Cumberland Gap

About Cumberland Gap

Cumberland Gap is situated on the Kentucky-Virginia boundary approximately one-quarter mile north of the point where Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee meet. Indians used Cumberland Gap as a gateway through the mountains before the arrival of the white man. In 1750 Dr. Thomas Walker discover Cumberland Gap while searching for a settlement area. In 1775, Daniel Boone lead a group of about 30 men and cut out a road which led through the gap to the mouth of Otter Creek on the Kentucky River.

During the Civil War the Gap changed hands several times and was considered a strategic location. However, the Gap never saw much action.

Today the Cumberland Gap is a National Historical Park, dedicated on July 4, 1959. Visitors can camp, hike, horse back ride and cave in this 20,184 acre park. There are over 70 miles of hiking trails in the park ranging from short, easy .25 mile hikes to the 16.25 mile Ridge Trail and the difficult 3 mile Ewing Trail. Other trails include: Shillalah Creek Trail (10.7), Gibson Gap Trail (4.2), Lewis Hollow Trail (.8), Sugar Run Trail (2.6), Harlan Road Trail (1.6), Cumberland Trail (2.6 in the park), and Boone Trail (1.6). Backcountry camping is allowed in designated sites with a permit. There is car camping at National Park Camp (Wilderness Road campground)

Areas of interest include: White Rocks, Pinnacle and Powell overlooks; Gap, Sand and Skylight caves; Martins Fork Cabin and Hensley Settlement. The park visitor center has a theater and interpretation center.