Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains at the junction of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. Spanning over 20,000 acres, it preserves the natural beauty of the area and commemorates the historical significance of the Cumberland Gap.
The Cumberland Gap has played a vital role in American history, acting as a gateway to the west for early pioneers. The park preserves and interprets this historical aspect, allowing visitors to explore the rich heritage of the region. The Cumberland Gap also served as a major route for Native Americans, European explorers, and western settlers.
Visitors to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. There are over 85 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
One of the park's main attractions is the Pinnacle Overlook, which provides a stunning panoramic view of the Appalachian Mountains. The Hensley Settlement, a preserved historic mountain community within the park, offers a glimpse into the life of early settlers. Visitors can explore the restored log cabins, schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop, gaining insight into the challenges faced by the pioneers.
Additionally, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is in close proximity to several other noteworthy attractions. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both within driving distance, providing opportunities for further exploration of history and natural beauty.
Overall, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, and abundance of recreational activities, it offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.
Location
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is nestled within the tri-state region of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia in the eastern United States. This majestic park spans over 20,000 acres, encompassing parts of the Cumberland Mountains and the renowned Cumberland Gap. Known as a gateway to the west, the park lies at the intersection of these three states and lies within the historic Appalachian Mountains range. Its geographical location offers visitors awe-inspiring vistas and a unique opportunity to explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region. With its lush forests, rocky ambiences, and historic significance, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a true gem of the southeastern United States.
Address & Contact
100 Pinnacle View Rd.Middlesboro, KY 40965Driving DirectionsPhone: 6062482817Web: Link
Weather & Seasonality
The best time to visit Cumberland Gap National Historical Park would be during the months of May and October. This timeframe offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities with average maximum temperatures of 76°F and 69°F, respectively. Additionally, these months receive relatively low amounts of precipitation, with average monthly values of 4.0 inches and 3.9 inches, respectively. These months also tend to have a lower average visitor count, allowing visitors to enjoy the park without encountering large crowds.
Things to do and learn in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Activities
Some of the activities you can do in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park are: Guided Tours Wildlife Watching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Backcountry Hiking Caving
Topics
Learn about these topics at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: Animals Birds Caves, Caverns and Karst Geology Arts Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Fish River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Photography Forests and Woodlands Mountains Scenic Views Wars and Conflicts Civil War Migrations Farming and Agriculture
Amenities
Visitor Centers
Daniel Boone Visitor Information Station
The Daniel Boone Visitor Information Station is your go-to spot for park information. Pick up brochures, maps, and other helpful resources, and get expert guidance from our park staff, ready to answer any park related questions you may have. This location is operated on a flexible schedule, so please check ahead to see if it is open prior to visiting.
Campsites within or near Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Wilderness Road Campground
This 160 site campground is located approximately 3 miles from the park visitor center off of Highway 58 in Virginia. 20, 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups are available at 41 of the sites. Hot showers and potable water are located in the comfort stations. Camping rigs up to 50 feet can be accomodated. Sites are accessed through paved loop roads. Most of the sites require backing in with the exception of one pull through site. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Campsite with Electricity), 12.00 (Campsite with Electricity - Senior), 18.00 (Campsite without Electricity), 9.00 (Campsite without electricity - Senior), 39.00 (Group Camping)
Total Campsites: 160
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal
Hotels within or near Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Affiliate disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Expedia and Amazon.Holiday Inn Express Middlesboro, an IHG Hotel
With a stay at Holiday Inn Express Middlesboro, an IHG Hotel in Middlesboro, you'll be in a national park, a 4-minute walk from Middlesboro Mall and a 3-minute drive from Bell County Historical Society Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Middlesboro? This hotel features 1184 square feet (107 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1252 N 12th St, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965
Web: Link
Sleep Inn & Suites
With a stay at Sleep Inn & Suites in Middlesboro, you'll be 3.6 mi (5.8 km) from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and 13.1 mi (21.1 km) from Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1260 N, 12th Street, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965
Web: Link
Econo Lodge
Located in Middlesboro, Econo Lodge is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Bell County Historical Society Museum and Middlesboro Mall. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1623 Cumberland Avenue, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965
Web: Link
The Olde Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast
Located in Cumberland Gap, The Olde Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast is within a 10-minute drive of Middlesboro Mall and Bell County Historical Society Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 603 Pennlyn Avenue, Cumberland Gap, Tennessee 37724
Web: Link
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Located in Pineville, Pine Mountain State Resort Park is a 1-minute drive from Pine Mountain State Resort Park and 10 minutes from Wasioto Winds Golf Course. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1050 State Park Road, Pineville, Kentucky 40977
Web: Link
Woodlake Lodge Golf and Country Club
Located in Tazewell, Woodlake Lodge Golf and Country Club is a 2-minute drive from Norris Lake and 6 minutes from Lone Mountain Boat Dock. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary during limited hours.
Address: 330 Woodlake Blvd, Tazewell, Tennessee 37879
Web: Link
Boone Trail Inn
Located in Middlesboro, Boone Trail Inn is within a 5-minute drive of Middlesboro Mall and Bell County Historical Society Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2105 US HIGHWAY 25 E, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965
Web: Link
Elk Lodge
When you stay at this cabin in Morristown, you'll be in the mountains and steps from Norris Lake. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2176 Owen Payne Lane, Tazewell, Tennessee 37879
Web: Link
Vista Lael Lodge
When you stay at this cottage in Morristown, you'll be in the mountains and within a 5-minute drive of Norris Lake.
Address: 244 Timber Creek Rd., Tazewell, Tennessee 37825
Web: Link
Norris Lake Escape
With a stay at this cabin in New Tazewell (Rock Harbor), you'll be steps from Norris Lake.
Address: 210 Oak Lane, New Tazewell, Tennessee 37825
Web: Link
News and Alerts
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-03-20 | Little Yellow Creek Bridge Closure - Construction Underway Work to replace the Little Yellow Creek Bridge on Bartlett Park Road has begun. Bartlett Park remains open and accessible, but visitors will see and hear construction activities. The road and areas south of the bridge, including Marsee Cemetery, will not be accessible during construction. |
| 2026-02-18 | National Park Service to Replace Bridge at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park In late February, the National Park Service will begin work to replace the Little Yellow Creek Bridge on Bartlett Park Road. Bartlett Park will remain open and accessible, but visitors will see and hear construction activities. The road and areas south of the bridge, including Marsee Cemetery, will not be accessible during construction. More |
| 2025-10-01 | Seasonal Closure: Gap Cave & Skylight Cave Gap and Skylight Caves are closed for the season; access and tours are unavailable. Please check official channels for updates on reopening. |
| 2025-09-30 | Tourism to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Contributes $24,310,000 to Local Economy A new National Park Service report shows that 729,249 visitors to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in 2024 spent $23,973,000 in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $24,310,000. More |
| 2024-12-08 | New Gap Creek Bridge New Gap Creek Bridge at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park More |
| 2024-10-23 | Crews clear downed trees from 10 miles of trail in Cumberland Gap Staff from 8 National Park Service sites are working to clear hundreds of trees downed by Hurricane Helene in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The crew has thus far cleared over 500 fallen trees from about 10 miles of trail. Several miles of trail in the park have not yet been cleared and have hazardous conditions along the trail. More |