Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The park spans 24,000 acres across three states, featuring limestone formations, mountain ridges, dense forests, and extensive hiking networks through the Appalachian Mountains.

Established in 1940, this mountain pass served as the primary route for over 300,000 settlers moving westward during the American frontier expansion period.

The Hensley Settlement within the park contains preserved mountain homesteads, agricultural fields, and structures that demonstrate the life of Appalachian settlers.

The Wilderness Road Campground provides 160 camping spaces with electricity hookups, restroom facilities, and direct access to the park's trail system.

Gap Cave extends for 32 kilometers underground, containing four levels of passages with limestone formations, underground springs, and native cave-dwelling species.

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 5, 2025 16:12