The Town of Cumberland Gap is located within the borders of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, a popular tourist destination located where the Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia borders meet. The park is centered on the actual Cumberland Gap, a natural Appalachian Mountain pass used for centuries by Native Americans and early settlers as an easier passage to the western frontiers. In fact, Cumberland Gap became known as the first great gateway to the west.
The History of Cumberland National Historical Park
In 1938, the National Park Service agreed to support a new park if lands were donated to form one. Hence the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Association was born. The park was officially established on June 11, 1940 by Franklin Roosevelt in order to “commemorate the story of the first doorway of the west.” Surrounding states purchased and deeded the land of the park to the federal government in 1955, with the official opening taking place in 1959. Since then, it’s been a staple for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
The Geography of the Park
Today, the park covers 24,000 acres that stretch along the Cumberland Mountains for about 20 miles with an average width of 1.6 miles. Elevation within the park varies from 1,100 feet to 3,500 feet. It’s among the largest national parks in the eastern U.S. and includes 24 known cave systems ranging in size from about 20 feet to more than 16 miles in length. The park also includes a number of sizable cliff formations, the largest of which being the 500-foot cliffs of White Rocks in the eastern portion of the park. There are more than 62 miles of streams flowing throughout the park as well.
Hiking in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
There’s something for every hiking enthusiast within the park. Hikes range from leisurely quarter-of-a-mile strolls all the way up to multiple-day adventures in the backcountry. There are also options for Ranger-led hikes throughout the year which provide the opportunity to explore with a small group of others while learning about the rich history and dazzling natural features. All in all, there are over 80 miles of trails throughout the park with varying difficulty levels. Trails are well marked with signs at most trail junctions, and maps are available to highlight all trails and other points of interest.
Cumberland Gap Visitor Center
The Park includes the Cumberland Gap Visitor Center, which is located on U.S. Highway 25E just northwest of the Town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee and southeast of Middlesboro, Kentucky. The visitor center houses a museum with interactive exhibits about the area’s cultural and natural history, as well as an auditorium featuring films about the rich history, a bookstore, and the Cumberland Crafts gift shop showcasing unique crafts from the local region of Appalachia.
Plan Your Trip Today!
Get ready to discover all that the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park can provide, including a fascinating history, breathtaking overlooks, unique rock formations, cascading streams and waterfalls, and an extensive trail system throughout 24,000 acres of beautiful landscape! Click here for more information.
