Tennessee
Vacation Destination
Hillfolk Herb Shop
Hillfolk is a space for celebrating the diverse plant life and foodways of our region! Established in 2022 in the heart of Cumberland Gap, Hillfolk is a one-of-a-kind Appalachian Herb Shop and wholesome grocery
T&T Stables Horseback Riding
T&T Stables offers horseback riding, riding lessons, boarding, and special events for horse lovers of all ages. The stables are particularly known for teaching, especially for young or beginning riders.
Hillfolk is so excited to host an evening market every first Friday June through October in the Gap! Come buy clean quality produce, animal products, flowers, crafts, food, & more! […]
Whistle Stop Antiques
Whistle Stop Antiques is a journey back in time, easily accessible in downtown Cumberland Gap. The fascinating shop has something for everyone—serious collectors, decorators, or individuals looking is a quaint shop just down the road in downtown Cumberland Gap. We
Hiking Around Cumberland Gap
Hiking enthusiasts, grab your boots and gear and get ready to explore the more than 80 miles of hiking trails that meander through the beautiful deciduous forests of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. A true feast for the senses, these
In observation of Independence Day, Town Hall will be closed.
Nestled at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains inside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lies a true East Tennessee gem – the Historic Town of Cumberland Gap. When you pay a visit and witness its breathtaking beauty, immerse yourself in the charming hometown atmosphere, and meet the delightful people that call this place home, you’ll get the sense you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure. Offering so much more than first meets the eye, we invite you to come on by, stay for a spell, and take some time to “explore our more” and see for yourself what makes our little nook of the world so very special.
The town, named after the historic Cumberland Gap just above it, has a rich history rooted in its geographical significance. Initially used by Native Americans as a passage through the Appalachian Mountains, the gap gained prominence among settlers in the late 1700s, notably with Daniel Boone leading pioneers through it, earning it the moniker “Gateway to the West.” During the American Civil War, the area served as a strategic location, witnessing several engagements. Established as a postal town in 1803 and officially incorporated in 1907, the town experienced significant changes, including being bypassed by US 25E after the completion of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel in 1996, rerouting traffic away from its central business district.
While we still embrace our rich history, Cumberland Gap is now known for everything from its specialty shops, assorted dining options, vast outdoor activities (including over 80 miles of picturesque hiking trails), overall tranquil pace of life, and so much more. The majority of our downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Cumberland Gap Historic District, so you history buffs can enjoy fascinating historical facts to be learned at almost every turn.
Just within a three-block area of our downtown, there is a variety of attractions, quaint shops, restaurants, and inns. In addition to the natural, scenic beauty of the area, some popular local attractions include the Iron Furnace, the Bicycle Museum, and miles upon miles of walking trails, just to name a few reasons to pop by for a visit.
With so much to do, it may seem like too much for just one day. Lucky for you we have plenty of options for cozy places to stay the night, including Airbnbs, hotels, and even historic inns. Among several lodging choices available include the Hotel Cumberland Gap and the Olde Mill Bed and Breakfast. There is no shortage of truly charming choices at which to rest your head for the night so you can resume your exciting exploration of our town the next day.
Plan Your Visit Today!
The Town of Cumberland Gap is located approximately only an hour north of Knoxville at the tri-state border of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Our town is a magical place to consider spending the day, a weekend, or even longer.
For a unique getaway that is sure to please everyone in your party, plan your visit to the Historic Town of Cumberland Gap today. Here, you will experience the perfect mix of yesterday and today as you walk in the steps of your ancestors, recall the adventurous spirit of days gone by, and create endearing memories that will last long into the future.
The Town of Cumberland Gap has something for everyone. When you come for a visit, you’ll quickly see how easy it is to fall in love with the place we proudly call home.
Recent News
Cumberland Gap Awarded Downtown Improvement Grant
Cumberland Gap, Tenn. (May 20, 2025)––Nonprofit group Guardians of the Gap® was awarded a $300,000
Cumberland Gap releases its anticipated events calendar for 2025
Cumberland Gap, Tenn. (May 7, 2025)––The town of Cumberland Gap unveils its highly anticipated calendar
Town of Cumberland Gap Unveils New Branding and Tourism Website
After the successful completion of the State of Tennessee’s 2-year “Tennessee Downtowns” program, the town