Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a protected area covering roughly 24,000 acres across Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee that combines Appalachian mountain ridges with forests and limestone outcrops. The landscape includes trails that wind through valleys and over crests, offering views of the surrounding highlands.

The gap became the main crossing route for settlers heading west in the 18th century, and more than 300,000 people passed through it during frontier expansion. The park was established in 1940 to preserve the passage and its role in American history.

Hensley Settlement on the mountainside preserves log homes and open fields that show how families lived here in the early 20th century. Visitors see old barns, tools, and gardens that make the daily life of mountain residents understandable.

Wilderness Road Campground offers spaces with electrical hookups and restroom facilities near the trails. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear, as many paths cross steep terrain and can become slippery after rain.

Gap Cave stretches for roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers) underground and contains four levels with passages, springs, and animals that live only in caves. Some sections are narrow enough that explorers must crawl through, while other chambers are large enough for small groups.

Location: Kentucky

Location: Virginia

Location: Tennessee

Inception: June 11, 1940

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/cuga

GPS coordinates: 36.60420,-83.68720

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:29