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National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

  • South

Plan a Cumberland Gap trip

About Cumberland Gap

Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America. Explore 85 miles of trails and 14,000 acres of wilderness. Stand in 3 states at once. Explore a cave, see Hensley Settlement, or camp under the stars. Come find your connection to Cumberland Gap.

From the National Park Service.

Region
South
States
Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia
Designation
National Historical Park
Entrance fee
None listed
  • Trail data for this park is still being added.
  • Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Cumberland Gap.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Mon
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Tue
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Wed
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Thu
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Fri
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Sat
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Sun
9:00AM - 4:00PM

The park is open 24 hours a day to pedestrian and cyclist, weather permitting. Some services and facilities have separate hours, however; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.

Weather and when to go

Summers at Cumberland Gap are hot and humid, with temperatures commonly in the mid to upper 90s. Winters are generally mild with rain and some periods of snow January through March. Temperatures usually range in the 30s and 40s. Weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations.

Getting there

By Plane The closest major airport is located in Knoxville, Tennessee approximately 85 miles away. Flights can also be made into Lexington, Kentucky approximately 130 miles away. By Car The park entrance is located on Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro Kentucky.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address
100 Pinnacle View Rd., Middlesboro, KY 40965
Official site
nps.gov/cuga

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Cumberland Gap

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Cumberland Gap

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

  • Gap Cave Tour

    Guided Tours · about 1.7 hours · Reservation required

    Guided Tours of Gap Cave

  • Hensley Settlement Tours

    Guided Tours · about 4.3 hours · Reservation required

    Guided Tours of Hensley Settlement

Campgrounds in Cumberland Gap

Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.

What to pack for Cumberland Gap

Gear & Essentials

Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:

The basics

Worth having in the car whatever the park.

For this trip

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More parks in the South

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