.0 mile, moderate to strenuous.

Wilderness Campground Picnic Area:

• Lewis Hollow connector Trail - 0.2 mile to Lewis Hollow Trail - 0.8 mile to Skylight Cave, strenuous

Handicapped Accessible:

• Thomas Walker Trail from Visitor Center to under 25 E bridge- paved - 0.4 mile.
• Pinnacle Overlook Trail from right end of Pinnacle parking area - paved - 200 yards.
• Cemetery Road – Bartlett Park picnic area - park in picnic area. Walk road by maintenance building follow gravel road to railroad trestle - 0.5 mile

 

Your adventure in the backcountry starts here!