The restrooms at Bartlett Park are closed until further notice due to damage from a large fallen tree.
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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Kentucky · Tennessee · Virginia
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.
About Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a national historical park located in Kentucky and Tennessee and Virginia. 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.
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.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Cumberland Gap is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Caving, and 7 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Cumberland Gap
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Cumberland Gap
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Cumberland Gap before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Cumberland Gap. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Cumberland Gap get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Cumberland Gap. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cumberland Gap
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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